Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

DevMaster.net Presents the 3D Engines Database

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the side-by-side dept.

desjerlaih writes "DevMaster.net is reporting that it has developed a comprehensive 3D Engines Database that provides detailed and organized information on current game engines. According to the site, the engine database is committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information on today's engines. Source (Half-life 2's engine), and Unreal 3 are already on the list, and their listed features are pretty impressive."

25 comments

  1. Looks cute, but... by Dark+Lord+Seth · · Score: 3, Insightful

    What's the use, really? Other then the geeky "Oooh, ahhh!" value of the screenshots and juicy technical details? I mean, how often a day do you need an extensive database with all the 3d-engine available, along with their pricing? I mean, nearly all good 3D engine simply cost bucket loads of green, not something ye olde random hobbyist isn't willing to spend. That, and if there's a large and serious 3D game project, the owners of the engines themselves will show up and show their products, thus pretty much negating the use of the database for professional use as well.

    --
    Hate me!
    1. Re:Looks cute, but... by MarsDefenseMinister · · Score: 3, Informative

      The Torque game engine from Garage Games doesn't cost much, and it's fine for a lot of things.

      I know you said 'nearly all ... cost bucket loads' so I am just adding information, not contradicting.

      --
      No weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men.-Ronald Reagan
    2. Re:Looks cute, but... by Creepy · · Score: 3, Interesting

      It's interesting to me, if not just to look at how engines I've had a hand in (mostly bug fixes and porting) are faring. I also like to know how they stack up to the competition, feature-wise (in most cases mediocre, but I won't get into that :)

      This is probably more interesting to up-and-coming dev houses rather than big money houses. For that matter, you can have the best engine in the world and you won't get in the front door of EA if you're not already known as an AAA engine maker - you'll have to cut your teeth on a smaller market first. Also, some very good engines come with little or no cost if the game isn't in sales production, which is nice for new developers and indie houses that don't have the money to spend up front, so they can develop the game and later get the commercial contract when they get their publishing deal.

    3. Re:Looks cute, but... by Elmdor · · Score: 3, Informative

      IT companies use databases just like this to help them make informed decisions. Why infact just yesterday I had completed a compilation of game engines for the company I work for. We are using it as a resource for game developers in the area. Architects, landscapers, modders, programmers, animators, developers, publishers, and others all benefit from such a list. Sincerely, Nathan ITAAO Information Technology Alliance of Appalachian Ohio

    4. Re:Looks cute, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Have to agree. Any database with more fields than rows is highly suspect.

    5. Re:Looks cute, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm going for my Masters in Immersive Media technology, and I found this database a useful tool to compare features of free/open source engines available for my platform(s) of choice. I like to work on a Mac, but design cross platform stuff since Windows provides a much bigger audience for my work.

    6. Re:Looks cute, but... by Hamled · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The thing about this database is that it includes many engines that are not considered major 3D engines, but could be useful to a hobbyist or even a small game development company. While I knew of many free/FOSS engines and some cheap ones, there are many there that I wasn't aware of, and already it has helped in that sense.

  2. No Doom 3?! by Drunken_Jackass · · Score: 2, Informative

    It's not very up-to-date if Doom 3 isn't there. I searched, but alas, it is missing.

    --
    There are 01 types of people in this world. Those that understand binary, and me.
    1. Re:No Doom 3?! by sw155kn1f3 · · Score: 1

      They didn't release they engine yet for 3rd party developers... The game only. So I think they don't even have a comprehensive feature list for 3d developers in terms they can decide to buy it or not.

      --
      - Arwen, I'm your father, Agent Smith.
      - Well, you're just Smith, but my father is Aerosmith!
    2. Re:No Doom 3?! by Fallen+Andy · · Score: 1

      Er. Id haven't released the Quake 3 engine yet... I think John is going to wait a while (he might want to win that X prize thingy you know (grins)). But I don't understand *why* anyone wants such advanced engines when no one seems to know how to truly exploit the old ones (blatent flamebait). (I'm still waiting for a first person Dungeon Keeper or Nethack... (that's a hint)).

  3. Nitpicking by Commander+Trollco · · Score: 1
    Screenshots? This is about rendering engines, not the stuff(games, etc.) built on top.

    Back on topic, it may prove worthwhile for developers. Hypothetically, someone is looking for a renderer that can do x in y specs- something compatible will be listed. Having this service available could mean serious savings for the developer who now doesn't need to develop his own engine, and rather build his product on top of an existing one.

    --
    http://persianews.on.nimp.org/?u=Tar_Baby
  4. Re:Looks useful, but... by chaosmage42 · · Score: 1, Redundant

    The geeky "Oooh, ahhh!" value of the screenshots and juicy technical details is probably worth quite a bit to people wo like to read such things, and even to a casual browser interested in gaming, graphics, etc.

    I feel like the database could also be useful to modders {not sure about that} and programmers. Modmakers will know what the game engine their working in is capable of {things taht arent neccesarily taken advantage of in the game}, and what they might want to add {sorr yif this is completely off-target, I only make up mods in my head, not in my computer}.

    It could give programmers ideas of new ideas to include in their own engine. Also can let them browse engines, maybe for a medium-sized project, where perhaps the owners will not show up just to pitch the engine, only if serious interest is shown.

    However, I do agree that you don't really need this on a day-to-day basis, so perhaps it's too much effort for what it's worth.

    --

    done
  5. Interesting... by ILL+Robinson · · Score: 5, Informative

    3D Engines.net is a fully searchable 3D engine DB has been around for quite some time. This look interesting similiar...
    *looks up and taps fingers in succession on chin*

    -Robs

  6. Serious Engine? by BlueCup · · Score: 1

    I'm surprised given the other engines that they list, they don't have information on the Serious Engine, and the Serious Engine 2 (not releasedyet, currently in development for Serious Sam 2, (not second encounter) these are incredibly well documented and powerful engines. Some of the videos for the Serious Sam 2 engine look as good as anything i've yet seen in Doom 3. I guess it just isn't all inclusive yet.

    --
    WANNAWIKI Wannawiki WannaWiki WANNAWIKI!
    1. Re:Serious Engine? by AltaMannen · · Score: 1

      what? http://www.devmaster.net/engines/list.php?start=20

    2. Re:Serious Engine? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, it's already there. Here's the link with more details:
      http://www.devmaster.net/engines/engine_details.ph p?id=38

  7. They forgot one... by lacrymology.com · · Score: 3, Funny

    They didn't include my 3d engine, Rawks3D. It's really close to being done. I just need a few programmers who know how to program with c++ and my warez copy of 3d studio max. I will be the head designer (I have notebooks filled with ideas) and should get 60% of all profits when we finally hit it big with our kewl engine!
    -m

    --

    #
    # Modus Ponens
    #
    1. Re:They forgot one... by The-Bus · · Score: 1

      I've got extreme mega-tech 100% experience with voxels!

      --

      Small potatoes make the steak look bigger.

    2. Re:They forgot one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      If it's not there, then submit it: http://www.devmaster.net/engines/submit.php

      Can't you read the instructions?

    3. Re:They forgot one... by Fallen+Andy · · Score: 1

      Only in Nigeria? (whoops: less than 20 seconds... Nice anti bot trick that)

  8. Actually... by johannesg · · Score: 2, Informative
    I am currently busy evaluating 3D engines for a project my company will work on in the future. This page makes my job considerably easier.

    And they said goofing off to read slashdot is a waste of time... ;-)

  9. Game engine.. by euxneks · · Score: 1

    I had to look it up.. Had a basic idea but here is a more indepth explanation of what a game engine is:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3d_engine

    --
    in girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
    1. Re:Game engine.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow, that's cool. Could you also explain what this "3D" stuff is, and maybe the whole "database" concept as well?

  10. Sheesh! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    here is a more indepth explanation of what a game engine is

    Slashdot: News for Nerds. I imagine that 99.9% of the folks here are familiar with the pairing of "game" and "engine", and the function of said conglomeration.

    Karma trolling, maybe?

  11. You are not up to date! (Cheap engines!) by PhoenixOne · · Score: 2, Insightful
    >I mean, nearly all good 3D engine simply cost bucket loads of green,

    There are several 'good' engines that cost under $200 (I work for a company that makes one of them :)). There are even many free engines (some good, but many not worth wasting time on).

    Having a "fair" database that lists several engines is a HUGE benefit for anybody looking to develop a 3D app. But it is especially useful for people like you that think: "All good game engines cost more then a 5 bedroom home!". ;)

    --
    Spell cheek you've failed me four the last thyme!