   *UPDATED* - Internet Connect Four (for total newbies)
  If you have been working in C++ for a while and want to write your first game using DirectX, playable over the internet, but want to keep it simple...then keep reading!Project name:Connect FourBrief description:I want to create an internet playable version of Connect Four.If you have stopped laughing now, let me explain why such a ridiculously simple game has been chosen.Actually, I am open to suggestions...but the game must...MUST...be very simple.  I just want to prove to myself that I can actually start and finish a game...SOMETHING...and then build from there.My focus is not necessarily on game play...but rather the ELEMENTS of an internet game:1)  Start a game...broadcast I am waiting for an opponent.2)  Play with someone over the internet.3)  Save the game and load it back in later on.4)  Use DirectX.Once I (we) get this game completely done...then perhaps we can set our sites on something just a tad bigger.  Once we complete that...then we can do something a little more complex.It would be nice if one or all of us could write a TUTORIAL for those who follow....describing step-by-step how we made the game, etc., so that others can learn as well and benefit from our pain.Target aim:Freeware.  This isn't about making a buck, but about learning the basics of internet gaming.  I am planning on including the source code and a tutorial.Compensation:Your name will be in the game credits if you help.Technology:Heck...Pentium III or better?    The game will not demand much power.  Personally I am on a P4.Windows 98 or better.  I am on Windows XP Pro.Direct XWin32 / C++Talent needed:C++ Basic DirectX.  We'll learn as we go.Internet protocols / programming in C++.Team structure:SxFx is the Team lead now.Website:Our team's home page: Connect Four for NewbiesNOTE:  We were going to do "Tic-Tac-Toe" originally, but we though Connect Four would be more fun.Contacts:Please join the group for contact information.I have also started a new group on Yahoo:Group name: tictactoe_newbies (Connect Four game)Our team's home page: Connect Four for NewbiesGroup email address: Group E-mailFeedback:ENCOURAGING ONLY[Edited by - Tom Knowlton on December 13, 2005 12:37:35 PM]
  Hey, good luck with this. Always good to see people learning. If you want any help on certain topics (networking, graphics, etc) just drop me a line and I'll give you some pointers or some sniplets of code.   ;Quote:Original post by wyledHey, good luck with this. Always good to see people learning. If you want any help on certain topics (networking, graphics, etc) just drop me a line and I'll give you some pointers or some sniplets of code.wyled:I cannot see where you have your e-mail displayed.Please contact me and I will reply with my first question.Thank you,Tom   ;  "Pentium III or better?", lol i'm think more of a system containing win 98, 32mb system ram, no hardware accelerated video card, and a 200 mhz cpu for system specs :)goodluck with your project though, hopefully you can finish this project, i mean it will be very tough ;), lol just joking, its a good thing to start small and not go after a mmorpg for yoru first title.   ;Quote:Original post by Jarrod1937"Pentium III or better?", lol i'm think more of a system containing win 98, 32mb system ram, no hardware accelerated video card, and a 200 mhz cpu for system specs :)goodluck with your project though, hopefully you can finish this project, i mean it will be very tough ;), lol just joking, its a good thing to start small and not go after a mmorpg for yoru first title.Jarrod:LOL, I know....the game will not require much to power it.  Does anyone still OWN a Pentium II anymore?I know the game concept is ridiculously simple.....and that is exactly the point.  It will allow us to still do a game, yes a simple game, but one that has many of the elements needed for more complex games:  Some DirectXAbility to save and load game stateInternet playWill use a modern programming language (C++)Once we finish this game we can do something more challenging.Plus, if our little newbie team cannot put together Tic-Tac_Toe and work together as a team...then we haven't a prayer of doing anything more complex, right?By the way, I have updated my Contact Info:Contacts:E-mail Tom KnowltonPlease contact me on MS Messenger as well:  whatnewdevilryisthis@hotmail.comI have also started a new group on Yahoo:Group name: tictactoe_newbies Group home page: Tic Tac Toe NewbiesGroup email address: Group E-mail;  exactly, just get your foot in the door then move to soemthing more complex. you would be surprised how many people i see saying "i'm going to make the best mmorpg/shooter/rts ever made in a month for my first title, i mean how hard could it be". you on the other hand have the right idea, be sure to post in the image of the day when you get it done.   ;Quote:Original post by Jarrod1937exactly, just get your foot in the door then move to soemthing more complex. you would be surprised how many people i see saying "i'm going to make the best mmorpg/shooter/rts ever made in a month for my first title, i mean how hard could it be". you on the other hand have the right idea, be sure to post in the image of the day when you get it done.Okay....good idea!By the way...just because the GAME is simple as far as rules....does not mean that we cannot have lots of FUN with it....maybe even come up with a few twists:1)  We can make the X's and O's flop around like Jello when we put them on a square.2)  Allow players to use something other than X's and O's...like ... I don't know....something else!  3)  Perhaps we can add a new twist to the game?  Maybe there is not much room for that, but ya never know!  Perhaps have celebrity squares like that game on TV with Whoopi Goldberg.;  yeah, i think you should make the player have to fill in more than just 3 in a row in order to win, because when you're a kid its hard but when you're older and playing against someone else the game will almost always result in a draw.i would help you make the game but i'm kind of busy making my own atm.   ;Quote:Original post by Tom KnowltonTechnology:C++ (I have Visual Studio 6.0)Please don't use VC++6's compiler.  It was made before the C++ standard and is now terribly outdated -- especially since you can get VC++ 2005 Express for free download or use the full free compiler and a separate IDE such as Code::Blocks.That being said, this is an excellent project.  It's a very wise decision to start on something small enough to be most likely to finish, and it looks like you picked a good set of features to try.  Working in a team is also an essential thing to learn, and it should teach you about source code control systems and low coupling and documentation and ...   ;  I have visual studio 2005 though im not that good with internet protocols. Uhh accually I don't know anything about them. I still think I could help. Contact me at ididntdoit258@gmail.com.   