crysis /sandbox dsicussion [repost]

[steveblake]

[edit: sorry for the double post. I put this up in the realtime section but realised it's actually a pertanent question to ask here too]

 

Since the demo came out I've been browswing a few forums gathering information and thinking about the impressive quality of the new crysis engine, espcially with the built in sandbox editor..

 

here's some of the info I've gleened...

 

GDC 2007: Crysis CryEngine2 Level Editor Demo Pt.1+2

 

http://doc.crymod.com/frames.html?fr...ile=index.html

http://www.crysis-online.com/forum/i...1500.msg203459

http://www.incrysis.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=11418

 

How to get Max objects into CE2 with textures.

http://www.crymod.com/thread.php?threadid=9514

 

Crymod forum for sandbox

http://www.crymod.com/board.php?boardid=88

 

So I'm curious, has anyone had any experience of creating mods for visulisations with a commercial game engine like this? I'm interested in the logistics and technical legalities as well as the creative aspects.

 

How could you set up project / buisness around creating what is essentially a mod for a game engine like this??

 

The only way round charging for a mod that I could see would be be clear that the client is only paying for the work done on the assets, and then essentially supply a preinstalled laptop with the game and mod for "free".

 

Or else part with substantial amounts of cash to pay for official usage of the engine.. ?? Does anyone know how much that would cost??

 

Certainly see engines like this being a viable tool for architects / construction industry.. Some beautiful imagery there, kind of like a "Second Life Pro"..

 

Comments welcome.

[Aaron2004]

I can't talk much in this area, but from the Real Time work I have done for clients in Quest3D, I can say that we aren't there yet. It's too much hassle. I mean, I hate to say it, but it really is. Clients don't care about it that much to plop the cash down. And if you do it for town boards, they will just stair at you like you got a pickle on your face.

 

It WILL be an essential part of the sales process soon, but not until things are easier to import into the engine and the majority of computers can run the application.

[chuck]

I've downloaded the SDK and I'm really impressed so far. The fact that it uses the game engine for design in real time is amazing. It's very easy to use and a lot of fun.

 

Anyone know if there's a commercial version available or will it be made available?

 

Chuck

[nymn]

I am a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and we have been experimenting with the C4 game engine for quite a while in our Arch. & Construction Visualization master's degree program. It is relatively inexpensive to buy a commercial license and is redistributable once you own a license. In addition they also release to you the source code (which is C++ i believe) to which you can modify as needed. We have used it to create a real time lighting study and are currently experimenting with real time visualizations as well. Another key note about the C4 engine is that the license is ongoing and never expires, and includes ALL future updates and versions as long as you own the license. It also doesnt require a super computer to run, like the crysis engine which is really heavy on the graphics requirements..

 

http://www.terathon.com/ - C4 Game Engine

 

http://www.engr.psu.edu/convr/proceedings/papers/02_Kitchens_submission_20.pdf - example of one of the studies conducted by our department advisor and a collegue of mine... using the C4 engine

 

there is also an arch/vis company in texas doing that does alot of work using Unreal Engine 3... HKSVIZ used UT3 engine for the Dallas Cowboys stadium...

 

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/dec2007/id20071221_129534.htm

http://www.hksinc.com/

 

~Shane G.