Developers Corner

Ok well here is the deal, I am looking for a high quality 3d mmorpg based or compatible game engine. I have been messing with C++ so, it would be nice if it worked with that language, however I can try at another language if nessary.  Now graphics wise I was looking for something close to ES4: Oblivion or better, something with some power behind it to handle good AI, Animation and effects. Here is a list of stuff I mean, it not a full thing but you will get the idea:

Graphics: DX9 or better (as stated Oblivion or better)

AI: high end Path finding, decision making, complex emotion/reaction/operating sequence

Audio: 3D sound, streaming

Terrain: realistic folage (trees, herbs, weeds, shrubs, etc), realisitic water rendering and animation, etc.

Effects: Fire, Water, Wind, Heat Shimmer, Smoke, Weather effects, particles, etc etc.

And networking of course something like Client-Server or Master-Server or close to one of them.

That is pretty much a small round off of what I'm looking for, not all of it has to be there, but most of it being there would be nice. Also before it happens I know it takes a long time to make a good mmo and I know it can be costly. I am here and to disprove that, and a lot of people if not everyone is thinking yea right good luck with that, however you look at it though I am still needing help finding a good engine, I've checked into quiet a few, but they always let me down in different way. So if anyone could lend a helping hand or point out some help on this matter I would be greatful.

I only know of three options for what you're looking for.

Realm Crafter ( http://www.realmcrafter.com/catalog/information.php?info_id=6 ), which isn't all that great but it is getting a graphics update. It only costs about $50.00.

Multiverse ( http://www.multiverse.net/ ), which is completely free until you start charging your customers.

Finally TGEA ( http://garagegames.com ), which has an open source MMO project being developed by the folks who did and still do run Minions of Mirth.

I would suggest in the future though you search these forums and do a little internet searching as well. You'd be surprised what Google will bring up.

thanks for the tip, anyone else have any to add on

I might have wanted to mention this earlier, but I have been looking for a good terrain editor, somthing for AI, texture, and character design. I have a terrain editor (free version or L3DT), and a few 3D tools like blender, 4Dblue(free ver.), and Turque constructor. Now to the point I was wondering if there are any better terrain editors and 3D tools out there, plus if there are any good texture tools and AI tools out there. I am currently still looking around so it would be great if I could get some help, sorry I failed to bring this up before.

the best you can possibly find in my opinion is 3d world studio which is kinda pricey, but the detail and work it puts out is phenominal check out moddb.com/engines for a list of free and commercial game engines

If I were you I would try the free engine called Nebula 2 (makes for some really nice pictures too)
this one is used a lot commercially by the company who created it especially ofcourse.

http://nebuladevice.cubik.org/

If you have a little cash to spare I really would recommend the Torque X engine its XNA game studio integrated and only costs 149,95 US Dollars which is a nice price tag for a complete Game Making Studio that has everything in one. It is what I am going to buy a License for.

http://www.garagegames.com/products/torque/x/

Good luck!

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Originally posted by hidden357
Graphics: DX9 or better (as stated Oblivion or better)

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The problem with that sentence is that it's how good of a graphics artist you are that matters more then what graphics engine you use. Before you start coding you should really look into having 25% of the game content done.

I say this because I believe that people who start MMOG projects have a harder time getting game content and by having 25% of your assets done, or enough assets that you have a complete level it makes you look much more serious.

I can't really think of any suggestions as to what engine you should use. The only thing I can think of right now is perhaps using the Planeshift codebase as a starting point.

May I also suggest that perhaps you join an existing MMOG rather then start you own, for example http://peragro.org/

Originally posted by Jamaludin

If you have a little cash to spare I really would recommend the Torque X engine its XNA game studio integrated and only costs 149,95 US Dollars which is a nice price tag for a complete Game Making Studio that has everything in one. It is what I am going to buy a License for.

http://www.garagegames.com/products/torque/x/

Actually, to make an MMO with Torque X would be rather difficult unless you want it to be 2D. I know the 3D version is in the works, but you're still better off with Torque Game Engine Advanced (TGEA) than Torque X. Even TGE, which Minions of Mirth was made with is a better choice for an MMO than Torque X.