Nym's noob question thread

[Slinger]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertex_Buffer_Object 

A Vertex Buffer Object (VBO) is an OpenGL extension that provides methods for uploading data (vertex, normal vector, color, etc) to the video device for non-immediate-mode rendering. VBOs offer substantial performance gains over immediate mode rendering primarily because the data resides in the video device memory rather than the system memory and so it can be rendered directly by the video device.

[Gonads]

So...how easy is it to self teach openGL and general games programming?

Just trying to choose modules for second year...

Not choosing that frees up a slot for forensic computing or something that I would never touch outside of uni.

[Slinger]

Learning the basics of opengl (set it up, render simple stuff) is quite easy, remember it is not.

My understanding of opengl is self-taught, but I've still been able to add more futures to rcx (and more to come) after... well, re-reading tutorials every now and then to re-learn those simple things (like function names) I keep on forgetting...

If you want to code games featuring textures, shadows, proper lighting and reflections - basically, the things today's gamers take for granted - then you will most likely have to begin by getting a good book (like "the red book"), and then start learning by following either online tutorials (I'd suggest NeHe), or actually study it on school.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you can either go for online tutorials (that often covers more different approaches to different problems, instead of just learning by heart) or read it at school (in which case you will be able to ask for help at different problems, and actually get grades to show you knowledge), but you will inevitable forget parts of what you learn, and will have to repeat/read even the basic stuff in order to keep it clear in head ("hmm... was it glFloat or GLfloat?" ).

[Gonads]

Thanks for that. I have decided that I should keep my degree all serious so I am more generally employable.   

I found out whilst making a game over the weekend that I like doing ART!   

Spent 24 hours making loads of 2D images whilst my friend did all the programming (he is FAR BETTER at it). Turns out that I have a lot of patience so can draw one pixel at a time which is why the images looks alright in the end. 

So this noob question goes to Codie:

What do you use for 3D modelling? How hard is it?

I was considering learning how to do it for counter strike source as that has such a large modelling community. Means lots of tutorials. 

[Codie Morgan]

3D Modelling at my level takes patiance,

Basic are easy....

 Things like complex chamfer and extrusion editing, modifiers, effects, UVW mapping, boolean editing (like cutting holes using other objects), and animation rigging...... will take quite some time to learn effectively.

It took me a a full year to properly master 3D studio Max and I am still learning new things now and then (after 8 years)

But the end result is satisfying:


Knowing UVWs and mapping will help you paint and mod other games too (using PSD,PNG,DDS XSI,BLANDER,3DSMAX for Source, ID-Tech, CryEngine etc. )

And for video and animation effects:
My Works:


and one from Psygnosis for comparison:


and what the Vostock SCUD in RCX was like during design and modelling:


I have been invited to take part in 4 other opensource games too, and one competition.

[Gonads]

I feel intimidated!  >___<

Must be quite satisfying when you get the finished product. Hopefully wont be busy over the summer so can throw myself at it.

[Slinger]

(I've always wished I took time to learn even some basic 3d modelling...) If you have to opportunity to study that (using software you prefer), take it!