GarageGames has released the Torque RTS Starter Kit to Mac OS X and Linux game developers, intended to help give game makers a leg up on creating real time strategy (RTS) games using GarageGames’ Torque Game Engine. The 3D engine technology has already been used by independent developers to create a slew of games for Mac OS X, Linux and Windows. The Torque RTS Starter Kit requires the Torque Game Engine and can be purchased for US$49.95.
GarageGames has differentiated the Torque Game Engine from other 3D game development engines by making the software available for multiple platforms and greatly reducing licensing and royalty fees. Developers can license the technology for $100 and pay no royalties unless their revenue exceeds $250,000. Torque Game Engine is the same foundation technology that powered Sierra’s Tribes, Starsiege and Tribes 2 games; it’s already been used to develop games including Mac OS X titles including the 3D action game Marble Blast; ThinkTanks, a multiplayer tank combat action game; the target-based action game Orbz and Dark Horizons: Lore, a multiplayer mech robot action game. Other games are in development.
Features in the Torque RTS Starter Kit include a customized camera system; a specialized “RTS-Unit” class to help manage large numbers of units over a network; a specialized “RTS-Building” class that allows players to place buildings in real-time, complete with build, idle and destruction animations; an example unit selection system in place; a simple multiplayer “lobby” system to help facilitate game finding and documentation.
GarageGames said the Torque RTS Starter Kit’s utility goes beyond just the creation of real time strategy games as well — it could just as easily be used as the foundation for 3D role playing games similar to Dungeon Siege or Baldur’s Gate.