Product Reviews

Reviews and information about the tools you need to make a video game including software that is both paid and free and image manipulation software and books about making games, designing games, game careers and artwork for video games.

Game Making Software

The Games Factory 2 - This is some really great, and really easy to use software for introducing you to video game making. It is available on Amazon.com or directly from the Company Clickteam. They have a free trial 30 day download so you could get started right now. This software makes 2d games. I have more information about this software including screenshots and an explanation of how you use it Games Factory overview

Genesis 3d - This is a legitimate game engine that can be used to make your own 3d games. But, It is not a standalone product. I recommend you use this if you have an older computer and are worried about newer software not running. But you might want to try Reality Factory first.

Reality Factory - this is some great free software. It is based on the genesis 3d game engine and it has a lot of extras. It is also easier to use and there is a large base of support forums with all kinds of tutorials and extras. This is a good option if you want to make 3d video games for free.

Game Studio - This is a commercial game making package that is similar to the Reality Factory but much better. I purchased this program and really like it. It has much more support and is much more capable. Plus you get the support of a real company. The software is reasonably priced and comes in different levels depending on how serious you are about making and actually selling your own games. They have a forum, a wiki, and lots of free stuff for your game making. You can use this software to make a professional game. Conitec.com If you are serious about really learning how to make professional level games but are on a budget this is a good way to go. Highly recommended.

Image Manipulation Software

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI If you are serious about making video games but are on a tight budget you should consider using paint shop pro for all your image needs. It is a great program and I have been using it for years. This is what you would use to manipulate images, pictures, textures, tiles and a lot of the graphics of your game. There are two great things about paint shop pro. First off it is inexpensive so it won't break your budget. Secondly it is very similar to photoshop (but not as powerful).

Adobe Photoshop CS2 If you are serious about your game making this is the software that you would want to get. It is the industry standard for any type of image manipulation. Comes with a pretty serious price tag though

Books

Creating Game Art for 3D Engines (Game Development)

This book also comes with over 90 minutes of instructional video on a companion CD. Check out the book's website here to learn more

Learn how to create commercial-quality game art and make it come alive in a 3D engine! "Creating Game Art for 3D Engines" is the ideal guide for the serious student or aspiring animator who wants to learn how to create and successfully export game art, from simple shapes to full-blown characters. Using Autodesk® 3ds Max® to generate models and animations, and Torque as the 3D game engine, the book provides step-by-step instructions on how to model, unwrap, texture, rig, export, and script all of the essential art assets required for a game.

Game Design: From Blue Sky to Green Light

"Deb's pulled off a remarkable feat: she's produced a book that's both inspirational and practical. Listen to her and the other video game industry experts she interviews, and save yourself years of forehead-slapping. " --Corey Bridges, co-founder and Executive Producer, Multiverse

3D Game Art f/x and Design This is one of the best books on the design and graphics of video games there is. I bought this book when it first came out and I still refer to it. It has a cd with lots of free software. If you can only get one book you might want to consider this one. Highly Recommended

Game Programming for Teens, Second Edition You?ve played plenty of games. Now it?s time to create your own! "Game Programming for Teens, Second Edition" helps you develop the skills you need to create every element of your first video game?from graphics and animation to sound and music.

Creating the Art of the Game (New Riders Games) The author of this book works for LucasArts Entertainment. Need I say more? Very much worth getting.

Game Plan: The Insider's Guide to Breaking In and Succeeding in the Computer and Video Game Business The video game industry is hot and becoming more and more popular every year. -One of the fastest growing entertainment industries (even larger than film!) -Over 50,000 people in the U.S. alone are employed by interactive gaming companies -Video gaming makes more than six billion dollars in annual revenue.

Modeling and animation Software

Game Character Modeling and Animation with 3ds Max

This book takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a playable 3D character using 3DS Max.