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.

New Training Site in progress...

I've been getting closer to releasing a whole new video based training site.  It has a few unique features that I haven't seen anywhere else, but before finishing up the development of it, I wanted to hear what people have to say.  This will be for game development, programming, web development, AI, Physics, Math, UI Design and more.

• What works for you with current online training sites?
• What would you like to see in online training?
• What annoys you about online training sites?
• Any tips or advice?

Fire...

On Thursday, November 21st, the house I was renting (637 Anderson St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) burned down.  My wife and I made it out ok, and she also managed to get our dog out, but we lost all our cats.  We also lost the majority of our things, of which nothing was insured.  

While we are ok with the lack of things, (and we will begin replacing what we need over time), I lost most of my computer equipment I use for classes.  I try to offer free education online, but I also teach classes, and provide laptops for students that don't have them available to use in class.  I had to put a pause on my current classes, because the machines have been damaged.

At present, I only have one student who was/is using a laptop of mine and I have already received one laptop from Ian Bestler (An old friend of mine who happened to be out in Wisconsin for the weekend, thank you Ian!) but I have new classes starting in February, and with it, more students.  It is hard for me to cover expenses of computers while we are taking care of everything else.  

If anyone has some equipment they could donate to me, to use for education, I would really appreciate it.  Here is a list of things I'm hoping to get replaced if possible:

• Laptops, PC typically, though other OS's could work.  2G Ram+, 1.5 ghz+, 60G HDD+, Power Cord
• Projector screen, I was using an 8x4' stand up screen.
• WiFi Router, (I use this for networking the laptops in class)
• Remote Keyboard and Mouse (to keep up mobility in class)
• Bright Extention Coords, Good Power Strips
• Printer/Scanner (used for printing materials)
• LCD Monitor (I have one, but I'm used to two, and the power controller burned out on my second screen)
• *Other - I did not originally have or use Android in the classroom, but thanks to Ian's contribution of a Nexus 7, I now have Unity 3D games running on it, and can use it in classes as a testing device for students.  If I receive a device I cannot use, I will try to make sure it goes to good use somewhere deserving.  
• Projector, I have done everything I can to clean out the current one, which sort of works now, but it makes the whole room stink of burning plastics any time I turn it on.  It is a 1080p projector, but lower resolutions can work. --> I spent several more hours cleaning it, then let it run in the cold winter air.  Most of the smell is gone now.  :D  I should be able to start using it for classes again!

If you are sending me something, my friend David Bock, an experienced Aikido instructor with Abundant Joy Yoga Studio and also owning and operating Bock Accupuncture , is letting me use his mailing address until I have a more permanent address setup.  Please send anything to: Dan Sagmiller, Care of David Bock, Bock Accupuncture, 888 Thackery Trail #206, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.

Learn Build Play is *not* a non-profit business, but so far has made no profit.  I teach the classes because this is what I love doing.  If you are interested in helping out, but have no devices from the list, we can accept cash as well.