Contribution (From Free Empires)

IMO Photoshop is a lot more powerful and easy to use than Gimp. I've been using Photoshop and Blender for years now and I've gotten used to them both. However, if you insist, I don't mind learning how to use Gimp. Well I like using FOSS software. In fact once I am done upgrading the only Closed Source stuff on my computer has or will have all its engine source code resealed (id Games!). For me any graphics editor bigger the Kolourpaint is unnecessarily big (well thats probably because I am a coder not a graphics designer :lol:). I have an Ogg converter if you need... Yes. But do you have a Midi to Ogg converter?

I noted that there is a square around the 'town-center' in one of the development 'shots. This square is parallel to the edge of the screen, whereas in AoE, selection squares are mapped onto an isometric surface. Is Free Empires going to be on an isometric map (like AoE and AoK) or a square one (like C&C Tiberian Dawn, Outpost 2, Civilization 1)? I assume that the square is just a pre-beta thing for the time being, until we get a proper isometric map, and that the final release will be isometric because I see that the buildings are in an isometric orientation. Sorry if this is a bit of a stupid question. Well Isometric is an eventual goal. However in GAMBAS it is much simpler to make it a square map. However the Graphics are that way because eventually it may be nice to add Isometric. One note you used the word Final release. It is said that there will never be a final release of these games. Once we get one good we will move on to the next one however it is good to get improvements that are in the later ones into the older ones. Constantly making the entire series better games (Something mostly seen in Open Source development!).

Graphics
I have noticed something. Practically all the FE volunteers are programmers. Hmmm we are going to need some graphics artist. Particularly in the 3D modeling department. If anyone here knows 3D modeling try and duplicate the AOE units we will then take pictures of the models for the game. FE is probably be like the original AOE's and not be based on a 3D engine.

Yes. But do you have a Midi to Ogg converter? I already have converted all the music from AoE into Ogg, so now I've got it all on my computer. (including the music from AoK and TC) I have noticed something. Practically all the FE volunteers are programmers. Hmmm we are going to need some graphics artist. Particularly in the 3D modeling department. If anyone here knows 3D modeling try and duplicate the AOE units we will then take pictures of the models for the game. FE is probably be like the original AOE's and not be based on a 3D engine. I frequently use Blender and Photoshop to produce numerous random designs. They both run perfectly on Linux. Also, my license for Photoshop says I am allowed to make anything I want as long as I don't use it for commercial use. Since FE is Free, it is not commercial, we can use Photoshop.

I already have converted all the music from AoE into Ogg, so now I've got it all on my computer. (including the music from AoK and TC) Excellent send them to the email address Hamish gave on page 1. Whats "TC". I frequently use Blender and Photoshop to produce numerous random designs. They both run perfectly on Linux. Also, my license for Photoshop says I am allowed to make anything I want as long as I don't use it for commercial use. Since FE is Free, it is not commercial, we can use Photoshop. Restrictions on how to use images made in a program?!?!? :?

Whats "TC". The Conquerors, expansion pack for Age of Kings Excellent send them to the email address Hamish gave on page 1. I would but its not working. File is over 60mb big Restrictions on how to use images made in a program?!?!? Its because I got Photoshop for free I'm not allowed to make money out of it.

Its because I got Photoshop for free I'm not allowed to make money out of it. well the easy alternative is Gimp! :D i'm a great fan! also, has anyone here heard of the new thing that microsoft came out with? sayin that opensource (namely linux) is like breakin 200 patents?

Yes but it is all along the lines of "Windows uses a mouse therefore it is a Microsoft Patent", while that is not a specific example it is they sort of thing they are complaining about.

yea well the thing that i was worrying about was what happened to the makers of stratagus, used to be called freeCraft... they were doing practicly what we are now but in a more warcraft arena... i'm just worrying that if we make something savage cool and someone starts to look at these posts randomly throwing AoE in everywhere we might get a cease and desist order like the guys in freeCraft :?

you mean like with Gaim. They had to rename themselves to Pidgin recently due to a supposed trademark violation of "aim". These worries are valid. Ensemble Studies does allow the use of its sound effects for non-corporate use. The Microsoft connection is something to worry about but as I understand it MS is merely a publisher and marketer. I don't know how that effects rights but... perhaps we should come up with alternative names now just in case.

but at least we can all know what it is we are making! right :D

yep

yea well the thing that i was worrying about was what happened to the makers of stratagus, used to be called freeCraft... they were doing practicly what we are now but in a more warcraft arena... i'm just worrying that if we make something savage cool and someone starts to look at these posts randomly throwing AoE in everywhere we might get a cease and desist order like the guys in freeCraft :? These are true considerations however I am pretty sure of safety. If we used the word "Age of" in the name It might be a problem however is there any trademark on the word "Free" and "Empires" all the content in the game is either original artwork and stuff that we actually asked Ensemble about.

well how you getting on with the art work? i've got another person that's interested in helping and is very good with his hands on that regards :wink: i really am starting to sound like an open source pimp now! :P

well how you getting on with the art work? i've got another person that's interested in helping and is very good with his hands on that regards :wink: i really am starting to sound like an open source pimp now! :P We have great sources for Units and Environment, but we need more buildings.

View Full Version: Contribution (From Free Empires)