Where to start?

[Tiles]

I have no clue where to start with programming in Gamecore. I am totally lost. Which has stopped me using Gamecore yet. Now i want to change this.

For the 3D Gamestudio there is the Lite C Workshops for the 3D Gamestudio. And after them i was able to do at least some basic things. Does something similar exist for Gamecore scripting? Some workshops? Something to start with?

[pixel_legolas]

Yeah there is a workshop for learning GC. You will make a RPG and people say it's good. I don't have address but people will post it here soon i believe What i did was to open all files in the templates and examine them, plus reading the script manual. But it can be good the learn from people who know it also.

[Tiles]

Thanks. So i need to wait a bit more it seems

[zknack]

Tiles,

I was one of the early ones to go through the game design class/workshop for GC/BV.  The course goes over just about any and everything you could want to learn to get started with GC.  I believe they still have a 'check it out' type thing, to make up your mind on it. While I really don't generally have extra cash to throw on something- I still find myself rewatching the tutorial videos & going back over the coursework.

After you /if you finish the course, they are quite incredible on support & helping you figure out how to do things later with the engine and the framework they provide.  The framework they provide is continuously updated as well, making it a continued 'worth-while' purchase.

There are still some things I wish they showed that they don't have *yet* like a shop example, and a visual inventory system, but it's something that I've gotten to work half-way with my own cobbled together coding fumblings.  But, honestly- as a whole, it's worth the cost just for the framework.

The website is:
http://www.3dgamedesign.co.uk/

At least check it out, and do their starter kit (which pales to the rest of the course, but whatever ;-) )

[Tiles]

Thanks for the advice. But i don't search for a commercial courses solution at the moment. That would cover too much stuff i already know. I am especially interested in anything Gamecore related and how to start with programming in GC. I really search for the starting point

[Squat]

You can try my approach. I just go in and start doing. As soon as I hit a hurdle that I cannot get past myself, I come up with a list of questions. This board here, the scripting forums, is where I started. If you read some of my earlier posts, you'll see what I went after first.

Naturally, you'll do the whole "hello world" thing and get a quick handle on the console aswell as the basic syntax. The good news is that if you have prior coding experience, in almost any language, then you have a headstart on GC because Angel Script is C-based...which means it's the same dang thing you've seen for years. There are minor syntax differences that can halt you like happened to me, but just ask your questions and patiently wait while you explore the other things you need.

I started out by learning how to trigger and call events. I then wanted to get a reading on an object's position, rotation...etc. I knew I would need that for my project. I then wanted to see if I could start counting values based on my inputs, from multiple sources...so I needed to learn how to pass variables. That opened practically every closed door I had. I then tried to make something disappear and reappear. Then I tried scaling something in code (which I didn't get to work). I then started on basic mechanics such as rotating and moving objects and lights.

I now have the start of an intro, 4 characters that actually do things, a main goal that opens up a large door, lightswitches that turn off and on different lights and several other minor goodies that I know I'll be putting in my game.

You might wanna start there. Figure out what you need for your game...the "kind" of control...not exactly what you wanna do yet. Then ask. We'll help you get started and that course I hear is pretty good. I, however, firmly believe you can learn it all yourself and save the money. I started this belief after spending 40k on loans only to come home the day after graduation to fire up the internet and find everything I just paid for free, online.

[zknack]

The best advice I can give is to sit down & read the manuals- both the old Beyond Virtual one, and the new Doc's.

The examples given in them really do walk one through most -common- tasks.

For things that are uncommon, picking up a book from the library or used book store on the C languages is a good idea,
as Angelscript is *very* similar in function as well as form.

I've provided a new HUD and health system example on the boards here, as well as how to get 'pick up and throw' type
or traps/puzzles all in one script- it's fairly well documented, and may help a bit on getting ones head around the non-
standard.

Also, looking through Jim's examples at:
http://ridereport.net/bv/

Also a few on destructible geometry:
http://scripturn.com/video_SFRh_CkMZsc.html
(wish we could access the old BV forums for scripts like that... sigh...)

And others the rest of the forum have posted ;-)

[Tiles]

Many thanks. Will do

Would be neat to have something like the Lite C Workshops though, just for GameCore scripting instead

[zknack]

Eh, we kind did have them on the old forums, just not quite as robust.

However- some of the basics of the scripts from the Lite-C workshops definitely applies in GC though.

Both are C base type scripting languages, it's just the different mechanics of using them ;-)

[Tiles]

So let's hope that i find it easier to find my way into Angelscript then

Have just covered the basics of Lite C though ...

[zknack]

Aye, I hope you do too-

While trying to *not* sound like a fanboy of GC,

I own A7, BV/GC, and Torque.

Out of the 3, I use BV/GC wayyyyyy more than the other 2. While yes there is more scripts
available for the other 2 (and some things that I'm stillll trying to accomplish in BV/GC that
I can just drag & drop in the others), BV/GC is so much more user friendly that it's downright
silly.

My 2cents, and I hope you stay with us Tiles :-)

[Tiles]

I would love to stay. Because honestly the 3D Gamestudio drives me crazy with the simplest things. I just need to find out how to use this baby here

[BigDaz]

I'm in the same boat Tiles I'm like some scripting workshops as opposed to ready made examples.

The course from 3dgamedesign.co.uk is good but doesn't really provide much information on scripting, it's more about art and design. In fact they actually provide you with template code so that you actually avoid programming. They may do a more scripting orientated course in the future so I'd look out for that.

[Ron]

Just keep plugging forward. Myself included, alot of us are learning as we go. The examples and this forum are your best friend.

[Tiles]

Thanks Big Daz, now i'm happy that i haven't signed up this course. Scripting is my missing bit ^^

And thanks for the hint with the examples Ron. It's just that there is not this much around at the moment

Where i'm totally lost is where to put what. And at what end to start. I have downloaded the space invader example game. And understand nothing. So that bit is too big for now. Any suggestions for something simpler? What i would love to see is something like a video how to setup a basic game, codewise. Something very simple like moving around a block or so.