Getting Started with Unity 3D

(Its been a while since I've used this blog for training, but that is its purpose)

Unity is a great 3D and (pseudo) 2D game engine, with many games on the market, support for nearly every modern console and OS.  I'm offering some classes coming up soon, but you have to be near Hartland, WI for them.  The rest of this post gives you a way to get started now.

1) Get the latest version of Unity.  http://unity3d.com/unity/download

2) Watch this 15 minute video, which walks you through the creation of an Island, with a character running around.

Unity can do a lot with out needing to work on code.  Basically you can add existing components (scripts) to objects in the game to give them abilities.

3) Visit the unity store to find all sorts of additional scripts, models, shaders and more.  Many of them cost, but many are free as well.  https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/

4) To start getting real power out of Unity, you will need to do some coding in your game.  C# and Java both work for it.  I've heard that the Java used in unity isn't really Java, but only very much like it.  C# on the other hand uses the Mono.Net framework, and follows standard C#.  If you want to learn how to program, I have a book available online you can try: http://learnbuildplay.com/Training/IndieGameDevBook

Unity is a great program, free to use and very powerful.  The pro version ($1500 purchase or $75/mo) has many great additional features.

Get started on it today!

Game Development classes, Hartland, WI, Starts Feb 3rd and 12th.

For ages 13 to 99, we are having Game Development classes in Hartland, WI starting in February.
(2 youth classes, 2 adult classes).   I should also point out that each course (7 classes each) is between $75 and $90.  I used to teach similar classes at Bellevue College in WA for around $800 a course.  This is a great program and a great price.

Screen shot from the actual game we will do in class.

To build video games, you need to know how to program, so the first course is "Learning to Program"
(To Register: Ages 13-17, Ages 18+)

In this course, you learn C#, one of the most popular languages in games and business development.  This first class won't end with a complete game, but it will end with pieces of games.  Whenever possible, all the concepts of programming will be taught as it might be used in a game.

The second class is "3D Game Development", where you will actually work towards a complete 3D video game.
(To Register: Ages 13-17, Ages 18+)

In this second course, you will learn to use the 3D Game Engine known as Unity 3D.  We will first learn how to use the environment without touching programming, in order to build the first parts of our game.  Then we will apply our C# knowledge to give Unity all new abilities and make our games unique.

If you want to try out Unity now, you can download the free version from Unity's website.  Then check out this video I created that shows you how to make a 3D Island Explorer game in 15 minutes.  Complete with Terrain, hills, trees, grass, textures, water, lighting (no shadows in free version though), a character that can run around and jump.  This will be the first half of the first class in the 3D Game Development course, but the course will be a bit more in depth on what the video covers, and naturally include a great deal more.

I hope you enjoy the video!  I promise you will enjoy the classes.