~sciocont
Overall Team Lead
Posts : 3406
Reputation : 138
Join date : 2010-07-06
 | | Possible Breakthrough | |
Dr Chilgood recently found something interesting. (originally posted on the PPG thread) - Dr_Chillgood wrote:
- I've actually recently downloaded a program called space engine that procedural generates the universe. Before I continue I would like to make it clear that I don't intend for thrive to simply use this program. I wanted to bring it up because its an open source program, so if we want to work out our PPG we may want to consult the one programmer of space engine. If you do a quick google you should find it quickly, I wish I could post the direct link but I can't yet. (although the url is eu(dot) spaceengine(dot)org) Its a new program in terms of development, so it requires a mostly decent comp to run due to a lack of efficiency.
It has a bit less to do with planet generation then it does celestial generation, however I thought it may be a good starting point. ( I can create a separate thread for this if you all want.) The man behind this program has expanded a bit on planet surface generation for the next update of the program so it may not be too much out of question to look at Space engine's programming as a starting point.
(like I said, not saying we should use this program exactly as it is, but learning from it would be better then making one from scratch. And take a look at some youtube videos of it, which I can't post links of them, but I can't sorry.) Pezz was on the scene pretty quickly with some stunning backup. - Pezzalis wrote:
- So basically this space engine contains astronomical preset data for the know universe, and procedurally generates everywhere else, including planetary surfaces? Wow. It does so with impressive visuals too, take a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68YK2FHkFjw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpnucN12uBQ It was then suggested that I contact the maker of this program. I was way ahead of that. I'd gone to the website- apparently, the entire thing was made by one lone guy. Extremely impressive. So I sent him a PM on his site. Unfortunately, his host only allows very short PMs In the interest of full disclosure, I'm going to be posting our correspondence here. - Spoiler:
Hello,
I'm afraid I must make this a lot shorter than I intended to, due to message length restrictions. I lead the team creating the game Thrive. We would like to know if we can build off of your beautifully crafted Space Engine, or if you would like to help us in the creation of our game. We aim to simulate a galaxy, and its stars planets, environments, and life forms, and your impressive Space Engine program would give us the first step to doing that.
To see what er are all about, please take a look at our development forums and development wiki.
Thank you for your time,
~sciocont, Revolutionary Games Team Lead
- Spoiler:
Hi! You game idea is impressive! It similar to the Spore game, but on realistic scales (I believe). I never dream to make evolution/life simulator because it is too difficult for a single person. So I focused on a poor space, my goal is make it as realistic as possible. However, many poeple ask to add spaceships and some gameplay. Now I plan to make a space exploration game with no wars or trading, but focusing on exploration and colonisation. It is similar to final (and probably infinite) stage of your game.
I glad to help you, but don't know in that way do it. I don't want to share SE source code because I want to ibtain some profit from the game (but leaving it freeware in planetarium mode). I can code a new planetary engine for your project, but it will slow down SE developement. By the other side, it may help me in refactoring of SE engine - eliminate bugs, add new functionality, or total replace of part of the code. Another way is consulting - sharing ideas, algorithms, code samples.
I can't give an answer to your immediately - I should finish intensive work on the coming release of SE, than take a closer look on your project. Anyway, we should support contact!
PS: sorry for my English
- Spoiler:
Thank you so much for your interest in our game. A similar version of space engine made exclusively for Thrive would be a dream come true. We would only want one galaxy, so we could focus on smaller details, such as the higher-resolution textures you described in your bog. Essentially, if you helped us, we could start with a galaxy, procedurally generate stars, solar systems, and planets. From there, we have begun work on determining the characteristics of environments on those planets. I myself have recently written a simple function that determines the temperature of any point on a planet's surface, a few simple variables. This would be the first thing implemented.
I think it's a good thing that you're trying to profit off of something beautiful that you've created. I can't say you'll profit from Thrive. All I can say is that if you help Thrive, you will gain a following.Thank you for your swift reply, and please let's keep in contact.
Thank you,
~sciocont
Update: 10/30/11 @4:19 PM - Spoiler:
I plan to release a new version of SE on coming week, then we can talk about Thrive.
- Spoiler:
Excellent. I look forward to both.
No promises yet, but he seems quite excited. Scio out! Update 11/27/11 - Spoiler:
Hi. I can describe any algorithm I used in SE. But I can't have time to help with code writing. Maybe some tiny things. Do you have a repository, or your project have still no code?
Last edited by ~sciocont on Sun Nov 27, 2011 2:13 pm; edited 2 times in total | |
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