Need ideas for a new program/project.

[Randolpho]

Ok, so one of my final undergraduate courses is, naturally, graphics. And, naturally, we have a project. And, naturally, I want to do something D&D or Game related. And, naturally, I need your help.

Here's the basic idea I came up with:

Build an open source (naturally ), modular, 3d, miniatures gaming graphics engine. Anyone could model a miniature and/or terrain in a 3rd party graphics modeling program, say 3d Studio Max, and import it into the system. It would have an open API, so anyone could use it to create a specific rulesset for their miniatures game. Say, D&D, Chainmail, or Warhammer.

Here's what I need from you:

How does it work? In other words, given the basic premise, what features would you like to see in such a system? What platforms and languages should it support?

Thanks for your input!

(This is cross-posted on Nutkinland, so feel free to check http://pub115.ezboard.com/fnutkinlandfrm21.showMessage?topicID=1581.topic for other ideas to expand on.)

 

[Chaz]

Sounds cool. Id like to see a windows system like that. Maybe with DM toolsets to manipulate on screen chars / creatures / scenery?

 

[gariig]

Totally unrelated, but I would like to see a program where you could "Cast" spells on an NPC and the stat block would change to reflect the change and would take into account Stacking rules, etc. It'd be helpful for high level adventures

Gariig

 

[Randolpho]

Thanks for the input, folks. Gariig, I was thinking more along the lines of first developing an open graphics engine that anyone could use to write any form of a table-top wargame/minatures game. I would then (probably after the class is over) write on top of it, specific applications that would utilize it. But before that, I would open the engine up to other code-monkeys in the field to use for their own programs. If I do things right, folks like the ones at RPM or PCGen could insert the system into their own programs with a minimum of fuss.

Hopefully.

What I was more looking for was what sort of features I should include in the package, like should I allow for 3d terrain, hex vs square, what constraints should I put on terrain to force into the miniature/wargame genre. Any input on these lines would be greatly valued.

 

[Randolpho]

Chaz -- I was thinking that it might be best to use already existing modeling software for models.

edit: although a basic way of moving models around onscreen would be a great tool for the API. Thanks.

 

[Chaz]

Yeah that sounds reasonable
As far as topigraphical features, the ability to mabe have and change between hex / grid etc. overlays could be handy to reflect diferent map styles people like.

 

[Randolpho]

Writes furiously:

Hex to Square grid mid-stream change.

Gotcha. Any more?

 

[Randolpho]

Bump

 

[Randolpho]

Ahh, well.

 

[Cergorach]

I think that the first requirement would be, something simple to use. Anything complex can be done through many of the engines out there. I think that a simple interface that lets someone chose a model and let it move around on the 'board'. The 'board' needs to allow 3d movement (front/back, left/right, up/down).

Just how much can you do? <list zkilz here please> I've got a wishlist ten feet long, but can you take it and make it (and in what kind of time frame)?