i like to make very simple 3d/2d game for pc/mac/linux what is the best free 3d/2d engine for this ? i have no experience in game programming so i guess it have to be easy to learn please in c++ thanks
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Perhaps this is better as community wiki as really it's quite subjective? – Kieran Senior Mar 24 '09 at 20:02
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1There's no "best". lots of variables, ranging from from your skill level, to your intentions (hobby vs commercial?) to your game's inherent needs. – alphadogg Aug 24 '10 at 02:52
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While 'best' can very much depend on your situation, one I have used in the past to great success is OGRE 3D.
It's cross-platform, very nicely written (C++), and runs well. However the one thing that set it apart for me was the great community - you can always get help no matter how simple your question, and there are plenty of guides/tutorials around on their forum/wiki. The documentation is also very good.
It's well worth checking out.
Hrmm, upon reading that it almost sounds like I have a vested interest - I don't! I just really like it from past experience!
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nitpick: Ogre 3D isn't really a GAME engine. It only does graphics (without other frameworks/plugins). – Judge Maygarden Mar 24 '09 at 19:53
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True, although I interpreted the request for a '2d/3d engine' in such a way that Ogre would be a valid response. Also, there have been full game engines built on it too, of course. Still, you raise a good point! – CapBBeard Mar 24 '09 at 19:55
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OGRE is purely a graphics rendering engine, but this design is purposeful as it allows other components to be "plugged in". It doesn't fix you to a certain physics/sound engine so there's much more freedom in using it. I'd definitely recommend it though - it's used in some top selling games (Ankh) – Kieran Senior Mar 24 '09 at 20:01
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Try searching DevMaster's Game and Graphics Engines Database for 3D engines. This question has also been asked and answered MANY MANY times in their forums.
C4 Engine, irrLicht and Torque are often recommended for 3D in C++, but it really depends on your individual requirements or if you really need an engine at all.
Judge Maygarden
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I don't recommend the database, but do recommend their forums. Signal-to-noise ratio is very good there. – alphadogg Aug 24 '10 at 02:53
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@alphadogg Yes, the forums are very good. Unfortunately, I've been spending more time here than there. -monjardin – Judge Maygarden Aug 24 '10 at 16:10
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I recommend Irrlicht. It's simple, lightweight but fast and powerful. It's not as featureful as Ogre3D, but I've found it more simple to use.
Matthew Olenik
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Panda3D is quite easy:
- You can use it with C++ (or Python.)
- It is well documented and offers many good samples.
It's mostly 3d oriented, so be aware although any 3d engine will involve a learning curve, Panda3D will have one of the shortest.
Miguel
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ChristopheD
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If you're looking for more of a simple API rather than a full-blown game engine, you should try SDL. That will give you a platform-independent way to render with OpenGL, handle input, do basic audio, etc. It's especially handy if you're looking for a way to do a simple 2D game project.
Parappa
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