Video Game References: 3D Models, Degrees, Associations & Other Useful Links
I find that I visit so many different sites I can’t keep them straight and I can’t remember to update my delicious account. So I started adding them as resources on my main website when I found one I liked or wanted to go back to someday in the future. Here’s a list you may want to check them out for yourself. I’ve added my own comments and knowledge thrown into the mix:
Game Engines
G3D Engine – good tool libraries, large free model collections
Torque Engine – popular with independent developers
Unreal Engine – it’s a classic… now available for free.
MMO Specific
Unity 3D – in browser 3D MMO games, quickly gaining popularity as an engine. Has iPhone and Wii capabilities.
Byond – not really an engine so much as a point and click game maker
Irrlicht – i really like this one, runs fast, lightweight, nice toolset. Free. Showcase includes
Ogre 3D – i found this one to be way too complicated and not very well planned out. API was hard to use and understand if you want something you can just jump into and start programming.
Flash Specific
SmartFoxServer – Specifically for Flash MMOs. I’ve chosen this one for an MMO I have in production. Free for up to 20 users, license required for 100, 500, and unlimited users ($300 – $3,000 dollars). Showcase games include Club Penguin, Atlantas and facebook’s app YoVille, and Build-a-Bear Workshop.
Red5 Server – Completely open source and free. If you’re looking to build on your own functionality this one is for you
Electro Server – Haven’t had a chance to play around with this one but it has a free 25 user version. Licenses for up to 500 – 200,000 users ($700 to $4,500+) — no unlimited license that I could find. Showcase games include WebKinz, Nickeldeon and Barbie Let’s Chat.
3D Models
TurboSquid – largest collection of models made in Maya
Poitra – expensive but nice stuff
Archive 3D – all free models
3D Extras – free models
3D Software
Maya – industry leader, costs a fortune though
3Ds Max – also an industry leader but cheaper than Maya. Owned by the same company.
Blender – free, can integrate python and lua scripting. Good support community, so-so documentation.
Drawing & Art Software
Photoshop -leading graphic art software, if you don’t have this you might as well quit now…
Painter – exclusively for people drawing with tablets
Gimp – essentially a free version of photoshop
Associations
ECA – Electronic Consumers Association
ESA – Electronic Software Association
ESRB – Entertainment Software Rating Board
IGDA – International Game Developers Association
Artists
Geninne – artist in Mexico, I want her on one of my projects one day
Creative Thursday – artists post to a new topic every thursday, great way to find a diamond in the rough
Illustration Friday – same as Creative Thursday with a bigger following
Simon Reeves – freelance 3D artist. Has done several commercials so I doubt he’s cheap.
Sarah J How – worked with her on graphics for one of my pet games. Highly recommended. She was a texture/character artists for Deep Red Games, looks like she’s running her own studio now.
DeviantArt.com – tons of various artists. As a last resort you can probably find someone here.
