Where to start?

[Ant59]

A group of friends and I really want to give a shot at creating a small online RPG. We've decided to use Java, because it's easy to learn, some of us already know it well, it's cross-platform and I've noticed it being used much more recently for decent commercial games.

We want to create it in 3D.

However, I am stuck. How do I go about starting with creating the actual game? I know that's vague, but what I mean is what do I use. I've seen all these different packages like JOGL and LWJGL and JME. I am completely confused about what will be best for us to use.

I know it's rather vague, but if anyone has any information, it would be much appreciated. I can answer any questions that might be needed to suggest what I should use. Thank you in advance!

[kappa]

Do you intend to make a 3d game or a 2d one?

[Ant59]

3D I'm completely unsure of how good we can make it look, but it's not super-important, although I'd love to give it decent graphics

Games published by our own members! Check 'em out!

[kappa]

for 3d graphics I'd pick one of following libraries for Java

Ardor3D
LibGDX
JMonkeyEngine

Although if you want to go really low level then LWJGL is a nice option.

[Ant59]

Thanks for the suggestions

Is it much more complex or not to go with a lower level library like LWJGL?

[kappa]

Is it much more complex or not to go with a lower level library like LWJGL?

Its not really complex, just think of that library as a raw interface to OpenGL, OpenAL and OpenCL libraries and nothing more. So basically you'll have to write all the boilerplate stuff yourself (texture loader, model loader, etc). If you just want to write a game quickly rather then spend much time with low level stuff then best to pick one of those other libraries mentioned above.

[Ant59]

Well I'd really like it to feel like our own work as much as possible, and I'm looking forward to learning while doing it, so I'm prepared to work from a low level library, as long as it gives me access to everything I'll need. Just want to check before I start anything

I guess I'll check out LWJGL then. Thank you for your help

[SimonH]

Don't forget jPCT - it's very kind to novices and it can do a lot - check out the projects page.