4 replies to this topic

[graves23]

Good evening ,

I apologise if this topic is on the wrong section.
I'm starting this topic in order to get some informations about the Game Maker strength on 3D graphics.So I would like from everyone who have experience on game maker 3d mode to answer some very simple questions.This topic is not only for me it may help many game makers who are intresting in the 3D mode.But before I start with my questions lemme show you myself :

About me
After a few months I started working with Blender(free well known 3D graphics software)I am now able to create all these things that I want for my game.I have some experience with the Game maker but not with the 3D mode.So before I start I make this topic to get some infos about it.
The reason that I choosed game maker for my 3D games is because GML is very easy and I can understand everything.When I used unity I was able to build my game very easily, but when I went to the coding part everything was so confusing.(Unity is working with C# and Javascript)In blender I can do whatever is needed for the 3D graphics such as modelling,texturing,rigging,animating.But my query is how good can game maker work with them?So here are my questions :



Q1:Does game maker runs slow on 3D games?

I have read that Game Maker is not working that good with 3D graphics,so this means that when it runs 3D models on a game it will run them slower than it should? or not?

Q2:Does game maker makes the quality of 3D graphics worse?

This is also something that I have read,but again I have not seen any pictures show how the actual model is and how it is within the Game maker 3D game.

Q3:3D online Games?

Does game maker supports online 3D games?Of course,this sounds too advanced but since multiplayer games are really fun this would be one of my future plans.

Q4:Do i need any extra softwares to work on 3D mode?

Somewhere , I saw people talking about d3d files converted with a software called gmmmodel fix?So game maker does work only with d3d files not with obj?And what the advantages or disadvantages of each one?

Suggestions!

Lastly,I would like to suggest me a good start point.Some tutorials,examples that were very helpful to you as well.

I'm waiting for your answers.
Thanks all for your time,
Cheers

[Venomous]

1. It can run slow if you make too many draw calls, but generally it's fine if you code your game right. Especially with GM 8.1, 3D runs quite well.

2. It won't make the actual model look worse. However, you won't be able to use any fancy effects and still have reasonable speed. So because of that, it may look better in other software. But the model itself will look the same in GameMaker as anywhere else.

3. If GameMaker can send data over the internet for a 2D game, it can send the required data for a 3D game. It's about what data you send. Instead of x and y for example, you'll need to send z as well.

4. Since Blender can't export directly to GameMaker's model format, you'll need some converter. You could use one of the model loading scripts around here as well. I believe scripts have been made to import .obj, .3ds, .md2, .x, and maybe more. But these scripts won't load models as fast as GameMaker can load it's own model format. I use Model Creator and GM Alter Ego to convert GameMaker models. Model Creator for GameMaker is also great for making simple models so you can use it to eliminate the extra converting step when using Blender.


Not sure where the best starting point would be. You could try the FPS tutorial. If you have any questions, you can always ask.

Edited by Venomous, 26 May 2012 - 08:50 PM.

[slayer 64]

the biggest thing with game maker 3d is clustering lots of triangles into one model or breaking extremely large maps into smaller sections and displaying sections near you. use models all the time. i've made a lot of stuff in game maker 3d and some downloads include source code.

http://sandbox.yoyog...users/slayer 64

[Gamer3D]

the biggest thing with game maker 3d is clustering lots of triangles into one model or breaking extremely large maps into smaller sections and displaying sections near you.

Seconded.

GM's biggest current weakness (in my opinion) is that it has extremely slow function calls. When drawing a 3D model with n triangles, you need at least 3n+2 function calls unless you use models. Models permit fast drawing (1 function call, and I think they store the model itself in graphics memory (Also increases speed)), but prevent you from modifying what you draw (One exception: Transformations. You can apply offsets and any linear mapping from R3 to R3).

To help with your plans, I'd estimate (Based on my faulty memories of specialized test cases):
With models: 140000 max triangles.
Without models: 2000 max.

On the subject of formats:
GM loads its format quickly and supports "shapes" (Spheres, boxes), but the format wastes space. (Last I checked, file size was at least 140% of what it needed)
If you want animations, md2 and md3 are good choices.
If you have time to load models but need to save space, 3ds and obj are good.
If you don't care how large the model is, use GM's built-in format.

P.S. People need to stop asking about 3D multiplayer games. The way the information is displayed is independent of the way it is communicated to other computers.

[time-killer-games]

3D with game maker is a lot of coding. Especially if you aren't using the precise collision dll, but even with that its not that good, since dll's are PC only, which is terrible compatabilty.

If you ever intend to make a point and click adventure game, it involves prerendered graphics that are in many cases static. but the benfits of prerendering is well worth it imho. If you have Bryce 7 Pro or SweetHome3D (which is free), you can make stunning photo-realistic graphics in minutes while partnered with Blender and other 3d modelers. And you could always render cutscene videos, or create subtle animations for your renders, like particles, a light switch turning on/off, rippling water, etc

heres an example
http://gmc.yoyogames...1