Gamebridge: Difference between revisions

From Noisebridge
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
(Simbridge is our new group project! It is a collaboratively created virtual Noisebridge game. Learn more about how to help simulate Noisebridge and learn Unity, C# and 3D art in the process!)
(28 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Welcome to Gamebridge Unityversity. If it's your first night, you ''will'' develop a game.
'''Gamebridge Unityversity is a weekly Unity game development meetup and beginner-friendly class for anyone who wants to learn programming, game development and how to help teach others Unity as Unity mentors.'''
[[image:gamebridge.png|right|thumb|300px|The Gamebridge Unityversity Crest proudly displays the four [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rampant#Rampant Ponies Pissant] amid the cursors, buttons, d-pad and in the center is the Gamebridge Unityversity symbol]]


*UPDATE 2: Alex is back to host Gamebridge again! Primer Labs has been on hiatus focusing on building Code Hero but now Code Hero is in beta and you can play it at Gamebridge to help you learn Unity3D programming.
Though the Unity game engine is our focus, all kinds of game development are welcome including different engines, "non-technical" game artists, writers, programming styles and technologies.


[http://www.primerlabs.com Primer Labs] also has a new [http://www.primerlabs.com/codehero Code Hero] and [http://www.primerlabs.com/gamebridge Gamebridge] web site where you can get all these resources and more to learn game development.
Gamebridge Unityversity Unity Game Dev Tuesdays have resumed 7-10PM.


*'''WHEN:''' We meet up on Monday nights from 6:00 PM till Midnight and do game development at Noisebridge at 2169 Mission St..
Participants are encouraged to observe and participate in Noisebridge meetings as well and to learn more about the hackerspace and how to take part in other classes and activities to utilize and improve the space.


*'''NEWBS RTFM''': If it's your first night, you can make a game if you want. We'll help you get started. There's great tutorials to start with that will have you playing your own game in no time.
'''NEWS'''
*'''1337 DEVS HACK''': Bring your game projects and collaborate!


*'''Gamebridge''': All kinds of game development are welcome at Gamebridge including different platforms, "non-technical" game artists, writers, programming styles and technologies.
[[Simbridge]] is our new group project! It is a collaboratively created virtual Noisebridge game. Learn more about how to help simulate Noisebridge and learn Unity, C# and 3D art in the process!
*'''Unityversity''':  The Unityversity department focuses on [http://www.unity3d.com Unity Engine] collaboration and learning. Unity is free to make games with and absurdly easy to learn in a group environment like Unityversity where you can ask questions of your fellow developers.


==Planned Departments==
To get into Noisebridge for a Gamebridge Unityversity class, ring the doorbell and you'll be buzzed in for your first time. Participants can get access codes to get into future classes without having to buzz in.
New departments of Gamebridge can be established.  
 
*'''Unrealiversity''': We first need developers interested in teaching Unreal.
'''INSTRUCTORS'''
 
'''Alex Peake, Game Developer'''
 
[http://www.primerlabs.com Primer Labs]
 
[https://noisebridge.net/wiki/User:Lxpk Alex Peake] at [mailto:alex@primerlabs.com alex@primerlabs.com]
 
I live in Portola Valley and I am at Noisebridge on Tuesday nights.
 
'''Bud Leiser, Game Designer'''
 
[http://www.budleiser.com BudLeiser.com] [http://www.budleiser.com/game-dev-dictionary/ Game Dev Glossary] [http://www.budleiser.com/game-assets/ Game Assets List]
 
I am here quite often, just look for the orange jacket or ask any of the regulars.  
 
'''THE UNITY 5 GAME ENGINE'''
 
The Unity 5 game engine is industry standard and completely free. It can compile your games for HTML5 web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, XBox One, PS4, Nintendo Wii U and many others. It is the industry standard for many reasons:
 
* Support for making 3D and 2D games with ready-to-use 3D 1st person, 3D 3rd person, 2D sidescroller and 2D overhead rogue-like RPG characters as well as rolling balls, cars and aircraft.
* Lots of documentation, tutorials and even online classes from schools to learn Unity.
* The ability to build once and launch on multiple platforms.
* Relatively easy coding framework to learn.
* Also as a designer it cannot be understated the usefulness of being able to play the game at any moment without waiting for a build cycle, and the ability for developers to list important features as Public Var's which unity will automatically look for and generate slider scales that designers can modify without having to touch the code base.
* Most importantly Unity has the largest user base. This is important because at some point you will need to work with others to make great games, and if everyone else is already using Unity they will not likely switch to your engine or preference....unless you pay them.
* The Unity asset store is another way for developers, artists and musicians to make money by creating game tools/assets. But it's also a way to develop your own games much much faster.
 
'''THINGS TO BRING TO CLASS'''


==Things To Bring==
*Laptops, especially ones with decent 3D graphics cards. To run [http://www.unity3d.com Unity3D] you'll need one running Mac or Windows.
*Laptops, especially ones with decent 3D graphics cards. To run [http://www.unity3d.com Unity3D] you'll need one running Mac or Windows.
*Pre-install [http://www.unity3d.com Unity] and some of the Unity tutorials if you can so you can get started right away with Unityversity.
*Pre-install [http://www.unity3d.com Unity] and some of the Unity tutorials if you can so you can get started right away with Unityversity.
Line 24: Line 48:
*Connectors to hook your laptop to the big projector screen to show off your games and development processes to the group
*Connectors to hook your laptop to the big projector screen to show off your games and development processes to the group


== Inspiration ==
'''CURRICULUM'''
Game development is a lot of fun. Game development is an awesome way to learn computer programming. And games can inspire players to learn all kinds of things about the world.


A lot of us are into game development and a lot of us would like to learn how, so it makes sense to get together and share our interests and experience.
You can teach yourself the curriculum taught at Gamebridge by following the [[GameDevelopmentCourseware]]. Feel free to add new lesson ideas there and let us know if you have suggestions.


== The Open Primer Project ==
'''HISTORY'''
Some of us are working on an open-source game called [http://www.openprimer.org Primer] which uses gameplay to weave learning all kinds of useful things into an epic adventure through the history of the cosmos and the future of civilization.


== Contact ==
We had our first meetup November 2012 November 4th and it was a lot of fun. We made a game about evil companion cubes that want to give you a hug for very explosive definitions of hug. We were on hiatus for a while while Alex was away but we're back in action.
If you want to know more about Game Development Club, just come by some time or contact Alex Peake at openprimer [atsymbol] gmail.com.


== Meetup Log / Class Curriculum Courseware ==
'''GAME DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES'''
[[GameDevelopmentCourseware]]


== Meetup History ==
Need example code, art, tools and audio to make your game awesome? Download an abundance of free resources below this under the table of contents.
We had our first meetup November 4th and it was a lot of fun. We made a game about evil companion cubes that want to give you a hug for very explosive definitions of hug.


= Game Development Resources =
= Game Development Resources =
Line 57: Line 76:


=== Unity Tutorials ===
=== Unity Tutorials ===
'''START HERE:''' [http://unity3d.com/support/resources/tutorials/ Unity Tutorials] are free to download and can be completed in a day or two! Do these before coming or do them with us to get help and support.
'''START HERE:''' [http://unity3d.com/learn Unity Tutorials] are free to download and can be completed in a day or two! Do these before coming or do them with us to get help and support.


*Javascript
*C# is the language you should learn to do Unity programming.
*Javascript (Actually a variant called Unityscript) is also supported but no longer recommended.
**Before beginning the Unity tutorials it is useful (but not required) to understand basic javascript programming.
**Before beginning the Unity tutorials it is useful (but not required) to understand basic javascript programming.
**[http://www.unity-tutorials.com/free-tutorial-download.php Unityscript Beginning Scripting Tutorial (Free with an email)]
**[http://www.unity-tutorials.com/free-tutorial-download.php Unityscript Beginning Scripting Tutorial (Free with an email)]
Line 68: Line 88:


== Other Game Engines ==
== Other Game Engines ==
There are other game engines.


=== Unreal ===
*[http://www.udk.com/ Unreal Development Kit] is also available for free now. We'll no doubt be playing with that as well. Unreal is some seriously advanced game dev technology.
[http://www.udk.com/ Unreal Development Kit] is also available for free now. We'll no doubt be playing with that as well. Unreal is some seriously advanced game dev technology. It's too heavy to run on an iPhone, but it is a good way to make high-end PC and console games.
*Objective C: Some people are making iPhone games directly in Cocoa.
 
*Blender Game Engine: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Blender Blender Game Engine] is an open-source game engine integrated with the [http://www.blender.org Blender] 3D studio software. It has come a long way in recent versions and some of the games people have made with it are amazing.
=== Objective C ===
*OGRE Open Source 3D Engine: [http://www.ogre3d.org/ OGRE] is not a full game engine but it does have Mac, Windows, Linux and iPhone support. It has recently been used to make a big hit called Torchlight.
Some people are making iPhone games directly in Cocoa.
*SDL: [http://www.libsdl.org/ SDL] is a cross-platform open-source game development library that has been used to make [http://source.bungie.org/get/ Aleph One] based on the Marathon series.
 
=== Blender Game Engine ===
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Blender Blender Game Engine] is an open-source game engine integrated with the [http://www.blender.org Blender] 3D studio software. It has come a long way in recent versions and some of the games people have made with it are amazing.
 
=== OGRE Open Source 3D Engine ===
[http://www.ogre3d.org/ OGRE] is not a full game engine but it does have Mac, Windows, Linux and iPhone support. It has recently been used to make a big hit called Torchlight.
 
=== SDL ===
[http://www.libsdl.org/ SDL] is a cross-platform open-source game development library that has been used to make [http://source.bungie.org/get/ Aleph One] based on the Marathon series.


== Game Development Tools ==
== Game Development Tools ==
Game development involves lots of tools for modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging and animating game environments.
Game development involves lots of tools for modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging and animating game environments.
=== Maya ===
[http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=13578047&siteID=123112 Maya] is the #1 3D content creation tool for games.
We're looking for people with Maya experience who can teach how to use Maya. Especially interested in learning about character rigging and animation.
=== Blender ===
[http://www.blender.org/ Blender] is an open-source 3D studio that can do mostly the same things as Maya for free. We're looking for people who want to teach Blender skills.


=== SketchUp ===
=== SketchUp ===
Line 106: Line 110:
=== All CG Textures ===
=== All CG Textures ===
[http://www.allcgtextures.com/main.php All CG Textures] has loads of quality free textures.
[http://www.allcgtextures.com/main.php All CG Textures] has loads of quality free textures.
=== Maya ===
[http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=13578047&siteID=123112 Maya] is the #1 3D content creation tool for games.
We're looking for people with Maya experience who can teach how to use Maya. Especially interested in learning about character rigging and animation.
=== Blender ===
[http://www.blender.org/ Blender] is an open-source 3D studio that can do mostly the same things as Maya for free. We're looking for people who want to teach Blender skills.


=== 3D Character Rigs ===
=== 3D Character Rigs ===
[http://hznaqnzxuoouxznqanzh.creativecrash.com/maya/downloads/character-rigs/c/ Creative Crash] has many free 3D character rigs in Maya format.
[http://hznaqnzxuoouxznqanzh.creativecrash.com/maya/downloads/character-rigs/c/ Creative Crash] has many free 3D character rigs in Maya format.
==PAST UPDATES==
*UPDATE: Alex has been away from Noisebridge lately launching [http://www.primerlabs.com Primer Labs] but Gamebridge is still open for anyone who wants to gather at Noisebridge to develop games and Alex will return with an expanded version of Gamebridge and more people to learn from in the very near future. Gamebridge will be much bigger than it ever was. Stay tuned.

Revision as of 00:05, 10 May 2015

Gamebridge Unityversity is a weekly Unity game development meetup and beginner-friendly class for anyone who wants to learn programming, game development and how to help teach others Unity as Unity mentors.

Though the Unity game engine is our focus, all kinds of game development are welcome including different engines, "non-technical" game artists, writers, programming styles and technologies.

Gamebridge Unityversity Unity Game Dev Tuesdays have resumed 7-10PM.

Participants are encouraged to observe and participate in Noisebridge meetings as well and to learn more about the hackerspace and how to take part in other classes and activities to utilize and improve the space.

NEWS

Simbridge is our new group project! It is a collaboratively created virtual Noisebridge game. Learn more about how to help simulate Noisebridge and learn Unity, C# and 3D art in the process!

To get into Noisebridge for a Gamebridge Unityversity class, ring the doorbell and you'll be buzzed in for your first time. Participants can get access codes to get into future classes without having to buzz in.

INSTRUCTORS

Alex Peake, Game Developer

Primer Labs

Alex Peake at alex@primerlabs.com

I live in Portola Valley and I am at Noisebridge on Tuesday nights.

Bud Leiser, Game Designer

BudLeiser.com Game Dev Glossary Game Assets List

I am here quite often, just look for the orange jacket or ask any of the regulars.

THE UNITY 5 GAME ENGINE

The Unity 5 game engine is industry standard and completely free. It can compile your games for HTML5 web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, XBox One, PS4, Nintendo Wii U and many others. It is the industry standard for many reasons:

  • Support for making 3D and 2D games with ready-to-use 3D 1st person, 3D 3rd person, 2D sidescroller and 2D overhead rogue-like RPG characters as well as rolling balls, cars and aircraft.
  • Lots of documentation, tutorials and even online classes from schools to learn Unity.
  • The ability to build once and launch on multiple platforms.
  • Relatively easy coding framework to learn.
  • Also as a designer it cannot be understated the usefulness of being able to play the game at any moment without waiting for a build cycle, and the ability for developers to list important features as Public Var's which unity will automatically look for and generate slider scales that designers can modify without having to touch the code base.
  • Most importantly Unity has the largest user base. This is important because at some point you will need to work with others to make great games, and if everyone else is already using Unity they will not likely switch to your engine or preference....unless you pay them.
  • The Unity asset store is another way for developers, artists and musicians to make money by creating game tools/assets. But it's also a way to develop your own games much much faster.

THINGS TO BRING TO CLASS

  • Laptops, especially ones with decent 3D graphics cards. To run Unity3D you'll need one running Mac or Windows.
  • Pre-install Unity and some of the Unity tutorials if you can so you can get started right away with Unityversity.
  • iPhones, Androids & other cool game hardware devices for building games on
  • Connectors to hook your laptop to the big projector screen to show off your games and development processes to the group

CURRICULUM

You can teach yourself the curriculum taught at Gamebridge by following the GameDevelopmentCourseware. Feel free to add new lesson ideas there and let us know if you have suggestions.

HISTORY

We had our first meetup November 2012 November 4th and it was a lot of fun. We made a game about evil companion cubes that want to give you a hug for very explosive definitions of hug. We were on hiatus for a while while Alex was away but we're back in action.

GAME DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

Need example code, art, tools and audio to make your game awesome? Download an abundance of free resources below this under the table of contents.

Game Development Resources

Game Engines

Game engines make it pretty easy to develop games by giving you lots of development tools for world building and scripting.

We're interested in other kinds of game development too, including non-computer game designs like dice-based RPGs, board games and card games.

Unity

Unity is an awesome game development engine based on Mono that compiles for Mac, Windows, iPhone, Web and Wii with support coming soon for PS3 and XBox. Unity has just been made free for indy developers. Unity is an extremely easy to learn game development environment with a massively helpful developer community.

We are primarily teaching and collaborating with Unity in Game Club because it is incredibly awesome and easy to learn.

Unity On Ubuntu

Unity Tutorials

START HERE: Unity Tutorials are free to download and can be completed in a day or two! Do these before coming or do them with us to get help and support.

  • C# is the language you should learn to do Unity programming.
  • Javascript (Actually a variant called Unityscript) is also supported but no longer recommended.
  • Unity Gameplay Creation Tutorials
  • Professional Unity Tutorials
    • Unity-Tutorials.com has $15 tutorials on topics like particles, gizmos, character rigging, animation and Cheetah 3D.

Other Game Engines

There are other game engines.

  • Unreal Development Kit is also available for free now. We'll no doubt be playing with that as well. Unreal is some seriously advanced game dev technology.
  • Objective C: Some people are making iPhone games directly in Cocoa.
  • Blender Game Engine: Blender Game Engine is an open-source game engine integrated with the Blender 3D studio software. It has come a long way in recent versions and some of the games people have made with it are amazing.
  • OGRE Open Source 3D Engine: OGRE is not a full game engine but it does have Mac, Windows, Linux and iPhone support. It has recently been used to make a big hit called Torchlight.
  • SDL: SDL is a cross-platform open-source game development library that has been used to make Aleph One based on the Marathon series.

Game Development Tools

Game development involves lots of tools for modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging and animating game environments.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a surprisingly powerful and incredibly easy to use 3D modeling application for making basic 3D geometry to use in your game development.

Google 3D Warehouse

Google 3D Warehouse is a searchable library of free 3D models in SketchUp format that you can download freely and use in your games. You can also upload your own creations to 3D Warehouse.

FreeSound Project

FreeSound Project is a searchable library of free sound files that you can use in your games. You can also upload your sounds to FreeSound for others to use.

All CG Textures

All CG Textures has loads of quality free textures.

Maya

Maya is the #1 3D content creation tool for games.

We're looking for people with Maya experience who can teach how to use Maya. Especially interested in learning about character rigging and animation.

Blender

Blender is an open-source 3D studio that can do mostly the same things as Maya for free. We're looking for people who want to teach Blender skills.

3D Character Rigs

Creative Crash has many free 3D character rigs in Maya format.