Phoenix Network Forums

I am planning to create a cross-platform, open source game with SDL and OpenGL in C/C++, similar to Command and Conqueror and/or Age of Empires, but on a more massive scale. The basic feature is that one controls characters individually or in a group on a large map from a top down, or angled view. The theme for this game would be modern day war, where users control artillery, tanks, infantry, to engage in battle on various maps- urban streetfighting to fighting over a bridge.

I was thinking that since most phoenix network users know some C/C++ programming, and possibly some SDL or OpenGL. We can pool together our skills to create such a game, and make it a learning experience. Maybe I'm overestimating the community, but I think it's a great idea we could possibly pursue.

So some rough requirements would be:
1. knowledge of C/C++
2. knowledge of SDL and/or OpenGL or other 3d graphics libraries would be nice
or
3. knowledge of modelling and other graphical art...

(discuss!)

This is for the community to discuss... If you abhor the game idea, but like the idea of a community generated project, or just want to comment, discuss here!

To develop a open source game is a great idea, but it also is too hard to program.
If there are a lot of programmers to develop the game, it can be done, but with few programmers will be completely impossible to develop such a game.

ps: I'm interested to participate and I know C++ and a little of SDL.

waw... A game developed by users in the phoenix community? Good idea.. But is it possible to work with other people you don't know and are, maybe, away from you?

I'd like to help though I know nothing about the language..

I like the idea; however, I'm not an expert on this stuff either. My programing experience is limited to scripting and the only APIs I know well are Web ones. I can do graphics, and I've got a brother whose studying modeling (I'm pretty sure he'd be happy to help).

From my experience with small failed community projects, you need to be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. Release early, release often. You'll need a dedicated leader to get the thing off the ground. IRC and forums are critical. Artwork always helps too.

One idea is to start off writting it in a scripting language like Python or Perl and then individually port modules to C as it progresses. That gives you a lot more agility so it's easier to fix poor decisions made at the beginning.

As far as game-play. If you are thinking of just making a classic RTS only bigger, than you might want to get some suggestions from the glest people.

I for one am still waiting for a game that will do justice to the realistic RTS genre. I haven't seen anything since Close Combat that was worth paying for. I loved those games, but I think I'm a minority.

arn0ld wrote:But is it possible to work with other people you don't know and are, maybe, away from you?

Happens all the time on coding forums etc.

If this is still relavent I'd like to help. (i know c++ and is sdl complex?)