OCUK programming project?

[dangerstat]

Okay a quick update of how we're going about this.

We're looking at the idea of having two groups, one to work on a web application (probably PhP based) where characters can trade, interact etc... which is really quite easy. So we'd like some PhP people to volunteer to help out on this, there's a couple of us with some experience that can help you out if your new to programming.


Interlinked with that is the "proper" game angle an FPS programmed with C++ that those that want a challenge can get stuck into.

We like the idea of the too being linked so what you do in the basic PhP game influences what happens in the FPS and vice versa.

So this is a bit of a shout out get all those interested in here. if you could post your name, languages your experienced with and whether you cam commit to this (and when you can) then we can get a decent idea of how must support we have.

Thanks again all for posting!

Dangerstat

 

[dangerstat]

Why are you wanting to use PHP/JSP to program a game? The languages aren't really oriented towards such a purpose.

XNA, C variants and even Java are going to be much better for the purpose.

Hi Kreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I think we're going with C++ for the FPS element (/strand) PhP and JSP are for the trading / interaction part. So have a look at Cybernations which is a strategy game with no graphics element - now imagine that interacting with an FPS and I think you'll see where we are going

 

[dangerstat]

I am only starting c++ next year so I wont be much use. Its a shame as I would have liked to help! Will I be able to look at the source code as I could learn from it once it is underway?

I think you'd really benefit from being in from the start TBH, getting hands on teaches you more than any book can IMHO

 

[dangerstat]

I'm with this guy!

Start off with something simple to test the waters.

I'd be up for this too

Testing the waters is with the PhP bit and I hope (expect) I can count on you guys for this.It'll be simple but effective - it'll be fun!

 

[dangerstat]

I write performance / stability critical applications as my day job in entirely unmanaged C++...

And that's absolutely fine, but I'm sure you'd agree that managed languages tend to be more forgiving of novice or intermediate programmers than unmanaged ones. In the interests of not getting bogged down, not reinventing the wheel and being moderately inclusive I was just suggesting that a managed language might be a better choice for this particular project

arty

I think in the interim we need to focus on what we want to do. I think Dave L has a lot to offer.

 

[dangerstat]

*cough* http://ocukdev.xtremeinc.co.uk/lists *cough*

If everyone can get signed up to that it can act as a starting point. Even if we get another host or somebody else provides hosting, the user list can be exported and is easily transferrable.

As for the Joomla/Drupal argument - whichever's the best for the group! Though I have to admit I find Drupal a little less polished than Joomla, but that's just my preference

Cool stuff I've signed up. How's everything going?

How about we all get on IRC (the OCUK Channel) tonight at 8:30 to discuss things?

IRC


OcUK have an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) room located on the #quakenet network of servers.
To access this you will need an IRC client such as mIRC

(shareware/freeware), and then follow the simple instructions.
Install your chosen client.Go to “network” options and select Quakenet, then from the server options select

“random UK quakenet server”
Enter in your preferred nickname, and click “connect”, you should connect within a very short time.
Next you want to connect to the OcUK channel to do this in the main window type “/j #overclockers-uk” minus the quotation marks ^_^
This should connect you into the OcUK channel.
Further help on using IRC can be obtained using the clients own help system, or asking on the boards.

 

[dangerstat]

Okay some notes from the first meeting 5/5/09

Present where:
Dangerstat, Blackvault,gam3r, Mac, Zug, lightnix, JimAroo, Calabi, Myles "gay bar" and Ladforge

The first thing discussed was "scope". After a bit of discussion we had a vote which resulted in the production of a 2D game.

Next was a more "heated" discussion about the choice of language / engine to use. Python and C++ were well supported but (IMO) we need to do a bit more research into engines and how viable Python or C++ and what engines exist. Calabi highlighted some interesting options. Zag (with help from two as yet not chosen people) will have a look into the options.

As for theme (what the game will be about) Blackvault is going to set up a team of people to look into this, to get the list of different ideas into a smaller list that peeps on the forum can vote on to decide which one we take forward.

Admin - meetings will be at 8:30 on Tuesdays (until we have something better set up) on IRC.

Other issues:
* There should be no affiliation with OCUK.
* Forums are needed and ASAP (me to look into this - anybody willing to help out would be good!)

Oh and the codename for the project is "banshee". lol

If I've missed anything (or got anything wrong) please feel free to post here.

Thanks to all those that attended

Dstat

 

[dangerstat]

Ok, forums are set up.

http://www.zorev.com/forums.php they need work but I'd like to ask someone more senior and get peoples opinions on it before I do anything major.

Looks good mate!

Good to hear another good discussion was had, I was watching the football so couldn't be there!

I definitely think a 2d game is the way to go, at least to start with.
Any consideration for Java at all?
A quick google suggests a few 2d game engines in Java:

JGame
OctLight
GTGE
EasyWay

No idea whether any of them are any good at this stage, but certainly worth investigating.

Java actually wasn't mentioned - not sure why! Would you be able to help out Zug at looking to different languages and engines?

 

[dangerstat]

I'm not sure C++ would be the best option for newbies, most c++ beginners don't know half the language best practises.

Like overloading the assignment operator, accidently using pass by value for large objects, and perfering references.

Well you're more than welcome to help in the language / engine evaluation mate?I'll get you all working on something before you know it

 

[dangerstat]

Now that the forum has been created we need all the people interested in the project to join it please.

Blackvault

Yep please do this, this is starting to get moving and we need all of you to get on here so we can discuss how we move forward - the meeting was great so lets move it on now.Great start - great people involved = great project - look forward to seeing you all helping out

Forums are here http://www.zorev.com/forums.php

Still looking for project managers to help me out :/


Otherwise we're right on track!

 

[dangerstat]

Will sign up tomorrow. Any chance you can add me to MSN too dangerstat?

andr3wgamer [at] gmail [dot] com

I have a concept idea that I was thinking about a few months ago, but didn't have the necessary skill to put into practise. It is a 2D game, with an online component, and potential for regular updates and/or additions to keep people hooked.

Thanks

Also, change your link to www.zorev.com - the appended 'forums.php' just brought up errors for me.

Will do mate.

Look forward to having you join the project

 

[dangerstat]

Meh! Veteran programmers don't necessarily do those things either. I don't tend to bother with the first two, and I know plenty of other programmers who do no better. With that in mine, what hope do newbies have?


Never have I heard more truthful words spoken. Down with the evil! Unfortunately design is also a necessary evil, particularly with collaborative projects. Same goes for documentation.

Like Dj_Jestar, I'm a full-time developer so don't tend to do much out-of-hours programming (I have a several-year-old personal project that is working but really needs a rewrite and I just haven't got around to moving forward yet - if any of you code monkeys get bored I might come do some recruiting ).

I'm happy to advise though - experienced server, forum, Subversion etc. admin with a bit of open source in me too. No games programming experience whatsoever though.

I'd recommend avoiding Python. It's not a particularly newbie-friendly language. C++/C# or Java make much more sense to me.

Firstly I'd never consider myself a "Veteran". But I think | can lead a team. Dj_jester I'd like all to be involved and you seem to have much to offer so if you're willing to get involved that is great, I hope to see both at the next meeting?

 

[dangerstat]

Hey all,

Sorry been at work all day so I clearly not been on here or the game's forum. I'll try and catch up with everything before heading out to watch the footy later!

EDIT: On the language engine selection issue can I ask people to post on this on the forum under "programming" Feel free to add your 2p worth backing the language you like, but if I could ask you to flag up in particular why it'd be the a good choice for 2D graphics. I think on some of the comments I've seen on here are bit off - those decisions there made in the meeting where all fully respecting the views of those in the meeting, if you want to have a say on what direction we take then participate in them (surely that makes sense to everyone).

Anyhow loving the concepts section

 

[dangerstat]

can i just check will this be using stuff that i can get for free or will i have to buy the programming platform?

What language we're going to be using is being debated on the forum at the moment. But I think it's highly unlikely we'll choose something non-free.

 

[dangerstat]

a quick 2p from me.. drop this concept of "teams" people will naturally fall into their preferred roles anyway, and leaving everything up to votes will prove more result worthy. A select few may not decide what is best for the whole, but asking the whole will. Havign a mail-list (if you haven't already got one) will be your most valuable tool. A forum is nice to have, but requires people check it. Mail-lists get sent, and are quicker to reply to.

Have a few members (who are willing) to deal with impediments that the community may have. Disputes, split decisions etc.

Thanks for those comments jester. I can't really respond right now as I'm just about to head out. But will do (probably tomorrow after work).

 

[dangerstat]

All I have seen is information about games, I haven't seen anything about anything web based? anything I've missed?

Jim it's going to be a game as that's what everyone seemed to want. But I *really* hope there'll be a web element to this.

P.S. can anyone get on the forums? I can't at my end.

 

[dangerstat]

Forums are a-ok for me.

Thanks mate, they're okay now here, must have been a problem my end.

 

[dangerstat]

====== General Update ========

Concepts are being suggested here: http://www.zorev.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4

Discussions on languages are being discussed here: http://www.zorev.com/showthread.php?t=14

A poll of language knowledge is here: http://www.zorev.com/showthread.php?t=16

The concepts that seem viable will be voted for here either on OCUK or over that the forums.

Those that want to get involved please do by registering over at the forums (we've had a great turnout so far).

The next meeting is on IRC on Tuesday at 8:30PM.

(the OCUK channel - I'll repost details of how to get on it again on Monday)


Hopefully in Tuesday's meeting we will to getting a distribution list / mailing list setup. Also a quick round up of the current concepts list. Then a "informed" discussion about programming language & engine choice - as we *should* have all looked into them by now (if not this will be left for a week). We also need to address what training options we have for helping people getting to grips with what ever we choose as our primary language (do we give links or do we do instruction ourselves etc..)

Cheers, progressing really well, thanks for to all those that've helped out thus far/.

Dangerstat


EDIT:

We now have our own IRC channel #ocuk-dev on freenode! yay

 

[dangerstat]

=== General Update - Meeting 2 ====

Project “Banshee” Meeting 2 – 12/5/09

Present:
Dangerstat, Rastamanbob, Lightnix, Zug, Calabi, Alex_L, BlackVault, Dave-lew99
(Sorry if I missed anyone)

Some updates
IRC Channel Set up (server freenode, channel #ocuk-dev) All future meetings on that chan.
Mailing list set up (All please sign up to this http://www.zorev.com)

Dave-l and Ladforce to lead on VSN / code management issues – will keep dangerstat informed frequently on this (once every three days guys and get some notes going)

Update on concepts by BV –
Looks like slotracar favorite, voting ends next FRIDAY.

Update on programming and engine choice by Zug:
Voting on the choice of two programming languages to finish next FRIDAY (between C++ and Java). BV has set up the voting thread

Training
Somesort of agreement that will will be a mash up of materials on out there on the internet – plus extra elements on specific issues (Meeting 3 – we'll need to get some volunteers for this)


AoB - None

 

[dangerstat]

Heads up all

Voting on the concept and programming language FINISHES TONIGHT.

At the moment Java is drawing with C++ on the language vote, and "Slot Car" is leading in the concept vote. These votes will be final so if you want your vote to couunt, VOTE NOW!

Cheers

Dangerstat