most recent 30 from http://www.gamestruction.com 2010-09-07T09:45:38Z http://www.gamestruction.com/feeds http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/97/where-can-i-buy-premade-sprites-3d-game-assets fafafafa 2010-05-11T07:23:36Z 2010-09-05T00:23:34Z

<p>where can i purchase premade 2d sprites....better what tools are used to create 2d sprites ?</p> <p>is there a magic tool that can automatically convert pictures to pixel sprite characters?</p> <p>is there a market place where you can purchase these game assets ?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/3/what-options-are-there-for-hosted-websites-and-blogs MrPhil 2009-11-12T05:08:05Z 2010-09-02T04:23:26Z

<p>I'm looking for a hands-off solution for hosting my website and blog. Cheap is nice, but reliability and easy of use are more important.</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/9/are-there-any-success-stories-using-kickstarter-to-fund-game-development MrPhil 2009-11-15T18:37:43Z 2010-09-02T04:23:26Z

<p>Are there any success stories using <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/" rel="nofollow">Kickstarter</a> to fund game development? Has anyone used Kickstarter to fund game development? Can you share any experience or perspective?</p> <p>According to the site there have been 4 successfully funded games: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rinkuhero/saturated-dreamers-igf-fee-and-misceallenous-deve-0" rel="nofollow">Saturated Dreamers</a> <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/VinceTwelve/resonance-retro-styled-adventure-game-contest-e" rel="nofollow">Resonance</a> <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markessen/help-fund-my-brutal-arcade-game" rel="nofollow">Flywrench</a> <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Turba/turba-indie-music-puzzle-game" rel="nofollow">Turba</a></p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/104/can-anyone-recommend-a-language-for-making-a-parody-remake-of-the-original-oregon Ryan 2010-08-25T22:57:01Z 2010-09-01T02:00:22Z

<p>My brother and I have been playing the original Oregon Trail on an Apple II emulator, it's so fun. We want to make a clone of it that is sort of a parody but still the same concept and similar engine, we also want to maintain the classic retro charm by using a very similar resolution and the same style of low color bitmap graphics (example from game: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOLN7I8omY" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOLN7I8omY</a>).</p> <p>My question is what's the easiest or recommended language to achieve this? Should we use C, is it hard to do bitmap graphics like this in C? I know I used to make games as a kid with QBasic and I would do graphics using some bitmap method via an array of strings if I recall correctly it was something like this:</p> <pre><code>(can't remember variable syntax) = "00,01,00,01,00,04,00" (can't remember variable syntax) = "00,01,00,01,00,04,00" (can't remember variable syntax) = "00,01,00,01,00,04,00" </code></pre> <p>where each two digit number is a pixel, colored based on the number...</p> <p>Anyways I think I've provided enough info here, recommend away :)</p> <p>EDIT: I'm most familiar with the syntax style of C# at this point in my career.</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/52/what-python-game-engines-exist MrPhil 2010-02-16T18:16:51Z 2010-06-28T18:42:25Z

<p>I've been learning Python for fun and wondered what game engine exist for it. I am aware of Pygame, but are there any others? I'd be particularly interested in any with a tool path to Flash?</p> <p><strong>Update:</strong> I made this a community wiki because there is no right answer. Feel free to add resource and a small description.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pyglet.org/" rel="nofollow">pyglet</a> - an object-oriented programming interface for developing games and other visually-rich applications for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/100/link-not-working-properly Amos 2010-06-14T09:33:07Z 2010-06-14T17:51:20Z

<p>Hi Mr Phil</p> <p>Sad news that this site is going to die on July 13th. I've bookmarked your blog, but the link to it at the bottom of <a href="http://www.gamestruction.com/death" rel="nofollow">the message about the imminent death of Gamestruction</a> doesn't work, it tries to link to a page at "http://www.gamestruction.com/www.MrPhilGames.com" instead.</p> <p>Thanks for providing this site. I see that your other Stack Exchange site is going as well. Very sad.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Amos</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/25/what-free-color-wheel-or-color-picker-tools-are-available MrPhil 2009-12-10T17:27:51Z 2010-05-26T16:08:37Z

<p>I find myself often trying to decide on a color palette but haven't found a tool that really makes the job easier and simple. Ideally it would have a nice GUI where you select colors, visually see them working together and provides the css and Red Green Blue (RGB) values for them.</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/5/how-much-money-can-a-flash-game-make MrPhil 2009-11-13T05:01:37Z 2010-05-17T20:01:04Z

<p>Well? How much?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/53/list-of-game-development-contests MrPhil 2010-02-18T19:16:38Z 2010-05-13T00:23:24Z

<p>Please list name with a link, the date of the next contest and a short description.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://www.kokoromi.org/gamma/" rel="nofollow">Gamma</a></strong> GDC 2011?</li> <li><strong><a href="http://ludumdare.com/" rel="nofollow">Ludum Dare</a></strong> April 23-25 2010 - 48 hours one man</li> <li><strong><a href="http://www.pyweek.org" rel="nofollow">PyWeek</a></strong> March 28 - April 4 2010 - Team or Solo one week, must be in Python</li> <li><strong><a href="http://experimentalgameplay.com/" rel="nofollow">Experimental Gameplay Project</a></strong> - Monthly - 7 days, solo</li> </ul>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/12/how-do-you-sell-games-online MrPhil 2009-11-19T16:40:15Z 2010-05-11T20:11:11Z

<p>How do you sell games online? How do you self-publish using the internet? Does anyone have any advice on selling games?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/61/where-are-the-best-xna-tutorials MrPhil 2010-03-13T20:58:36Z 2010-05-11T19:19:05Z

<p>I'm learning to use XNA and wondered if there is a secret treasure trove of tutorials somewhere. I'm particularly interested in 2D and GUI tutorials.</p> <p><strong>Update:</strong> Made this a community wiki, feel free to add new resources.</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.xnadevelopment.com/" rel="nofollow">XNA Development</a> - with easy to follow tutorials and code samples for game development with a strong focus on 2D game development.</li> <li><a href="http://rbwhitaker.wikidot.com/xna-tutorials" rel="nofollow">RB Whitaker's XNA Tutorials</a> - Beautiful graphic visualization of the tutorials so you can jump to the parts that interest you the most.</li> </ul>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/88/what-is-the-simplest-tutorial-or-example-for-creating-an-xbox-or-ps3-game Carlo 2010-04-15T20:53:35Z 2010-04-29T23:23:29Z

<p>Even if it is just Pong, I'm really curious. Let me know. Thanks!</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/92/what-pitfalls-are-there-when-programming-a-game-in-c-net-with-slimdx Michael Barth 2010-04-16T21:38:34Z 2010-04-22T16:15:14Z

<p>Since C# is executed in a virtual machine utilizing a garbage collector, there can be some problems with performance-critical applications like games as far as I've heard. Which aspects are escpecially critical when using C# with SlimDX for a game and how can you circumvent those limitations?</p> <p>I would like to hear some advice, be it a concrete code sample or some piece of advice on which areas/subsystems are especially susceptible for problems caused by C#.</p> <p>I'm asking because I am going to program my first game in C# using DirectX10 through the SlimDX wrapper library. As there are many obstacles, I at least would like to avoid some common pitfalls caused by the programming language/runtime environment.</p> <p>btw, a C# and SlimDX tag would be useful :)</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/73/what-benefits-does-net-4-offer-to-games Michael Barth 2010-04-13T05:18:11Z 2010-04-22T03:04:29Z

<p>Hey guys,</p> <p>with the upcoming release of the .NET Framework 4.0 I was wondering what the new version would offer to game programmers. What do you think which <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms171868%28VS.100%29.aspx" rel="nofollow">new features</a> will be the most beneficial ones for game development in C#?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/93/what-do-die-hard-fans-want-from-indie-game-developers MrPhil 2010-04-18T00:27:23Z 2010-04-18T00:42:55Z

<p>I read this article: <a href="http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2008/03/1000_true_fans.php" rel="nofollow">1,000 True Fans</a> I like the idea because by offering something physical and rare to your core audience you mitigate the damage pirates can do (at least in theory.) The question is what can you offer your 1000 true fans?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/47/what-makes-a-great-game-studio-name MrPhil 2010-01-30T00:58:52Z 2010-04-18T00:16:47Z

<p>What resources, tips, hints and guidelines should one follow when naming their game studo?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/74/looking-for-general-purpose-level-editors MrPhil 2010-04-13T21:34:05Z 2010-04-16T20:51:04Z

<p>I'd like to use someone general purpose level editor instead of writing my own, any recommendations?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/22/game-engine-architecture-tutorial a_m0d 2009-12-03T07:22:24Z 2010-04-16T11:54:45Z

<p>I'm interested in writing a game engine (mostly just as an "academic" exercise, but hopefully it will be usable in general).</p> <p>I've been searching online for tutorials to help me with designing the architecture of the engine, but I haven't really found much. I'm aware that there are a few sub-systems that I will need to manage (resources, levels, game objects and collisions between them, etc.) but I have no idea what is the best way to go about creating and managing these sub-systems.</p> <p>Can any one help me out to start with this, either by providing me with some info, or by giving me links (or both)?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/16/what-book-or-online-tutorials-would-you-recommend-to-learn-programming MrPhil 2009-12-01T05:39:20Z 2010-04-15T12:56:32Z

<p>What book or online tutorials would you recommend to learn programming?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/49/what-are-the-proven-game-engines MrPhil 2010-02-01T22:39:57Z 2010-04-14T23:36:24Z

<p>What game engines are available with a proven track record of published games? </p> <p>Details that I think are important:</p> <ul> <li>What platforms do they target? (Windows, Mac, Linux, Flash, Web (other than Flash), iPhone, Android, Xbox, PS3 and Wii)</li> <li>Which one is the least expensive? </li> <li>What languages do you work with them in?</li> </ul>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/64/good-websites-and-or-books-to-learn-game-algorithms Moshe 2010-03-23T00:50:16Z 2010-04-14T22:58:18Z

<p>I've asked this question on Stackoverflow and was referred here. (This post is mis-tagged because I am new here and can't make new one.)</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/75/stack-exchange-2-0 Amos 2010-04-14T06:37:42Z 2010-04-14T22:29:54Z

<p>Do you have any idea how the change to Stack Exchange 2.0 detailed <a href="http://blog.stackexchange.com/post/518474918/stack-exchange-2-0" rel="nofollow">here</a> will effect Gamestruction.com?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/70/whats-a-good-pixel-art-editor jjackson 2010-03-28T02:56:33Z 2010-03-29T12:53:00Z

<p>Right now I'm doing all my editing in <a href="http://www.getpaint.net/" rel="nofollow">Paint.NET</a> which is pretty decent. However, I feel like there should be a more pixel art specific editor out there. Here are a few features I'm specifically looking for:</p> <ul> <li>Easy color index editing (I'm using just a few colors for my current project)</li> <li>Easy ability to edit a sprite while viewing it tiled</li> <li>Ability to edit an image (such as a building or tree) and then split it into tiles</li> <li>Visually outline tile sizes</li> <li>Basic features such as layers and all the other good stuff any good editor has.</li> </ul> <p>All of these are things I can and am doing manually right now. Pixel art is such an old and widely used art style that I figure someone has to have made an editor which specifically caters to its uses. </p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/58/what-is-the-best-cross-platform-media-api-to-use-with-net MrPhil 2010-03-03T21:49:32Z 2010-03-05T03:33:29Z

<p>If you where starting out in game developed using C# or another .Net language with a long term aim at cross-platform support what would be the best media API to use? I know SDL has an SDL.Net project, but wasn't sure how well it has aged.</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/54/how-to-design-and-build-games-does-anybody-have-some-good-resources-for-this Amos 2010-02-18T20:31:33Z 2010-02-21T21:12:08Z

<p>Hi </p> <p>I've been reading through <a href="http://www.rbgrn.net/content/215-light-racer-3d-development-journal" rel="nofollow">The Light Racer 3D Development Journal</a> by Robert Green, which details a lot of the steps he went through to redesign his Light Racer Game for Android. There's lots of good stuff including some code snippets about how to do various things, and how to organise things.</p> <p>Has anybody else come across any similar websites, or online resources?</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Amos</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/31/good-2d-platformer-environment-collision-methods James Hofmann 2010-01-03T05:34:34Z 2010-02-20T06:18:01Z

<p>I've tried many different methods of getting entities to move around environments(for platformers - and other 2D scrolling games). The three issues I keep seeing over and over are:</p> <ol> <li><p>Difficulties caused by abstract representations of shapes - when you represent a humanoid as a rectangle you start having to add fussy hacks to indicate how the "feet" and "head" work, and if it also changes pose to crouch or roll, the collision has to shrink and grow as well, dealing with nearby overhangs and protrusions.</p></li> <li><p>With a lot of methods I've seen, sliding, climbing, and other behaviors have to be compensated back in because the basic collision response can only ensure that shapes are "abstractly" separated, without necessarily respecting the original movement vector's intent.</p></li> <li><p>If the environment changes shape or moves, it becomes way harder to plan appropriate corner-case behavior.</p></li> </ol> <p>Tell me how you deal with these things (or how you avoid dealing with them!)</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/20/what-are-some-good-resources-when-updating-my-resume-or-cv MrPhil 2009-12-02T20:35:41Z 2010-02-12T05:25:48Z

<p>I was wondering if there was any good advice on resume writing specific to the game development industry?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/10/is-there-a-good-explination-somewhere-for-whats-what-in-the-adobe-product-world MrPhil 2009-11-16T05:23:53Z 2010-02-02T21:22:36Z

<p>I've tried to wrap my mind around the dizzying array of colored box Adobe calls products, but can't nail down what I really need. Is there an help guide or cheat sheet explaining all this somewhere?</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/27/which-e-commerce-service-should-i-use MrPhil 2009-12-18T17:11:47Z 2010-01-16T09:24:18Z

<p>I was wondering what the pros and cons are of the different e-commerce providers are, like Plimus and BMT Micro.</p>

http://www.gamestruction.com/questions/44/who-do-you-recommend-for-hosting-files-so-they-download-fast MrPhil 2010-01-14T05:09:30Z 2010-01-14T05:30:35Z

<p>I need some place to host my exe so people cn download them fast and easy. Who do you recommend?</p>