₦airaland Forum

LISTEN TO THIS: http://www.4shared.com/audio/-KO2T2XG/Mic_Testing_My_Pain.html

artistes: ibrame and d-deizel

producer: olumide (freeman)

beat: Don Jazzy

Hi guys, listen to this

http://www.4shared.com/audio/-KO2T2XG/Mic_Testing_My_Pain.html

ARTISTS: ibrame and d-deizel

PRODUCER: olumide (freeman)

BEAT: ENIGMA by DON JAZZY

Finished My Exams

@pheeque: I'll try finding a solution soon.

How's everyone been? Have you guys downloaded the build? comments?

#enigma: ibrame and d-deizel: MIC TESTING MY PAIN http://www.4shared.com/audio/-KO2T2XG/Mic_Testing_My_Pain.html

I've corrected some errors and changed certain things but I won't be able to work on anything till I'm done with my exams. I'll upload the build and the project file so anyone can download, play and change stuff.

  I don't think the chest with pickups is good cuz it's too many. Someone should remove them, use the main pickups alone and add a glow/halo effect to them. The AI and level elements (graphics) also need changing. Lets edit things slowly and see how we can improve on the general idea.

  Regarding using flash or html5:

    I don't think the current issue is about the programming language or tool or even money.

    THE ISSUE IS THAT A LOT OF US ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOUR GAME NEVER GETS COMPLETED. THE ISSUE IS THAT WE ARE JUST NOT READY. A GAMEDEV THREAD SHOULD BE FUN, I THINK. GAME IDEAS, CHARACTER IDEAS AND SKETCHES ETC. IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING, DON'T WAIT FOR OTHER PEOPLE. DO WHAT YOU WANT. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S NOT PART OF THE PROJECT. JUST DO SOMETHING AND HAVE FUN WITH IT. IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA, WORK ON IT AND STOP BOTHERING ABOUT WHAT OTHERS WILL THINK. DO WHAT YOU WANT. DO SOMETHING.

    I'VE EMPHASIZED PERSONAL PROJECTS AND STUFF AS A WAY TO LEARN STUFF. WHAT HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN DOING. HOW COME NO ONE IS SHARING?

   IN FACT, I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD STOP SIGNING UP ON THIS THREAD TILL WE AGREE ON THE NEXT THING TO DO. SOME PEOPLE SIGN UP AND NEVER COME BACK. SOME PEOPLE DON'T DO ANYTHING. THE THREAD IS JUST GETTING LONGER AND LONGER. IF WE WANT TO DEVELOP GAMES, THEN LETS DEVELOP GAMES AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT LANGUAGES AND MONEY. A GAME DOESN'T have TO TAKE A YEAR. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE A WEEK. LETS DO SOMETHING. 2D, 3D WHATEVER. LETS JUST HAVE FUN.

EDIT : Here's the download link to the build: https://sourceforge.net/projects/naijadev/files/Vulcan-game.zip/download

The project file is large so I wont be able to upload it today. I think the main changes have to do with codes but I'm not sure. I might have to upload everything again but subsequent uploads will relate to changes alone.

Hi guys!

@Fayimora: Busy @ skool, Exams next month.

I haven't had time to complete the levels. I've already fixed the jump code and other things. The only task remaining aside from the level is the transition. I'm thinking we could lock some levels first but I dunno, since this the game isn't really up to certain standards especially on graphics, I may leave everything so everyone can add inputs and be able to suggest things regarding all aspects of the game early. Maybe I'll upload the file when I'm home for the weekend so you guys can finish the level, Haven't checked but I think it's the third/last level that needs more work.

@mashnino: Creating a game with characters like those in boondocks will be cool but we'll have to have graphic artists and animators that are dedicated. I'm starting with the graphics cuz it has been a major setback to all we've been doing. Next up will be the storyline/plot development which will have to be concrete. I can cross this off for a basic fighting game with no background story. We'll also need serious programmers and finally, sound artists.

We've been having problems with a lot of things since this topic was created and I've decided to see how much we can do with a basic game to get an idea of how much people are interested and to see how dedicated people will be towards the goal. Lets see what happens with the game first.

@worldbest: Hey! How  have you been?

I've been very busy at skool but I try to do as much work as I can when I have the chance. I'd have mailed you guys or something all this while but my phone's data connection sucks and I try to post any updates here quickly if I'm home or the phone connection is good.

I hope you meant good luck on our game in your last post. We're all in this together and as soon as the props are laid out on the three levels, I'm handing it over to you guys for changes and improvement. Graphics artists who are serious about helping can improve the graphics and create replacement models and textures for the character and the AI. Programmers can enhance the logic and create new skills, abilities etc.

If we can work on this game and improve it as much as possible, I think we'll quickly get to that point where our skills and organisation will be better and efficient. I hope everything works out well so we can start working on some serious stuff.

Anyways, saw your new signature and visited the site. Nice and true words there. The second post actually depicts what a lot of us are facing. Not following up ideas and abandoning some before they are mature. I also have this problem but I think I'm starting to overcome it.

I don't allow things like anxiety and excitement to get to the level where my actions are controlled by them anymore. In the past, I'd be working on something and immediately I get another idea, I'll create a new project and try to go as far as possible quickly to see where my thoughts will lead. I found myself losing interest in previous projects and eventually I burn out and get tired of everything.

Nowadays, If my new ideas don't fit in the current project or I want to develop them separately, I just create a new file with notepad, write things down, set a future time to think about the new idea and the things surrounding it, then I continue with the current project. I find myself getting really far with my projects this way.

Hi guys!

Finally found the reason for the jump problem. T'was because I was using FixedUpdate() for the player's movement code. I've changed it and the build now works fine. I'll finish arranging the props soon (boring aspect of gamedev but a lot to be learnt regarding player experience). I'll upload the project and the build when I'm done.

Hi guys, I've been busy at skool and I have tests coming up next week hence the delay.

I've tested the new movement code and the jump problem still exists in the build. I'll try another fix and complete the levels when I'm done with my tests.

@maximip: Have you downloaded the file?

Hey!

I wasn't trying to instigate any tribal madness or any of the nonsense you guys are suggesting. I only tried to do what I thought would be helpful after receiving the message. What was I supposed to do based on time and considering the fact that I only had my phone with me? Wait till they confirm that someone is dead?

From your replies, I'm guessing the news was false. Thank God.

If u av a corper in owerri, plz tell him or her to vacuate d town now, becos some hoodlums are willing to attack corpers due to d result of election announced, got this message just now 28-04-11, please rebroadcast to save a life, God bless the youth

My avatar was banned so my posts aren't showing

I've changed the jump but I haven't tested a built version if it works well.

Anyways, I've uploaded the project file. The name is VULCAN_wip. Link : https://sourceforge.net/projects/naijadev/files/VULCAN_wip.unitypackage/download

Download it, Create a new unity project - don't select any of the default packages, when you're done, import the package into the project.

I think you may have to add the scenes(if they aren't there) to the build settings to make some things work. The order is: menu, level 1, 2, 3.

The scenes aren't complete yet. Props are not fully orgized yet. More AI types and new scenes will be added later. I'm going to skool today but if I can, I'll do some things before the weekend.

I'll have to organize the level elements and restructure some things before uploading a playable version.

Posted this earlier today but i was banned.

gameaddict:
I've changed the jump but I haven't tested a built version if it works well.

Anyways, I've uploaded the project file. The name is VULCAN_wip. Link : https://sourceforge.net/projects/naijadev/files/VULCAN_wip.unitypackage/download

Download it, Create a new unity project - don't select any of the default packages, when you're done, import the package into the project.

I think you may have to add the scenes(if they aren't there) to the build settings to make some things work. The order is: menu, level 1, 2, 3.

The scenes aren't complete yet. Props are not fully orgized yet. More AI types and new scenes will be added later. I'm going to skool today but if I can, I'll do some things before the weekend.

I'll have to organize the level elements and restructure some things before uploading a playable version.

I've changed the jump but I haven't tested a built version if it works well.

Anyways, I've uploaded the project file. The name is VULCAN_wip. Link : https://sourceforge.net/projects/naijadev/files/VULCAN_wip.unitypackage/download

Download it, Create a new unity project - don't select any of the default packages, when you're done, import the package into the project.

I think you may have to add the scenes(if they aren't there) to the build settings to make some things work. The order is: menu, level 1, 2, 3.

The scenes aren't complete yet. Props are not fully orgized yet. More AI types and new scenes will be added later. I'm going to skool today but if I can, I'll do some things before the weekend.

I'll have to organize the level elements and restructure some things before uploading a playable version.

okay, I'll upload it to the sourceforge site tonight. All updates will be posted there.

Hi!

I'll upload as soon as I fix the jump code and some level elements. I'm also changing the super jump I gave the character. It was actually an unintended addition. It had to do with instantiating a rigidbody at the character's without ignoring the physics so it pushes the player very high on collision. The problem with it is that in the build, the jump is too high(really really high). I've decided to change both jumps. The super jump will be the same as the normal jump except the max height will just be different.

Hi guys!

I'm almost done but I'm having problems with the build. The player behavior is different from what I had in the editor[jumping script and some physics] so I'll have to redo my scripts. I'll work on it during the week.

You'll have to go through the web activation in unity. The engine is mostly free anyways. Only pro features are deactivated when your trial period ends. Go to http://www.unity3d.com to get the setup.

For tutorials and help:

http://forum.uniy3d.com

http://answers.unity3d.com

http://www.unity3dstudent.com/

http://learnunity3d.com/category/tutorials/

Hi guys!

Anyone downloaded the project file yet?

Anyways, I fixed a problem with the shooting script so there's one for shooting now and one for high jumps. I'll work on two other levels during the week and upload the playable demo next weekend.

Hi guys,

I've uploaded the project file to the sourceforge page. download here: https://sourceforge.net/projects/naijadev/files/vulcan.unitypackage/download

Download and import the package to unity 3d,

@ worldbest: How are you doing?

I'm trying to upload my project file to the sourceforge account but the username and password isn't working. I'll try recovering it later or if you've know it, please send it to my mailbox. I also tried 4shared but they have a 2-3mb limit. The file is about 67 mb. I think it's because of the standard assets. I may delete the ones I'm not using to reduce the size and anyone who installs the package will import the ones we may eventually need.


We also have to sort the scripting tasks. We'll need GUI elements [health bars, magic meters etc.], particle effects, different types of props[different types of moving platforms, spinning hammers, closing spikes, etc] and other things . We could leave some or 'em for now. How do you think we should go about it?

Hi guys!

My ISP disconnected me during the weekend so I couldn't come online.

@world best: You're doing a great job, keep it up. You can look through the unifycommunity wiki for the headbobber script. URL: <a href="http://www.unifycommunity.com/wiki/index.php?title=Headbobber">Click this link</a> It's useful for creating realistic movements especially in fps games. You can set the bob rate for walk and run speeds.

Here's what I've been able to learn:

Unity:
         *Create simple scripts for character movement including animations.
         [ my animation scripting is not yet perfect though. I'm still learning to script the timing and control of the animation better so I can be able to mix different animations and create stuffs like combos using different animations]

        *Create simple AI system: waypoints, states, movement, attack and defence logic etc.
       
       *use the GUI system to create HUDs.
      [ Will create GUIPong and GUIBreakout when I learn some more]
      [ One of the problems I have is that I can't get accurate screen sizes for the actual game window from unity. This problem was also present when I
         did the demo back in December. I had to create two GUI's. one for full screen and another for the web player's small screen]

      * create simple point and click games [rts style]
      [ my script is buggy for now]

      * create simple shooters [ fps and third person]
      [ Couldn't figure out the arm ik script from the unity third person project but I discovered another way to script bone rotation for aiming purposes]


     * create simple particles.
     [I haven't studied the system much].

Blender

  * Create models for static items [ lamps, desks,  houses, staircases, etc.]
     [ Trying to improve UV mapping, texture painting and texturing, ].

  *low poly character meshes
    [ Tendency to rush models [ modeling can be boring] especially when I'm not using blueprints ]
    [ Haven't mastered low poly head modeling and I haven't found a lot of tutorials]

   *basic animation
   [ Getting better with walk and run cycles but overall, I still have a lot to learn]

   

I propose we use the next few weeks to improve our skills by creating a simple game. No character animation for now. Just simple, basic logics and effects.

An outdoor platform game with three levels for now. The character has to collect a key in each level to enable him open the gate to portals and proceed to the next level. Obstacles include spinning hammers, moving platforms, open/close steel and several NPCs. The NPCs should have simple logics for now. They only have to touch the player to hurt him. No animation.

Player can use two types of magic. The first one is used to destroy AI enemies while the other is used to jump as high as possible. This is helpful if we put special pickups on far away platforms. Players will have to plan and manage this particular magic to get it and it will also be be helpful in defeating some enemies.

What do you guys think?

Screenshots below:

@qunleajayi: Thanks, maybe you should keep your opinions to yourself.

@OKX: Thanks for your contributions so far. I appreciate all your help.

@Worldbest: Appreciating for all your efforts. Your drive inspires me.

I think after some learning time we should start bringing our knowledge together. We should do some evaluations of some current games and ask ourselves how we can be able to emulate things like animation sequences, camera movements, player interaction, etc. After evaluating and seeing the extent to which we can do certain things, we can proceed to planning and restructuring our ideas. I know we may be restricted based on lack of good models to work with nut we can use whatever we have at the moment to see what we can do. This way, when the time comes to fully work on the project, we can know where to concentrate on first before moving to other aspects.

Aside: Anyone know about scripting multiplayer games? I've almost completed the basic aspects of the multiplayer game I was developing but my connection script seems to be buggy. When A player dies and chooses to join the game again, the system spawns two instances of the player rather than one. I'll have to tear it down and rebuild again if I can't find the problem quickly.

@qunleajayi: No we will not be humble. Don't help us. You can have your laugh the day everyone of us posts that we have failed. And about the books, When we contribute, how do we share the books? Thought of that? We make photocopies right? Won't that be copyright infringement also?

You think if we all had the money we wouldn't have bought books before we even thought of starting the online project? It's really insulting you assume that we don't even know about some of those books. You think we don't do our own research and try to broaden our knowledge. Some of the books you suggested are not even what I'd recommend for many of us starting out. The first one is okay but I don't think it's not out yet so how do we even know it's as good as advertised? There's a lot of other books I'd recommend but where's the money for the guys to buy them. The thing is, it's not just about knowing how to use c++ and openGL or scripting in unity. A lot of other knowledge have to be applied. Many of us are encountering new concepts for the first time and we are taking our time to learn what we can. I never did physics in school but I'm taking my time to learn certain things from my friends' textbooks at school and just so you know, not everyone here resorts to downloading ebooks and other materials illegally. Stop acting like you're the perfect one. Put a pin a your head and bust that pride dude. You didn't make any breakthrough for this project. You've only succeeded in annoying us.

I for one won't call myself a great programmer yet. I see programming as fun and that is why I took it as an hobby. I've never taken any programming lesson from any institution except for the silly Visual Basic which was part of our Computer course last semester. I started learning programming in 2009 from this very forum and my love for gaming has been a great motivation. I'm a student. I don't study computer science and I don't work. I understand some of the difficulties the others are facing and I know what is and what is not. Patience is the key.

Maybe you should start seeing the project as an all round learning project for us and not just an attempt to make games that people seem to think must have a Nigerian storyline. SMH. I understand your concerns and appreciate your opinions. Now if you'll excuse me, There's some learning to do and fun to be had.


@webdezzi: Thanks. The guys have been trying to do that but the problem is that the geographical distribution of some of the people who actively contribute to the project is wide.

@gunleajayi: I replied your other thread. Please don't start negative threads about this project again. Constructive/well thought criticisms are welcome. Silly threads are not.

@everyone: Got a short break from skool after some stressful exams. Gonna try some things later.

Lets see dude, we get two guys with your credentials and they make a game. What next? We'll still have a 100 individuals who want to make games, have fun and just do stuff that pleases them.

I don't think you thought well before creating this thread. The first thing you should know is that the game dev project is very much alive. While a lot of us may not be able to post or do stuff daily, we still try to learn what we can when we get the opportunity.

We started the project with high hopes and expectations. We've made several good and bad decisions. Many times, we've found ourselves in need of new knowledge to solve each problem facing us. Each time, each passing day, I see us getting better and moving forward. We have not failed because we have not stopped. We have not given up. We're still having a lot of fun.


Thanks for the list of books anyways. The money to purchase them is another matter. Consider it as one of the things you should have thought of before posting.

Hi guys,

Does anyone have any information on starting a paper or magazine? Costs, challenges, advice?

Thanks.

Hi guys,

Could anyone explain how modules and extensions in programs like joomla, smf, elgg, etc work? I get confused each time I try to figure out how the extensions and layout systems work.

I'm not trying to create my own version of this programs, I just want to know how the concepts work so I can start building modular and extensible programs rather than starting from scratch each time I want to play with PHP.

Anyone got any idea?

I think you should explain your app in detail. A lot of us are just hearing of gamers virtual machine for the first time and we'd like to know what we are downloading, how it helps us, advantages etc

Hey guys! How are you all doing?

Nice to see some re-organizations going on and thanks for the complements. I've been going through a lot lately, skool, social life etc I haven't had time to do much work but I've always had the project on my mind.

I'm also happy to see you guys taking your time to learn more about unity 3d. Through dedication and experimentation, we'll one day be able to bring our dreams to life. Like they say, It's only a matter of time.

I'll be having my first semester exams soon but I'll be done by the end of the month. Cheers guys.