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Dark GDK / DarkGDK 1.0 is available for FREE with Visual Studio 2008

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RickV
TGC Development Director
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:00 Edited at: 19th Nov 2007 19:01
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We are proud to announce a promotion with Microsoft.

The freeware version of GDK is now free to use.

Details here:

http://www.microsoft.com/express/samples/GameCreators/

Notes:
As of today the commercial version raises to $499
If you own the free ware version you can still purchase the commercial version at the old upgrade price.

TGC Team

Financial Director
TGC Team
[Check out Jed McKenna - http://www.wisefoolpress.com/]
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BatVink
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:05
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...it's also the first availability of Express Studio 2008, and GDK is right alongside it!

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Ron Erickson
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:12
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Congrats TGC!
It is pretty cool to see you standing next to the GIANT!


a.k.a WOLF!
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RPDan
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:13
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This looks great for people wanting to move into C++ development from DarkBASIC. A bit depressing for those of use who've bought DarkGDK, though.
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Richard Davey
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:35
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Quote: "A bit depressing for those of use who've bought DarkGDK, though."


I thought the same when I saw Blitz2D on a magazine cover CD shortly after I had bought a copy. It's just the way things happen, only at least this time current GDK owners can use the nice shiny version and Express 2008 instead, as well as benefit from the new videos and comprehensive tutorials.

Never trust a computer you can't throw out of a window
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Ron Erickson
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:40
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...plus, the user base is about to explode. That is always a good indication of more attention to the product (which means more support and more updates).
It is a happy day


a.k.a WOLF!
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Kronos
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:48
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Wow! (not world of warcraft xD)
Thanks man

The Earth is full, go home!
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jeffhuys
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 19:52
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I wanted to go off DBPro, because it was too slow, but this kicks me in again, I think!


You're the 'th to view this signature!
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RPDan
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 20:09
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I was going back to DBPro because of the better plugin support, but this should see a bit of an increase - a good physics wrapper would be great!
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Ron Erickson
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 20:17
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Quote: "I was going back to DBPro because of the better plugin support, but this should see a bit of an increase"


Well...
EZrotate and Enhanced Animations for GDK were released today!
I also heard through the grapevine that a few of the other plugins (including Dark Physics) is also on it's way. So the increase is already happening!


a.k.a WOLF!
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APEXnow
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 20:30
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This is an excellent move for the product, and I've had to keep zipped about it for obvious reasons, but the future is extrmely bright for TGC.

As pointed out by Ron, DarkPhysics and DarkAI will be available for the C++ version, with the DarkGDK.NET versions to follow.

2008 Rocks!

Paul.


---- The Meridian Culmination ----
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Richard Davey
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 20:32
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Can't wait for your GDK .NET update Paul - seeing GDK integrated with Visual Basic Express and C# Express will be awesome, and really 'round off' a complete package.

Never trust a computer you can't throw out of a window
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APEXnow
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 20:40
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Thanks Richard!! There's a fair whack of work to be done in order to make the toolkit a more intergral part of the Development environment. Like being able to drag it onto a form as a standard component. More intuitive use of the Intellisence functionality. A very exciting time for both products and alot to look forward to.

Paul.


---- The Meridian Culmination ----
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RPDan
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 20:44
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DarkPhysics and DarkAI sounds good. Can't wait!
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MartinS
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 20:54
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Awesome to see you partnering with Microsoft! I'm getting my new Vista computer on Friday so this might be the first thing I download. Will be sure to part with $500 if I ever finish a game.

MS

Formerly known as someone else.
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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 21:24
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Huzzah, congrats!

Quote: "I thought the same when I saw Blitz2D on a magazine cover CD shortly after I had bought a copy. It's just the way things happen"


Twas the same when Garage games released Torque 1.5 free for 1.4 users who purchased from that August and beyond, I had bought my copy in that July.

I've looked on the site etc. and this looks pretty good with C++ 2008

I love Nancy DrewG, but not insert brain here
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jasuk70
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 21:30
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Ron, you're EZRotate even gets a mention on the microsoft site

Game Development Libraries for GDK
EZ-Rotate helps eliminate complicated math from your projects

http://www.microsoft.com/express/samples/GameCreators/

Jas

----
"What is this talk of 'release'? Klingons do not'release' software. It escapes leaving a bloody trail of developers and quality assurance people in its wake!"
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Ron Erickson
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 21:33
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Quote: "Ron, you're EZRotate even gets a mention on the microsoft site "


I know!
Cool stuff, eh?


a.k.a WOLF!
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RPDan
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 22:27
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Is it just me or has DarkGDK.NET disappeared?
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kBessa
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 22:53
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@RPDan: I wanted to know the same...

Will DGDK.NET follow the same steps or continue as always: freeware and commercial version both paid?

Thiago
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aluseus GOD
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 23:43 Edited at: 19th Nov 2007 23:57
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awesome! Now i finally have a reason to learn c++. I cant test it right now though. This is great not only that TGC has 'allied' with Visual Studio, but that DarkGDK is free.

Your signature has been erased by a mod
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CattleRustler
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Posted: 19th Nov 2007 23:59
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Apex, nice one, and congrats to TGC. I thought this wasnt going to be announced until January 2008? Good, now I needn't stay zipped up about it either

Dark Physics for .NET please! I have a voucher waiting to be used

My DBP plugins page is now hosted [href]here[/href]
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aluseus GOD
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 01:11
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even better, an application that turns dbpro plugins to be usable in darkgdk

Your signature has been erased by a mod
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Richard Davey
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 01:47
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Yes we've removed Dark GDK .NET from sale - it will return in 2008 for free.

Never trust a computer you can't throw out of a window
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CattleRustler
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 02:01 Edited at: 20th Nov 2007 02:01
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yeah, I didnt realize this announcement was the c++ only version. I'm fairly certain the .NET version is ready (or nearly ready) to go, why the delay?

My DBP plugins page is now hosted [href]here[/href]
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Richard Davey
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 02:02
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Because it's more "nearly" than "ready"

Never trust a computer you can't throw out of a window
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Peter H
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 02:38 Edited at: 20th Nov 2007 02:39
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wow, thank you!

i've hovered on the border of buying this, but decided it wasn't worth it since it's just a hobby for me (i'm a tightwad), and there wasn't a large enough user base for plugins to be ported in a timely manner (or at all for that manner).

cheers, and have one of these!

[edit] you guys are shown before XNA

One man, one lawnmower, plenty of angry groundhogs.
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CattleRustler
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 02:44
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Quote: "Because it's more "nearly" than "ready""

yeah I just spoke to Apex. We havent talked about this in a while so I wasnt sure where it stood. I guess we'll see it when its done. I'm fine with the 2005-No Auth version until then

My DBP plugins page is now hosted [href]here[/href]
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kBessa
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 03:31
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Quote: "Yes we've removed Dark GDK .NET from sale - it will return in 2008 for free."


But we'll have the option to upgrade for only $140 right? I'm not willing to pay $499 to get the commercial version, don't have that money. (Although I doubt I will ever make something commercial, just a hobby)

Is this $140 upgrade price for "freeware owners" limited to some days (or weeks/months)? Or may I upgrade my freeware version for only $140 three years from now? Nobody mentioned this.

Best regards,
Thiago
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Try
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 07:25
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Congrats guys

Quote: "Is this $140 upgrade price for "freeware owners" limited to some days (or weeks/months)? Or may I upgrade my freeware version for only $140 three years from now? Nobody mentioned this."

Same here!

Cheers,
-Try
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RickV
TGC Development Director
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 10:40
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You can upgrade any time. The special price is for users like you who paid for DarkGDK in the past.

Financial Director
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[Check out Jed McKenna - http://www.wisefoolpress.com/]
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Ric
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 10:43
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Congratulations TGC - working alongside the big boys now! I hope the 'give it away for free' business model works out for you.

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Try
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 12:42
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RickV,
WoW, awsome... now that's what makes me happy... thanks TGC

Cheers,
-Try
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AlexRiva
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 13:49
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Hey, great, really great! I'm going to throw myself into DarkGDK development right now!

A couple of questions:
-I read the freeware license is for personal use only, does it include freeware games creation and publication on my website?
-If I want to release a Shareware game made with DarkGDK I need the commercial version, right? In that case are there discounts for DB/DBPro license owners?

Thanks!

Visit my new website: http://www.maskedbear.com
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Niels Henriksen
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 14:35
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Quote: "You can upgrade any time. The special price is for users like you who paid for DarkGDK in the past.
"


pheeew... got nervous there

But this means that you can have a team developing the game and not pay a dime for that?

Niels Henriksen
Working on a (MMO)RPG right now in LightEngine
http://noggs.netopcom.dk/forum/default.asp - Forum for the game
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tobi453
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 16:19 Edited at: 20th Nov 2007 16:52
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I've just installed the new version of the DGDK, but it seems that some commands that were added with the 120307-release are missing. For example:
float dbObjectSizeX( int iID, int iUseScaling );

The lib seems ok, because if I select the include files from the 120307-release and the new VS2008 DGDK lib everything compiles fine.

PS: Thanks for showing pics of my game on the product page.

PPS: What are the new "ShaderData" commands???

EDIT: Furthermore both dbDeleteTerrain and dbDestroyTerrain are missing in the 120307-release and the new VS 2008 version.

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Mike Johnson
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 18:02
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Most of the functionality is included but possibly some references have been missed out in the header files. This will be correct in a future update. For now anyone having the same problem as tobi453 can try defining these functions manually and you should find you can still compile.

There is currently no documentation for the ShaderData commands. Check out ShaderData.h for function listings and refer to the two tutorials for shaders to see how to use the functions.
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AlexRiva
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 20:40
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I'm currently downloading VisualC++ and proceeding to download DirectX sdk and GDK!
Now two questions for TGC people (I already posted them above but I really want to know this since this product thrills me so I apologize for my impatience! ):

License is "free for personal use". Does this include making and distributing Freeware games?

Will DB or DBPro owners have discounts on purchasing the commercial version of GDK?

Thanks!

Visit my new website: http://www.maskedbear.com
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RPDan
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 20:48
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Users who bought DarkGDK whilst not free will be able to upgrade to the commercial version more cheaply.
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sigi
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 20:53
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Is the commercial version older then the free version ? I installed
the commercial version first, but there are some folders missing.
Then uninstalled it and installed the free version.Now there are
more folders, like tools, wizard...
Should i install the commercial version over the free one?
Thank`s

AMD Athlon64 X2 4600 / 2 GH Ram / Geforce 6800 Ultra / WinXP Home SP2 / DX 9.c
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Mike Johnson
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 21:31
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AlexRiva, you can make and distribute freeware games with the current license. Not sure about discounts on the commercial version.

sigi, we have completely revamped the freeware version and added media, tutorials and more. I'd recommend using this for now even if you own the commercial version. I will update the commercial installer to match the current contents of the freeware version. The only other difference will be in the license for the installer.
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Deagle
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 21:41
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Oh man, this is great! I love the GDK

Deagle aka D-Eagle
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AlexRiva
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 22:13
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Quote: "AlexRiva, you can make and distribute freeware games with the current license. Not sure about discounts on the commercial version."

Great news! Thanks for the quick reply I'll wait for info on this site about possible commercial version discounts for TGC aficionados
By now I'm glad to test the free GDK, I have about a dozen ideas about Freeware games to develop with this cool tool!

Visit my new website: http://www.maskedbear.com
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n008
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 22:35
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Is the GDK compatible with C#?

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MartinS
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Posted: 20th Nov 2007 23:55
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@n008: Nope, but DGDK.NET (also free, but not until Jan 2008) is.

MS

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n008
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Posted: 21st Nov 2007 00:02
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Darn . Oh well, I'll wait till january. I don't like VC++. It feels dirty and overbloated, so i'll extend my switch date to then .

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Miguel Melo
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Posted: 21st Nov 2007 00:48 Edited at: 21st Nov 2007 00:51
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Quote: "As pointed out by Ron, DarkPhysics and DarkAI will be available for the C++ version, with the DarkGDK.NET versions to follow."


I think I've just soiled myself.

Quote: "Yes we've removed Dark GDK .NET from sale - it will return in 2008 for free."


Ooops. Did it again.

Seriously guys, great stuff altogether! Congrats to TGC and APEXnow are in order!

I have vague plans for World Domination
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Airslide
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Posted: 21st Nov 2007 02:34
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This is pretty awesome! Course, I just bought Torque....timing was never good to me

I'll probably download but I just got VS Express 2004 working, I'd rather not try to break it with a new version (Which, btw, I am insanely good at doing)


Vote today and play the games!
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tranquil Chaos
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Posted: 21st Nov 2007 03:23
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Awesome news! I haven't posted for some time and have been playing with DarkGDK for about the last 6 months. I saw the announcement on MSDN today and had to come check the forums. If all goes well, I should be upgrading to the commercial version soon. Thanks for all the hard work!
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Kenobi
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Posted: 21st Nov 2007 04:03
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This would be better if (in addition to VS Express) it worked with VS2005 Standard or any of the Non-Express edditions.

VSExpress editions have no built in deployment capability. Here is a link to an Eleven-Step process to deploy even a simple VC++ Express application: http://blogs.msdn.com/nikolad/archive/2005/09/02/running-c-application-built-by-vc-express-on-another-computer.aspx

What does this mean? Even if you buy the full commercial license of DarkGDK at $500, you are stuck with VC++Express and it's inability to create Setup projects for your games.

A third party scripting deployment tool like Inno could possibly be used, but what a bother. At $500, I shouldn't have to use one of those.

Note: This is nothing against theGameCreators or their cool products. This is a Microsoft failing.
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