Making my own city game [+Image]

[SirChick 184]

Hey

Just thought i would post here as i have been considering making a city game recently. Its ambitious i know but i think i might make the game open source and let people modify / improve it as they see fit.

I have -rough- ideas for it to work online (vaguely) on my own server. It could run a few thousand players quite easily. Although online is not a priority. I might need help on those who are good with their knowledge of real life statistics..such as average house sizes through out the decades. (Yes im considering a early 1900 to modern day type progression). And any and every other important aspect that needs to be in a first release for a city builder.

There would be no hills or ability to create them, all cities consist of flat land (as its beyond my abilities but that might change as i keep working on it).

I am hoping those who do 3D models of buildings would be willing to help add as many as you can to the project once it gets to that stage. As i will not have time to make many (or good ones). Obviously i can't add any of them that you have copyrighted (i also can't pay you for it).

I'm making a game design document, currently 300 pages long and counting i'll release it once i finish it but i always keep changing it as i progress on things. I have worked on MMOs before now with a team, so im aware of the ambition of the task ahead of me! This game will not be as time consuming as an MMO, but i also love making games for fun

Wish me luck! Theres little else i can really mention yet until i have put more thought in to how the engine will work.

EDIT: screen shot added of the most basic version so far

  Edited October 20, 2012 by SirChick  

[nathanthemayor 1,261]

Looks pretty good so far! Good luck with continuing to make it!

[Wiimeiser 444]

So this'll be based on SC3K? (sort of?)

[SirChick 184]

So this'll be based on SC3K? (sort of?)

No it'll use 3D models like Cities XL. I believe SimCity uses static images in isometric pixel art? (Not sure though as i've not looked into SimCity graphics).

Im using flat images for now to get the engine working, i'll then replace them for 3D models later.

  Edited October 20, 2012 by SirChick  

[ComeTogetherOverMe 4]

Will it be modifiable and we can add some new buildings?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

It is necessary to walk before you start thinking about options, my friend.

This is a pretty good start. What kind of development software are you using? For 3D have you looked at some of the OpenGL packages (Clutter, for example)?

The most important part is to stay away from Microsoft lock ins, and stay portable (at least at source code level). The big market is on mobile units, so you have to be able to port to them as well as other PCs. DirectX should be avoided at all costs.

  Edited October 20, 2012 by A Nonny Moose  

[SirChick 184]

It is necessary to walk before you start thinking about options, my friend.

This is a pretty good start. What kind of development software are you using? For 3D have you looked at some of the OpenGL packages (Clutter, for example)?

The most important part is to stay away from Microsoft lock ins, and stay portable (at least at source code level). The big market is on mobile units, so you have to be able to port to them as well as other PCs. DirectX should be avoided at all costs.

I'm sticking with OpenGL, can't fault DX for its capabilities but OpenGL will get more players which is essential for the online aspect. I been making game projects for years now.

Mobile phones are unlikely to be able to handle this game I'm aiming for PC players. Mobiles just don't have the hardware spec.

And yes you can add buildings with a simple import window

  Edited October 20, 2012 by SirChick  

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Good, good! Now, if you haven't looked at clutter, take a look. It has the advantage of using XML scripts for your 3D object operations.

[SirChick 184]

Thanks for the tip, i will do some research on it - if you have other suggestions let me know i will look them up also

[lew1984 231]

I wish you luck with your endeavour, I would love to do something like this but unfortunantly computer programing is not one of my better skills lol.