SoTM 4 Entries in Graphic Design

BetaWar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:37:49 -0500

Previous month's top sigs:
First:
Second (1):
Second (2):

New Theme: Guitar Heroes (like Jimi Hendrix, etc.)

Please only post entries in this thread. For discussion purposes please post in this thread:
http://www.dreamincode.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=113917
No more entries will be taken after August 1st.

READ THE RULES!!!

.Net Micro Framework 3.0 Released in Industry News

PsychoCoder — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:30:13 -0500

Microsoft has released the .Net Micro Framework 3.0.

QUOTE

The .NET Micro Framework enables faster development of more capable embedded systems that are smart, securely connected, and easier to manage. By supporting modern development tools and paradigms, .NET Micro Framework allows embedded project managers to improve productivity by bringing innovative products to market faster and at lower cost.

I for one am excited about this, and think it's definitely something to look into using, since Smart devices are becoming more and more common. What do you think?

You can download the SDK here, and get your free Porting Kit here.

HTML 5 Officially Released in Industry News

Core — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:51:28 -0500

Many of the web developers expected it and now HTML 5 is officially released. HTML 5 introduces some new markup elements such as <nav>, <audio>, <canvas>, <video> and <footer>. Its new functionality will also facilitate the development of RIA (Rich Internet Applications) through several multimedia interfaces.

Detailed specifications here.

Microsoft to apply the Community Promise patenting to C# and CLI in Industry News

Core — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:22:08 -0500

According to Peter Galli (Microsoft), Microsoft will be applying the Community Promise patenting to C# (ECMA 334) and CLI (ECMA 335). Many of you might ask - what community promise is? It is a patenting technology, by which:

QUOTE(Microsoft)

Microsoft irrevocably promises not to assert any Microsoft Necessary Claims against you for making, using, selling, offering for sale, importing or distributing any implementation, to the extent it conforms to one of the Covered Specifications, and is compliant with all of the required parts of the mandatory provisions of that specification

Basically, it says that developers soon will be able to implement their own versions of C# and CLI, as long as those will abide Microsoft's technology specifications.

Scott Guthrie mentioned recently that:

QUOTE(Scott Guthrie)

The Community Promise is an excellent vehicle and, in this situation, ensures the best balance of interoperability and flexibility for developers.

The time will show, but I guess we will soon see a more solid support for C# and CLI on various platforms.

Dream Job? in Corner Cubicle

no2pencil — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:50:20 -0500

Everyone has a dream, so what's your passion? What would be your ideal working environment? Do you want to grind away 9 to 5 & work your way up the corporate ladder, or would you rather fall backwards into a position of power? Maybe your the manager type, or perhaps you would like a lot less stress & prefer being an assistant.

Coder?
Hardware?
Networking?
Bench Tech?
White-Collar/Blue-Collar?
Un-IT related?
Student for Life?

Discuss /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

VB6 runtime will no longer be shipped after Windows 7 in Industry News

Core — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:19:46 -0500

After its long lifecycle, Visual Basic 6 is now definitely out-of-date, considering the fact that a more powerful alternative is available (.NET). The Visual Basic 6 runtime was included in Windows Vista, but it was in the "It Just Works" stage - therefore no support or updates were introduced for it. Many of the people who plan to switch to Windows 7 and still are using Visual Basic 6 were wondering, if the VB6 runtime will be included in the RTM release of Windows 7.

According to this document, the VB6 runtime will be shipped with Windows 7. But it will be the last version of Windows to contain it.

QUOTE

VB6 runtime will ship and will be supported in Windows 7 for the lifetime of the OS. Developers can think of the support story for Vista being the same as it is for Windows 7. However there are no plans to include VB6 runtime in future versions of Windows beyond Windows 7.

Developer/IT Conferences - Are you in? in Corner Cubicle

Core — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:10:58 -0500

There are always many developer/IT conferences going on in the US (and even in many places around the world). Some of them are very popular (like PDC or WWDC), some of them are less but there is always something interesting there for me.

Are you visiting such conferences? If yes, what conferences are you visiting? What's the reason you go there and do those meet your expectations?

For me, the last conference was one regarding informational security.

What about you? Share your thoughts and experiences.

My SEO Presentation in SEO & Advertising

skyhawk133 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:08:22 -0500

I was invited to speak at http://www.webuquerque.com on the topic of Search Engine Optimization. About 48 people were at the presentation, and here is the slide deck for those interested:

<div style="width:425px;text-align:left" id="__ss_1674882"><a style="font:14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;display:block;margin:12px 0 3px 0;text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/skyhawk133/webuquerque-seo-presentation-july-1-2009" title="Webuquerque SEO Presentation - July 1, 2009">Webuquerque SEO Presentation - July 1, 2009</a><object style="margin:0px" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=webuquerqueseopresentationcompressed-090702124134-phpapp01&stripped_title=webuquerque-seo-presentation-july-1-2009" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=webuquerqueseopresentationcompressed-090702124134-phpapp01&stripped_title=webuquerque-seo-presentation-july-1-2009" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="font-size:11px;font-family:tahoma,arial;height:26px;padding-top:2px;">View more <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/">documents</a> from <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/skyhawk133">skyhawk133</a>.</div></div>

Video of my horrible presentation to follow /wink2.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink2.gif" />

SoTM 3 Voting in Graphic Design

BetaWar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:02:53 -0500

Please reference the rules if you are unsure how to make your vote (still using the 3-2-1 point system). Voting ends the 7th.

The following people's signatures were not added because they showed up as a broken image when I created this thread:
mocker
#define

Valid entries to vote on:

What is your design process? in Software Development

PsychoCoder — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:46:54 -0500

Not sure if this has been brought up yet, if it has then I apologize /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

When starting a programming project, whether it be at work or a freelance job, what steps do you follow when planning out the project? I know there are thousands of techniques but I'm looking for ways others are doing this. A proper, well laid out plan, can and will save you tons of work down the road. When I start a project I try hard to follow the following steps:

1.) When I start a project the first thing I do is map out the functionality needed, and I generally do this wither pen and paper (or some sort of software like Visio). This gives me a good idea of what I'm doing, and allows me to assign time frames for each bit. From there I lay out the classes I'll need, such as DAL (Data Access Layer), Business Logic Layer, Presentation Layer and so on.

2.) Once I have those 2 outlined and documented I then assign estimated time-frames for each (doing this allows me to give relatively close estimates on how long it will take to create the project from start to finish.

3.) Once that is complete I turn to the database structure (if the project has database access). I map out each table's structure (Names, columns, data types, etc). I then decide what stored procedures I'll need, and what items such as User Defined Functions, User Defined Types, Views and Triggers I'll need.

4.) Once I have completed that step then I focus on the GUI (whether it be web or Windows), and I generally sketch out what kind of layout I want (based on what the client has asked for). Once I have the mockup of what I want, if it's web based I go into Photoshop and design the look I want, color schemes, font types, etc. Once I have the template complete for a web based application I then take that to the client for approval (then make any changes they request).

During the planning phase I am in close contact with the client, wanting to ensure they understand everything I'm going to do, what I'm going to give them, and approximate times when each step will be completed (allotting times for things to go south on me). Now that I have followed these steps, then and only then will I start writing the code (planning properly can save you tons of headaches throughout the life of a project).

Too many times I've seen programmers, even seasoned ones, jump right in and start writing code before they completely understand the requirements of the task at hand, causing a lot of backtracking as they go, costing them precious time and missing deadlines.

Now I know I'm not perfect at this, and sometimes not 100% thorough, but I try to follow these steps everytime. I know it sounds like a lot to do before writing my first line of code, but following this saves me time during the lifetime of the project.

So what process do you follow?

[Programming Languages/Technology] Learning Curve in Software Development

Core — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:41:46 -0500

All the time developers have to learn new technologies. This is a permanent process that nobody can stop - only adapt to it. As you see, the programming languages and techniques are updated almost weekly. New languages arise while others disappear and are forgotten.

Still, we all have to update our knowledge according to the new developments. How easy is for you guys, developers or future developers, to understand the new concepts and apply the new knowledge? How long does it take you to learn a new programming language or technology, for example?

From my own experience I can say that I always easily grasped the new concepts. When I started programming I got into it pretty easy and now when it comes to new programming languages or computer technologies, it takes me probably 2 or 3 weeks to learn the main concepts and fundamentals and then it goes fairly fast into advanced classes and libraries.

What about you?

Web Based Game Essentials in PHP

JBrace1990 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:33:46 -0500

First off, i'd like to link to this post. It includes many of the things needed for a game to be developed, though not as detailed as my guide.

Throughout this guide, i'll discuss what is needed for a game world to progress, as well as skills that are needed for such things.

1. Basic Development Skills

To make a game, the first think you need is to decide on which programming language to go with. Since this is the PHP Forum, most of what i'll talk about is PHP and other web based languages, though games can be developed in practically ANY language.

1.1 Coming up with an idea

To make a game, you first need an idea of what it is you want to build. For example, is the game going to be based on an island, or in the far reaches of space? You need to know where it takes place before you start anything else, as it influences your decisions.

For example, in Star Wars, a lightsaber isn't very useful if the movie was made around ship battles instead of inside the ship.

An idea for a game should be something unique. If there's already a game out there with the idea you want, then you need to really promote it for it to be successful, especially if it's based off of player versus player interactions.

1.2 PvP versus PvE

In any game, there's one of three ways to do it, either PvP, PvE, or a combination of both. To help you decide, here's a list of them:

1.2.1 PvP (Player versus Player)

PvP is a biggie in the game world, and also requires the most knowledge to make successfully. While usually combined with PvE, it can sometimes be used by itself. In PvP games, the game itself is based on Player interaction where one player is up against another player. For example, oGame, a popular Space game, is pure PvP. The entire universe runs on players attacking each other, banding together into alliances, and helping out other players that are your allies.

While pure PvP can be fun to some, for others it's too fast paced and unforgiving, which leads us to our next one.

1.2.2 PvE (Player versus Environment)

In PvE games, a player plays against the computer. Think of single player in your favorite game, that's what this is. While there may be interactions, it's usually with an AI (or Artificial Intelligence) that responds to certain inputs with certain outputs (think of it as a math function. If you put in 2, you'll get out 4.). Many times what the player says or does can affect the outcome of his game (once again, think of a game you've played that has multiple endings (Fable for me)).

1.2.3 PvP & PvE

Many successful games combine both PvP and PvE environments to make a game for players that want to do both. Think of very popular games such as [url=http://www.eveonline.com/]Eve
Online[/url] and World of Warcraft. It's up to the player to determine which he wants to play, though they can switch back at any time. For example, in WoW (the common abbreviation for World of Warcraft), players usually start off with PvE elements to level up and unlock new abilities. Then, at higher levels, they can play in PvP matches and try to beat other players characters (with their consent of course).

1.3 Calculations

All games need some type of calculations, whether they're simple or complicated, that's up to you. Any game that has damages, luck, or anything else needs a type of calculation.

Calculations usually use a LOT of math and can take a while to perfect. Don't be afraid to ask for help, DIC is here for that, and as long as you're trying, DIC will be there for you.

Calculations can raise in simplicity from adding, multiplying, etc., all the way up to exponents, functions, trigonometry, etc.. For example, in a baseball game you would need Geometry and Trigonometry to deal with the shape that makes up the baseball diamond. To make it lifelike you would require very complicated algorithms that make use of actual trigonometric functions.

2. Getting the game down

Now that you have a general idea of what you want the game to be, now you need to work on actually making it. If you don't know a programming language, stop right here and go to either W3Schools or Tizag and start learning. Games are an advanced step of programming which requires many of the languages functions, and should not be undertaken by novices.

2.1 Where to start

Where to start is relative to who you are. I know programmers that start with the Database first, and I know ones who start with the scripts. I start with the scripts, and edit the database as I go along to reflect what i've added.

2.1.1 Functions

Functions are the backbone of any well programmed and methodically laid out game. Functions are scripts of program that you use multiple times, and are needed if you use OOP (Object Oriented Programming).

Functions themselves are usually in an included file, to make the code on the actual page easier to read.

2.1.2 Scripts

Scripts are definitely needed for any type of game. They include hard coded things that the player can do, as well as security precautions to protect your database. Just remember that the Database is accessed through your scripts, and that everything needs to be sanitized before it becomes introduced to your database.

2.1.3 Database

The database is the main element of the game, as it stores data to be recalled at another time. Databases can be hacked, however, so i would suggest backing it up daily if possible.

An actual database consists of Tables (which hold rows and columns). The rows are what contains the actual data, and the columns declare what that data is. In a table there's several types that you can declare for it, so make sure that you're using the correct type. For example, if you're storing a true or a false, why use a varchar that can store anything? Just make it a Boolean expression.

2.2 Aesthetic Improvements

The main part of a game is how it looks. if it's a simple text based game with no images, most modern day players would choose another game that is more aesthetically pleasing to them. While the old MS DOS programs that were pure text were nice, and usually had better stories than most modern day games i've played, The gaming Genre has changed from the story of the game to how it looks. Breathtaking cinematics in games such as Final Fantasy have changed gaming forever.

So why have a game that is only text?

2.2.1 Photoshop

Photoshop is the main program for most developers for graphics. It's relatively easy to learn, and does a lot of the work for you. While having a rather large price tag, there's many tutorials online to get you easily started.

2.2.2 Gimp

Gimp is basically a free version of Photoshop. While not designed by the same company, Gimp aims to take out Photoshop and has many of the same features (though it also lacks many).

2.2.3 Blender

Blender differs from the other two in that it produces three-dimensional images (that's right, 3D). Blender is also another free program, and while I don't know many developers that need 3D art, it's worth mentioning to those of you who want that extra aesthetic "kick" to your game.

3. Progressing the game world

All game worlds need to move along, especially if you're making a PvP game where players from around the world can join.

3.1 CronJobs

If you're making the game Web Based, than you can make use of something on most servers: Cronjobs. These are used to execute certain scripts at certain times (IE: every minute, every 5 minutes, every 15 minutes, hourly, daily, Etc.).

If you're making a game that has ranking, then ranking updates can be daily. If you're making one with resources, you might want it to be done every couple of minutes.

3.2 Another Method

While cronjobs are nice, if your server doesn't support them, or you can't figure them out, there IS another option, which i'll try to explain as best I can.

Think of it this way: If no one is online in the game, does anything HAVE to update? You might be saying yes: Resources. But you're wrong. Resources would only need to be update when someone would see them.

So, if you add a time column to your database, and store the last timestamp when it was update, all you need to do is make a script that will update it when it needs to be updated.

For example, lets say you add turns every 5 minutes. A player logs on at 3:00 PM. He plays until 3:20 PM. That means he has updates from 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, and 3:20. Now, if he logs on again at 5:00 pm, he would be missing the time from 3:20 to 5:00, which is 20 updates. Using my method, the script would see that he is missing 20 updates, and would account for that, adding in his 20 updates.

Just think: What's he gonna do with his resources while he's offline?

4. Adding Extra Elements

While the game is now complete (or at least it is in your mind), you might want to add more elements to it. For example, since PHP is Server Side, maybe you want to add in a client side language (think Javascript) that can change things. For example, wouldn't it be really nice to have the server time constantly update without refreshing the page?

5. Tips

Don't expect your game to take off immediately. Every website takes a while to get going, but if you have a nice game going, it will grow and get much larger than it started as.
Don't be afraid to sink some money into it. Few of us are a jack of all trades, and many of us are one trick ponies. What i'm saying is you probably can not do everything yourself. For example, I am horrible at graphic arts. I know how to use Photoshop, I just don't have the eye for it.
Search Engine optimization is a must. This makes it easier for the search engines (google, yahoo, bing) to cache your page and make it available to people searching.
Keywords should be added throughout the page. Don't add in junk keywords that don't emphasize your game.
Above all: Have Fun! You're making a GAME, it should be fun. If you find yourself getting stressed out, then take a break. Rome wasn't built in a day, and if you're developing a game on your own, it will take a while. most of the games out there were not made by one person.

Can a mod please sticky this? Thank you ~ JB

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