Messages

1

AI War Technical Support / Re: Pre Sales Questions

« on: December 19, 2011, 07:51:27 PM »

Thanks for all the help with this question. 

I purchased the game and the expansion packs on Steam and as was mentioned by orzelek, Steam will let you see the CD keys prior to installing the game. 

Now for some gaming fun..... :-)

2

Game Development / Re: Newbie Game Development Questions

« on: December 12, 2011, 07:11:03 PM »

x4000,
Thanks for the comprehensive reply! 

Code: [Select]

do whatever it takes to "get to the good part" of whatever it is you are most interested in at the moment.
This is great advise.  I tend to get caught up in the "bare metal" because my background is low level drivers for mission critical applications.  I tend to have the mindset that I need to code everything myself from the ground up so I know exactly what is going on.  That's why C is so attractive for these types of applications- you can get down almost to the assembler level (almost) and have precise control over things.

For game programming that may not be necessary and I should take advantage of higher level languages like C# and existing game engines.  I think I'll take this to finally learn C#. 

As a far as picking a game engine.  What are the characteristics that you need to look for besides that it's compatible with the language you plan to program with?  For instance, are some game engines more suited towards FPS, PRG, RTS, TBS, etc...  I'm still trying to get my arms around exactly what a game engine will provide.  I envision that they would provide interfaces to the user inputs, screen outputs, in game unit classes, physics, etc.  It that correct?

Thanks again....

3

Game Development / Newbie Game Development Questions

« on: December 11, 2011, 05:47:22 PM »

First I wanted to say that I just recently discovered Arcen Games and really like their attitude towards their games and their community.   I'm still playing my way through the AI War demo and am loving it!

I have a solid background in embedded C programming for automotive and aerospace applications.  I've always wanted to delve into some game programming for the PC or Linux.  Finding the Arcen games website and forums has resparked this interest.  Especially since I have free time around Christmas and New Years to experiment.

I want to start of by doing some experiments with AI and the graphical interface.  Perhaps something like making some game units (ships) follow a path drawn by the user with the  mouse.  Or perhaps make the different units align themselves in different patterns on command by the user's mouse input.    I reserved this book from the local library and it looks like a great resource: http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Game-Example-Mat-Buckland/dp/1556220782/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323642810&sr=8-1

Back in the day I briefly experimented with OpenGL 1.2 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005C++ and that seemed to work pretty good.

So, the question is, what tools (compiler, Graphics library, etc) would you recommend I experiment with?  I prefer to code in C or C++ if possible.  I need something that will let me start focusing on the AI part of the project relatively quickly.  If possible, I don't want to spend more than a day or two setting up the environment and learning the user interface for the mouse and screen output etc.

AI War looks really good.  Does AI War use OpenGL?  I figure it can't be using DirectX if it also works on the Mac.

Thanks!

Thank.
 

4

AI War Technical Support / Re: Pre Sales Questions

« on: December 10, 2011, 07:47:23 PM »

Or was there a specific reason you wanted to buy it from them?

I have credit on Steam and want to use it.

5

AI War Technical Support / Re: Pre Sales Questions

« on: December 10, 2011, 07:45:53 PM »

Perhaps I'm seeing something different than other folks, but when in steam I:
- on the top bar, click on "Library"
- on the games list along the left side, click on "AI War: Fleet Command"
- on the "Links" list along the right side, click on "CD Key"

It pops up a box displaying my key for the base game and all 3 expansion keys.

I don't think you have to have installed the game for that to show up.

I dont see that "CD Key" option for any of the games I've purchased on Steam.  Did you buy your game on Stream or did you buy the game somewhere else and then add your CDKEYS to steam?

6

AI War Technical Support / Re: Pre Sales Questions

« on: December 10, 2011, 06:05:39 PM »

I looked in my steam account and don't see where I can find the CDKEYS for any of my other games.  I'm wondering if Steam isn't setup to tell you the CDKEY.  The reason I'm asking is because I'm planning to remove Steam from my computer and don't want to buy any more games that are locked into using Steam.  Thanks.

7

AI War Technical Support / Re: Pre Sales Questions

« on: December 10, 2011, 12:33:20 PM »

tigersfan-
Thanks for the fast response!  Let me know about the keys with Steam.  Are you a Tigers fan as in Detroit Tigers?  I'm also a Detriot Tigers fan.

8

AI War Technical Support / Pre Sales Questions

« on: December 10, 2011, 12:10:37 PM »

Hi.  I just found the AI War game on Steam.  Where has this game been all my life??  The demo is awesome and I want to buy the game and expansions.  I also really like how the developers are a small company and interact with the users on the Arcen Website.  I also like Arcen's philosophy on DRM.

I have a few "pre-sales" questions...
1) If I buy the game and expansion packs on Steam, does steam send me the game key via email?  Do I need to then install the game via Steam or could I just download the game via the Arcen website and use the key provided by Steam?  I'd prefer to buy the games on Steam to get the keys but then not use Steam to install or run them.

2) Can I install the game on my PC and Mac with the same Keys?  I would only be using one at any given time but I like to switch between the two machines depending on what else I am doing.

Thanks!!