I was thinking about getting some people together to make a real pc game that we could sell for a little bit and actually have a cd and everything. Can you sell halflife mods?.. Even with some of their content used?
I could contribute mapping and compose all of the music. I could also make models but I need a little more practice. I would just need coders, texture makers, and modelers. Im really just thinking out loud and seeing what anyone else thinks about doing this together. I imagine a plot somewhere slightly in the future with somewhat a theme like half life two but with the gold engine. I love adventure games as well, it would be cool to make one somewhat like zelda. I know this seems impossible but we would plan everything out from the beggining and try to actually finish. Not everything would be perfect and we could sell it for like 10 bucks. Its not so much about the money but I just feel that charging some ammount would drive us to make the game so much better and it would target the public more. We would come up with a team and decide who does what once the game is planned out, set dead lines for everything and make it happen. I know its hard to find coders that can do all this but we could have quite a few working together and the game doesn't have to have any crazy features. Just a really well put together story line.
Making a pc game to sell
Created 14 years ago2010-01-04 15:25:16 UTC by
zeeba-G
Created 14 years ago2010-01-04 15:25:16 UTC by
zeeba-G
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 15:35:24 UTC
Post #277296
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 15:38:35 UTC
Post #277298
With excelent made open source games(which are obviously free), it would be hard to sell without coming with an original ideea, like Portal did. Or garry's mod.
Maybe a possibility would be to put a donate paypal button on the mod's site...
I'd be happy to participate, if it's source based
Maybe a possibility would be to put a donate paypal button on the mod's site...
I'd be happy to participate, if it's source based
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 15:43:40 UTC
Post #277299
Well think like this, who wouldn't pay ten bucks for a game that looks like say zelda but different and for the pc. Im saying it would be nothing at all like halflife. Right now im only capable of mapping for gold. My computer compiles extremely slowly for source. The donation thing sounds like not a bad idea but I really think that if we had the drive to sell it we would make it way better.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 15:45:12 UTC
Post #277300
I'm totally in. do you want to stick to vanilla HL or will this involve superman(spirit)?
I have tons of ideas for licensing a 3rd party mod, but i really like the idea of sticking to the original theme if you end up going that route. i'm going to replay the original game and all the expansions (OpFor, BS, and decay--which i've never played any of these three yet) just to get in the proper mood.
edit: oh it's NOT gonna be like the original game. ok got it =)
I'm in if you can use me! (i can really only map and i've compiled a couple prop models, tho i've always wanted to start animating. (milkshape) What is the best program to use for HL1 modeling? (i'm guessing milkshape but i really don't know)
I have tons of ideas for licensing a 3rd party mod, but i really like the idea of sticking to the original theme if you end up going that route. i'm going to replay the original game and all the expansions (OpFor, BS, and decay--which i've never played any of these three yet) just to get in the proper mood.
edit: oh it's NOT gonna be like the original game. ok got it =)
I'm in if you can use me! (i can really only map and i've compiled a couple prop models, tho i've always wanted to start animating. (milkshape) What is the best program to use for HL1 modeling? (i'm guessing milkshape but i really don't know)
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 15:56:57 UTC
Post #277301
I use blender but i've never textured a model so I need some more experience. I want to map everything but theres no way I ever could for an entire game in a timely manner you would be awesome help. I was thinking almost completely not vanilla and all custom content. Rimrook could help map too and he's really good at making textures. And modeling and if we made models perhaps rim could make textures for them. Everyone would get an equal ammount of the profit but before we start we will come up with who is going to do what. Imagine a cool adventure game. I can make some really cool models, I just need to finish them. I made a blue herron that could open and close his mouth and turn side to side and stuff but I never finsihed it. And I made a deagle and a bass"fish" that could open his mouth.. My favorite part of zelda ocarina of time is when link is a child and walking through the over world those flying plants lift off and chase you shooting smaller ones at you. Hmm im not experienced with spirit but I could get so if you think its worth it I mean why not. That already opens up so many new doors. Well anyways I have an entire semester before I go off to u of h and im only taking one class this sem. so I will have lots of free time besides working a lot.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 16:08:16 UTC
Post #277303
I'm not well aquainted with spirit, but i've been dying to mod for something with new entities like Sven COOP or Spirit.
Do you want me to stick to mapping or should i start brushing up on modeling?
Do you want me to stick to mapping or should i start brushing up on modeling?
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 16:30:00 UTC
Post #277306
Remember that you can't sell anything made by Valve, for example you can't base your code on the code from the Half-Life SDK. Spirit is based on that code, too.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 16:39:19 UTC
Post #277308
you can license it, right?
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 16:43:22 UTC
Post #277309
Probably, but the question is, will Valve be interested in doing so? You can of course mail them and ask.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 16:48:00 UTC
Post #277310
The donation thing sounds like not a bad idea but I really think that if we had the drive to sell it we would make it way better.The important thing here is to attract the sympathy of those who try the game. If "we\you" can do that( assuming there will be a "we", or "you"), your mission in the effort of doing money with it is done. What you need to do next is introduce "special" in-game features that are available only for money. Like svencoop did with its electric crowbar.
Remember, I'm available for recruit if you'll ever change your mind and choose the Source engine(which is anyway newer and would attract more players, something old doesn't really attract players).
At this moment I know how to make maps for source and model(+texturing) simple static\physics props( by simple I mean "as a whole" not the geometry of that prop).
I use blender for that.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 17:12:38 UTC
Post #277311
Captain, yea you should brush up on modeling to atleast make props/ trees, shrubs, pots etc. I hate the idea of paying for stuff like "a new weapon". That seems to always be how they get you. I think it should cost 5-10 bucks and thats it. Hmm well I wonder if we can base our code on theres for sure or not. I guess we could ask them. Either way is there any good coders on this site? Striker, your right about source but I just can't map for it and it would probably make the game more complicated than it needs to be. Theres a lot to a game that makes it good. Great music I believe is a must. Just look at mario and zelda, Koji Kondo made the games awesome. It wouldn't take source to make ocarina of time. Well graphics wise anyway. Megaman is a good game because of its music. I also love super metroid because of its music. Zelda is also really fun imo because of the feeling of adventure. Its really cool how you grow up in ocarina of time. We could do something like this where the player transforms as he becomes wiser. In all of these games you get more weapons and items as you go. We could try for a not so realistic game which would probably make it easier to make too. Zelda is realistic in some ways but in others it isnt.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 17:54:34 UTC
Post #277312
You can not use anyone else's content without permission for financial gain. Period.
Licensing an engine costs a fuckload of money.
Licensing an engine costs a fuckload of money.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 18:00:37 UTC
Post #277313
my friend mark said you can licence the quake 3 for about 6k quid.. how much could Goldsource possibly be? =)
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 18:01:57 UTC
Post #277314
unless you have about three artist, and 2 coders on the team.. you'd also need Ogre... yeah, if you want to start cheep..
But yeah, as Huntey said You can't charge.. Good Luck though...
But yeah, as Huntey said You can't charge.. Good Luck though...
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 18:16:38 UTC
Post #277315
So we can't charge but we can accept donations? Maybe steam would allow us to being that everyone at this site supports the use of their games. We could tell them that its a twhl thing.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 18:27:48 UTC
Post #277316
Yeah, you cant strait sell their engiene.. or you'll get sued and everyone (poor) working with you will go to jail.
you COULD however license it, like counter-strike did.. and sell out to a server providing company (i.e. steam) of course, then valve would still make a profit from whatever you made
At any rate.. I'm pretty sure I'm down for this idea.. you'll have to detail me in when you know mour concept about what type of game your making (i'm picky about games i work on)
But I can map (source and goldsource now) pretty decent with a photoshop.. and I'm a freelance artist by trade/profession(specializing in anime) so yeah.. theres always that, if you need concept drawn
you COULD however license it, like counter-strike did.. and sell out to a server providing company (i.e. steam) of course, then valve would still make a profit from whatever you made
At any rate.. I'm pretty sure I'm down for this idea.. you'll have to detail me in when you know mour concept about what type of game your making (i'm picky about games i work on)
I've also gotten some semi-original ideas for games of my own.. one that might work pretty well on an engiene similar to source (because it would make me sad if you settled for gold-source for it) is a space set fighting game, where each fighter would have control of its own specifically customed mech/starship.. each with their own individual plasma guns/rail cannons/ect.. and the characters themselves with a full movelist of attacksthats just a quick one off hand.. much details would need working out for yet
point would be to kill the other pilot (or team of pilots) being, if you destroy their ship, theres an eject button they can press to escape befor dieing.. and after a set amount of time they could summon another ship
also, you could pirate the other peoples ships if you wanted to
But I can map (source and goldsource now) pretty decent with a photoshop.. and I'm a freelance artist by trade/profession(specializing in anime) so yeah.. theres always that, if you need concept drawn
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 18:34:21 UTC
Post #277317
I contacted Valve about purchasing a license to the Source engine.
They informed me that they have: "...a very reasonable 6 figure price..." and that they would only discuss terms as and when I have a company set up and ready to go.
As for the Goldsource engine, I wouldn't think it would be as expensive as Source, but it would still be a fair amount. However it is an incredibly dated engine these days in comparison to Source or Unreal3. Sure it is versatile, but it still has its limits.
If you are deadly serious about making a game for commercial release, you're going to need coders who are willing to work for free. If you can get them, then you may as well develop your own engine from the ground up.
They informed me that they have: "...a very reasonable 6 figure price..." and that they would only discuss terms as and when I have a company set up and ready to go.
As for the Goldsource engine, I wouldn't think it would be as expensive as Source, but it would still be a fair amount. However it is an incredibly dated engine these days in comparison to Source or Unreal3. Sure it is versatile, but it still has its limits.
If you are deadly serious about making a game for commercial release, you're going to need coders who are willing to work for free. If you can get them, then you may as well develop your own engine from the ground up.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 18:36:59 UTC
Post #277318
well i'm still willing to do it for no money =)
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 19:12:34 UTC
Post #277320
Wow, Urby, how much did you think it would cost!? They are not will to give out there code until they have newer updates..
Why is this a big money thing!?
Why is this a big money thing!?
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 19:20:17 UTC
Post #277321
Captain you'd get paid. I just want a few people that are really dedicated. Its a big money thing because I need money for college. And if you read youll see that I said like twice that it would be more motivating. I really only need like two more mappers other than myself. I mainly need coders. I just think it will be easy with gold source besides the limitations.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 19:27:49 UTC
Post #277322
you COULD however license it, like counter-strike did.. and sell out to a server providing company (i.e. steam)Counter-Strike started up as a free Half-Life mod, then Valve - the owners of Half-Life and later Steam, bought it. Steam is not a company.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 19:28:18 UTC
Post #277323
Also, a Goldsource-based game just isn't a marketable product anymore. Nobody would be willing to pay for a mod that isn't necessarily going to be any better than the hundreds of free mods out there.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 20:42:50 UTC
Post #277325
It could sell if it was made well enough. I just feel like doing something with what I know, I don't think its worth it to use source for a pretty simple game. It could get pretty popular if everything was custom and well put together.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 20:46:03 UTC
Post #277326
You know.....if you really want to make a game to sell and are on a limited budget & resources, the hell with Valve then. First, just like any other business venture, you need to start small and work your way up gradually. You also need to do a self-reality check and ask yourself: Do you have the will, skills and resources to pull this off?
The only people I ever hear about making a lot of money on the PC gaming market are the big companies. Rarely do I ever hear about a regular individual making a substantial amount of money as a PC games developer.
Now, the one platform I do keep hearing about where hundreds of regular folks on a daily basis with some only having marginal skills, are making themselves tons of money, is none other than Apple's app store! Developing for the iPhone/iPod is not as hard or expensive as you might think.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/developing-apps-video/
http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/
The only people I ever hear about making a lot of money on the PC gaming market are the big companies. Rarely do I ever hear about a regular individual making a substantial amount of money as a PC games developer.
Now, the one platform I do keep hearing about where hundreds of regular folks on a daily basis with some only having marginal skills, are making themselves tons of money, is none other than Apple's app store! Developing for the iPhone/iPod is not as hard or expensive as you might think.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/developing-apps-video/
http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 20:52:46 UTC
Post #277327
You'd be better off using the Unity engine and making a game for say...the Iphone. Can't believe I said that but they make good money if you're willing to pay for the fees.
There's even a free indie version which was kind enough to come out at the same time I had an assignment to do with it.
There's even a free indie version which was kind enough to come out at the same time I had an assignment to do with it.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 21:22:03 UTC
Post #277328
Well I want to make a 3d game atleast thats for sure. And for the pc :).
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 21:23:48 UTC
Post #277329
Or, write your own engine! That's what I'm doing. It's really fun. I'm not going to try to sell my game, though.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 21:27:47 UTC
Post #277330
Oh that's right, I forgot about Unity, they too offer tools for iPhone developement, not too mention PC games too. Also, there's the "DarkBASIC" game engine developement package from TheGameCreators.com which is not too expensive compared to others out there.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 21:32:26 UTC
Post #277332
Writing your own game engine is a tall order, not everybody it's up to that. But if you got what it takes to pull it off, then bravo.......
EDIT: Oooops, doulble post. My bad.
EDIT: Oooops, doulble post. My bad.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 21:35:53 UTC
Post #277333
You're delusional if you think anybody would still pay for a game based on the Goldsource engine. I don't think you realize how important graphics really are to most people. Granted, you can make some pretty impressive stuff that will be almost as good looking as really crappy looking stuff you see in the Source engine, but it'll just take even longer. Honestly, choosing Goldsource to develop a game on just because you happen to know it well is a really really bad idea. If you think of all the other obstacles you would have to overcome on your way to actually producing a retail game, learning to map for a new engine is very low on the list of challenges. Real game developers have to learn to adapt to different engines and tools every time they start a new game, and they still put out brilliant stuff all the time. What makes you think any dedicated individual isn't capable of the same thing?
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 21:43:05 UTC
Post #277334
If you read, I said my comp. compiles too slowly for source. But I still can map for it, im just used to compiling so often. I guess I could possibly make one for source, ill see. Its definitely worth it with the vehicle I mean compare it to counterstrike's vehicle which is a joke. I just want it to be a simple adventure game. I don't need super intense textures. Besides, its probably harder to make textures that look good in it. Ill see. Either way this thread was more for a brainstorm of ideas.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 21:46:52 UTC
Post #277335
Anyway I must stress that unless you have at least one good mod behind your belt or good skills then making a full blown money maker is a no no.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 22:07:04 UTC
Post #277336
I just love how everyone says I can't do it. Why ill show you 
Lol I have metroid yellow planet, I know it lacks highly in quality but I made it only in a few weeks.
Lol I have metroid yellow planet, I know it lacks highly in quality but I made it only in a few weeks.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-04 23:15:39 UTC
Post #277337
I only skipped through the thread but:
As for the rest of you sorry lot, has anyone mentioned the UDK? It's by far the best option.
my friend mark said you can licence the quake 3 for about 6k quidCapT, your friend mark is a douchebag. Quake 3 is open source under the GPL. You can "license" it for FREE.
As for the rest of you sorry lot, has anyone mentioned the UDK? It's by far the best option.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 01:51:40 UTC
Post #277340
My friend Mark said that he saw a ninja totally uppercut some kid just because the kid opened a window.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 05:20:39 UTC
Post #277343
Does anyone have any experience with udk? I dlded it and it seems everything is made with models and stuff.
Edit: wow theres lots of vids. on ytube that help compile faster in source!
Edit: wow theres lots of vids. on ytube that help compile faster in source!
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 05:50:16 UTC
Post #277344
I think a story-line 3D game is a waste of time because it would take forever to be produced and may not even be fun. Round oriented multiplayer seems the way to go if an indi-team wants to produce something playable within a reasonable timespan.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 06:36:59 UTC
Post #277345
The only way i'd even want to make a mod would be if it were single player. Either way ill be experimenting with source.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 09:04:01 UTC
Post #277346
Don't forget, Popcap games make quirky 2D titles for the PC and are raking in the green.
2DBoy too, made World of Goo. In their recent "Pay what you want for World of Goo" stunt, they made in excess of 100k. (I think it was)
2DBoy too, made World of Goo. In their recent "Pay what you want for World of Goo" stunt, they made in excess of 100k. (I think it was)
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 10:22:17 UTC
Post #277347
everything is made with models and stuff.Made me laugh. Of course it is, almost every game engine uses models for almost everthing. Sometimes I think Source isn't a good engine to start with as it gets you used to brushes but it is useful for CAD like architecture.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 10:41:41 UTC
Post #277348
Don't forget, Popcap games make quirky 2D titles for the PC and are raking in the green.Fuck Popcap games, all of their games are old-games ideas with eye-candy graphics.
everything is made with models and stuff.
Made me laugh. Of course it is, almost every game engine uses models for almost everthing. Sometimes I think Source isn't a good engine to start with as it gets you used to brushes but it is useful for CAD like architecture.The only other engine I've mapped for other than hl1&hl2,starcraft and a bunch of other games is Crysis. Man, in that game I hardly found a tool for brush mapping! And it's a storyline dependant engine... if you don't give it modifications. You always "raise" terrain in the water, make jungle-like maps and use the existing models.
I personally think there was a time when everybody could have a chance of selling a game. And that period was between 1990-2000. Examples: tycoon, settlers, civilization. Nowadays, there are a lot of opensource alternatives, and the future is opensource.
The real problem is that you can't base your game that you want to sell on a extremely popular engine. An engine like that happens to be goldsource and source too, so they have thousands of mods, which are 99% free. You really need a custom engine, or something good that is different.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 12:05:32 UTC
Post #277349
Fuck Popcap gamesDon't you dare tarnish the god-like title that is Peggle.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 12:36:26 UTC
Post #277350
Yeah, udk looks about the best route to go..
maybe some adventure dance-off type game.. where when you get to a puzzle to solve it's always some black chick, or white guy in a do-rag.. and they say like.. "shoot fool, I can dig mour clams then you" and music would bust in and camera would become all multi-angled dynamic, then you'd have to ddr your way to victory
maybe some adventure dance-off type game.. where when you get to a puzzle to solve it's always some black chick, or white guy in a do-rag.. and they say like.. "shoot fool, I can dig mour clams then you" and music would bust in and camera would become all multi-angled dynamic, then you'd have to ddr your way to victory
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 12:56:38 UTC
Post #277351
my faith in humanity rests in the plea that psilous is a troll
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 13:16:59 UTC
Post #277352
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 13:31:47 UTC
Post #277353
Fuck Popcap games, all of their games are old-games ideas with eye-candy graphics.You're a twat.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 13:40:27 UTC
Post #277354
Casual games suck. All of them. They're all the same and they all steal from games such as Tetris or Breakout.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 13:40:55 UTC
Post #277355
No, shovelware games suck, and Popcap games aren't shovelware. They're fun and well made. There is a good market for casual games, and nothing wrong with enjoying something smaller from time-to-time.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 14:05:39 UTC
Post #277356
Not all of the Popcap games are shovelware, you mean.
It's a waste of money to buy their games. Really, if you get awesomely bored go on kongregate or something.
Casual games suck. All of them. They're all the same and they all steal from games such as Tetris or Breakout.Agree.
You're a twat.From a casual gamer like you I even don't feel insulted.
Don't you dare tarnish the god-like title that is Peggle.I actually completed Peggle. But that doesn't change my mind about Popcap games.
It's a waste of money to buy their games. Really, if you get awesomely bored go on kongregate or something.
Posted 14 years ago2010-01-05 14:13:59 UTC
Post #277357
You think PopCap stole game ideas from other small developers, like the match-3 game Bejeweled and Zuma games.
I'll tell you what: Popcap was the first to come up with Bejweled and Zuma. Many different small developers "stole" the gameplay of those titles and put it in their own games.
As far as i know, Popcap never actually "stole" gameplay idea's from other developers, all of their games are original.
I'll tell you what: Popcap was the first to come up with Bejweled and Zuma. Many different small developers "stole" the gameplay of those titles and put it in their own games.
As far as i know, Popcap never actually "stole" gameplay idea's from other developers, all of their games are original.
You must be logged in to post a response.