VOLVE 5.0
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ALIFE: OpenGL 3d explorer for evolve
February 7th 2007Go to the [url=http://evolve4.invisionzone.com]Evolve 4.0 Forum[/url] and you can download a program to explore the evolve world in 3D (and with the simulation running). I used OpenGL to implement this, but before that I used a game engine called IRRLITCH. [img=http://evolve4.invisionzone.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=41] My advice to those wanting to do some 3D programming is to bypass game engines. What I learned was that for just modeling my universe in 3D I didn't need all the power of the game engine. All I needed was a mechanism for creating 3d elements (defined using (x, y, z) vertices). And online there are lots of openGL tutorials and sample code. The OpenGL API is simple to use, and the Glut utility library is also simple to use. And lots of documentation is available. A game engine gives you lots optimization algorithms (culling) and lighting and particle physics. Nothing wrong with having all these elements in a single package. Using pure OpenGL allows you to customize your program to the needs of your simulation. I found using a game engine was not the right choice for Evolve 4.0 (too many things being animated and visible at the same time). And OpenGL is not changing. 100% of game engines out there are in a state of constant flux. Also, you're tieing yourself to a 3rd party with a small niche of users. OpenGL is everywhere (Direct3D is too). My advice applies to those with projects that are not the standard FPS shooter environment. If you are building a game that has maps, with all kinds of rooms, levels, and baddies, then the game engine approach makes a lot of sense.
ALIFE: writing code
February 2nd 2007[blockquote]I'd rather write code that writes code than write code. [/blockquote]
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