A small snapshot of some of the recent artwork created for your game making fun!

A small snapshot of some of the recent artwork created for your game making fun!

Today we’re happy to announce V1.11 of GameGuru!

Level Editor

• New toolbar option which allows the selections of markers only
  
• Markers can now be single selected, even if clipping mode is active
  
• Adjusted widget system so X, Y, Z, XYZ scaling is axis aligned to entity orientation
  
• Added new EDITORS\KEYMAP folder with ability to remap any key used by GameGuru
  
• Sped up entity zoom in mode
  
• Spray mode now has a range, similar to the dynamic lights.
  
• Added a modifier to all entity properties to control when LOD kicks in
  
• Current editing mode is now displayed in window title area
  
• Using return with clip mode finds the floor rather than the roof
  
• Fixed PGUP and DOWN respects the size of the selected entity when in snap mode
  
• Adjusted free flight mode to not break the sound barrier!
  
• Fixed a slowdown in the IDE
  
• The D/L button in the Store Downloader is not ghosted out when updating the list
  
• Character Creator now reports head limbs being shot and has been added to light ray render
  
• Fixed an issue with Character Creator heads
  
• Fixed an undo issue with regards to raising terrain with characters on, then undoing
  
• Fixed an issue where an entity would turn to wireframe when still above the ground
  
• Fixed an issue with SKYSPEC file settings
  
• Fixed an issue where the property panel would stay open if a video was selected whilst in properties
  
• Fixed a problem with resetting weapons
  
• Fixed an issue with using the widget and R key to rotate

Editor/Importer

• Waypoints are no longer shown in the importer
  
• Importer collision tab drag handles now work
  
• Removed objectives from the importer options as they are never used

Games & Models

• New Gem World game added
  
• Media from Gem World added to the Cartoon category for you to use.

Gameplay

• Head-shot feature added
  
• Added back spot flashes for player and enemies shooting
  
• Picking up an enemy weapon now yields more than one bullet

Rendering
We’ve made some subtle and important changes to the rendering engine.

• Ambience does not contribute to shadows on highest entity settings
  
• Fixed enemy fire decals not displayed in the correct order
  
• The Occluder no longer causes shadows of occluded objects to being rendered
  
• Fixed an issue where fairly large objects would be distance occluded far too soon
  
• Fixed an issue with the occluder where certain objects would flicker

Stand-alone
We’ve improved the save stand-alone system to ensure all files are exported properly.

Lua Scripting
The scripting commands have been expanded significantly. We’ve added new sprite commands which are ideal for creating your own HUDs.

• LoadImage: myImage = LoadImage ( "myFolder\\myImage.png" ) -- Anywhere inside GG Files folder (however it is best to put into scriptbank images folder for making standalones)
  
• CreateSprite: mySprite = CreateSprite ( myImage ) – creates a sprite using image #myImage
  
• DeleteSprite: DeleteSprite ( mySprite ) – deletes a sprite
  
• SetSpritePosition: SetSpritePosition ( mySprite , x , y ) – sets the position of a sprite at the % based x,y pos
  
• SetSpriteSize: SetSpriteSize ( mySprite , sizeX , sizeZ ) – sets the size of a sprite. Passing -1 as one of the params ensure aspect ratio retained
  
• SetSpriteDepth: SetSpriteDepth ( mySprite , depth ) –sets the ordering of a sprite, 0 is front, 100 back
  
• SetSpriteColor: SetSpriteColor ( mySprite , red , green, blue, alpha ) – adds a coloured tint to a sprite
  
• SetSpriteAngle: SetSpriteAngle ( mySprite , angle ) – Sets the angle of a sprite. Default angle is zero
  
• SetSpriteOffset: SetSpriteOffset ( mySprite , xoff , yoff ) – Sets where the handle is for the sprite.
  
• SetSpriteImage: SetSpriteImage ( mySprite , myImage ) – change the image assigned to a sprite.
  
• GetFirstEntitySpawn() GetNextEntitySpawn() useful for scripts that need to deal with entities that can come into existence at any time (both return 0 if no new entity)
  
• GetDeviceWidth() and GetDeviceHeight() return the width & height of the device.
  
• SetFogIntensity(v) – sets the fog intensity.
  
• SetFont ( "FontName" , 1) To change in game font. Font 1-3 are defaults.
  
• SetPlayerWeapons(0) – A value of 0 disables player weapons, 1 restores them
  
• SetAttachmentVisible(e,1). 1 sets the entities attachment to be visible (such as their weapon), 0 switches it off
  
• SetFlashLight(1), 1 switches the flashlight on, 0 off
  
• SetFlashLightKeyEnabled(1) - 1 for on, 0 for off. Disables the flashlight key from being used
  
• SetOcclusion(100), control the occluder setting - from 0 (off) to 100 (max). 10 & under for minimal popping

Fixes and changes to existing Lua commands

• If SetAnimationSpeed(speed) has a speed value over 100, it is divided by 100. So 100 becomes 1.
  
• UnFreezePlayer() no longer has the fade in effect or resets anything in the game
  
• SetSound(e,v) to be used before functions such as SetSoundVolume(vol) which do not specify a sound to use
  
• Added new keyboard, mouse and entityinzone LUA commands and scripts
  
• Fixed the LUA dynamic music load command
  
• Fixed a LUA bug where GetInkey()
  
• SetAnimationSpeed now accepts a negative number
  
• Fixed Dynamic music system (new scripts included)
  
• Error messages no longer go behind the window
  
• Loading an image no longer causes a runtime error, instead it silently fails and writes to the default log file

Radar

• Updated Radar script to use new commands
  
• Radar and objective scripts, plus media can be found in scriptbank\radar
  
• Added the new Radar to The Big Escape, Morning Mountain Stroll and Get To The River maps.

Performance

• Shadows+Occluder are sped up to previous fast speed, but retrain the non popping of nearby objects
  
• Fixed the occluder to handle spinning round fast

F9 Mode

• When in F9 mode, going into entity (e) mode no longer causes a slow down
  
• Fixed an issue with F9 mode where sometimes characters would not animate

Misc

• DBO self-delete now detects down to the minute so any change in minutes upwards triggers a refresh
  
• Fixed rocket enemy killing themselves after respawning
  
• Fixed a memory leak relating to keyboard input
  
• Fixed a crash that could occur in multiplayer

Light mapping
The light mapper has had some subtle improvements too.

• Added light mapping settings in SETUP.INI for higher quality shadows
  
• Smoothing angle added to light mapper settings and setup.ini
  
• Fixed light map darkness issues
  
• Fixed an issue that ignored certain objects scaling
  
• Shadow intensities now match when comparing real time to prebake

We hope you enjoy this interim build. Watch our weekly Twitches here and catch up on past sessions here.

Today we’re happy to announce V1.11 of GameGuru!

Level Editor

• New toolbar option which allows the selections of markers only
  
• Markers can now be single selected, even if clipping mode is active
  
• Adjusted widget system so X, Y, Z, XYZ scaling is axis aligned to entity orientation
  
• Added new EDITORS\KEYMAP folder with ability to remap any key used by GameGuru
  
• Sped up entity zoom in mode
  
• Spray mode now has a range, similar to the dynamic lights.
  
• Added a modifier to all entity properties to control when LOD kicks in
  
• Current editing mode is now displayed in window title area
  
• Using return with clip mode finds the floor rather than the roof
  
• Fixed PGUP and DOWN respects the size of the selected entity when in snap mode
  
• Adjusted free flight mode to not break the sound barrier!
  
• Fixed a slowdown in the IDE
  
• The D/L button in the Store Downloader is not ghosted out when updating the list
  
• Character Creator now reports head limbs being shot and has been added to light ray render
  
• Fixed an issue with Character Creator heads
  
• Fixed an undo issue with regards to raising terrain with characters on, then undoing
  
• Fixed an issue where an entity would turn to wireframe when still above the ground
  
• Fixed an issue with SKYSPEC file settings
  
• Fixed an issue where the property panel would stay open if a video was selected whilst in properties
  
• Fixed a problem with resetting weapons
  
• Fixed an issue with using the widget and R key to rotate

Editor/Importer

• Waypoints are no longer shown in the importer
  
• Importer collision tab drag handles now work
  
• Removed objectives from the importer options as they are never used

Games & Models

• New Gem World game added
  
• Media from Gem World added to the Cartoon category for you to use.

Gameplay

• Head-shot feature added
  
• Added back spot flashes for player and enemies shooting
  
• Picking up an enemy weapon now yields more than one bullet

Rendering
We’ve made some subtle and important changes to the rendering engine.

• Ambience does not contribute to shadows on highest entity settings
  
• Fixed enemy fire decals not displayed in the correct order
  
• The Occluder no longer causes shadows of occluded objects to being rendered
  
• Fixed an issue where fairly large objects would be distance occluded far too soon
  
• Fixed an issue with the occluder where certain objects would flicker

Stand-alone
We’ve improved the save stand-alone system to ensure all files are exported properly.

Lua Scripting
The scripting commands have been expanded significantly. We’ve added new sprite commands which are ideal for creating your own HUDs.

• LoadImage: myImage = LoadImage ( "myFolder\\myImage.png" ) -- Anywhere inside GG Files folder (however it is best to put into scriptbank images folder for making standalones)
  
• CreateSprite: mySprite = CreateSprite ( myImage ) – creates a sprite using image #myImage
  
• DeleteSprite: DeleteSprite ( mySprite ) – deletes a sprite
  
• SetSpritePosition: SetSpritePosition ( mySprite , x , y ) – sets the position of a sprite at the % based x,y pos
  
• SetSpriteSize: SetSpriteSize ( mySprite , sizeX , sizeZ ) – sets the size of a sprite. Passing -1 as one of the params ensure aspect ratio retained
  
• SetSpriteDepth: SetSpriteDepth ( mySprite , depth ) –sets the ordering of a sprite, 0 is front, 100 back
  
• SetSpriteColor: SetSpriteColor ( mySprite , red , green, blue, alpha ) – adds a coloured tint to a sprite
  
• SetSpriteAngle: SetSpriteAngle ( mySprite , angle ) – Sets the angle of a sprite. Default angle is zero
  
• SetSpriteOffset: SetSpriteOffset ( mySprite , xoff , yoff ) – Sets where the handle is for the sprite.
  
• SetSpriteImage: SetSpriteImage ( mySprite , myImage ) – change the image assigned to a sprite.
  
• GetFirstEntitySpawn() GetNextEntitySpawn() useful for scripts that need to deal with entities that can come into existence at any time (both return 0 if no new entity)
  
• GetDeviceWidth() and GetDeviceHeight() return the width & height of the device.
  
• SetFogIntensity(v) – sets the fog intensity.
  
• SetFont ( "FontName" , 1) To change in game font. Font 1-3 are defaults.
  
• SetPlayerWeapons(0) – A value of 0 disables player weapons, 1 restores them
  
• SetAttachmentVisible(e,1). 1 sets the entities attachment to be visible (such as their weapon), 0 switches it off
  
• SetFlashLight(1), 1 switches the flashlight on, 0 off
  
• SetFlashLightKeyEnabled(1) - 1 for on, 0 for off. Disables the flashlight key from being used
  
• SetOcclusion(100), control the occluder setting - from 0 (off) to 100 (max). 10 & under for minimal popping

Fixes and changes to existing Lua commands

• If SetAnimationSpeed(speed) has a speed value over 100, it is divided by 100. So 100 becomes 1.
  
• UnFreezePlayer() no longer has the fade in effect or resets anything in the game
  
• SetSound(e,v) to be used before functions such as SetSoundVolume(vol) which do not specify a sound to use
  
• Added new keyboard, mouse and entityinzone LUA commands and scripts
  
• Fixed the LUA dynamic music load command
  
• Fixed a LUA bug where GetInkey()
  
• SetAnimationSpeed now accepts a negative number
  
• Fixed Dynamic music system (new scripts included)
  
• Error messages no longer go behind the window
  
• Loading an image no longer causes a runtime error, instead it silently fails and writes to the default log file

Radar

• Updated Radar script to use new commands
  
• Radar and objective scripts, plus media can be found in scriptbank\radar
  
• Added the new Radar to The Big Escape, Morning Mountain Stroll and Get To The River maps.

Performance

• Shadows+Occluder are sped up to previous fast speed, but retrain the non popping of nearby objects
  
• Fixed the occluder to handle spinning round fast

F9 Mode

• When in F9 mode, going into entity (e) mode no longer causes a slow down
  
• Fixed an issue with F9 mode where sometimes characters would not animate

Misc

• DBO self-delete now detects down to the minute so any change in minutes upwards triggers a refresh
  
• Fixed rocket enemy killing themselves after respawning
  
• Fixed a memory leak relating to keyboard input
  
• Fixed a crash that could occur in multiplayer

Light mapping
The light mapper has had some subtle improvements too.

• Added light mapping settings in SETUP.INI for higher quality shadows
  
• Smoothing angle added to light mapper settings and setup.ini
  
• Fixed light map darkness issues
  
• Fixed an issue that ignored certain objects scaling
  
• Shadow intensities now match when comparing real time to prebake

We hope you enjoy this interim build. Watch our weekly Twitches here and catch up on past sessions here.

Today we're releasing the brand new GameGuru performance build. We have converted the original engine to a C++ foundation and highly optimised the game loop for improve frame rate performance.

There’s more help for new users with the aid of a new getting started guide and a range of video tutorials that step them through all the aspects of the software and easy access to the archive of Twitch videos that the development team blog every week.



Our CEO and lead developer Lee Bamber has this to say about this build "This update is the most significant release since the launch of GameGuru and introduces an incredible boost in performance for most users. In addition to increased frame rates, you can expect a number of long-requested feature improvements, such as entity group selection in the editor and an improved help system"

Performance Improvements

• Converted the whole GameGuru engine from DarkBasicPro source code to C++
  
• Optimised the C++ source code;
  - Speed increase on real-time shadows and grass
  - LUA Speed increase
  - Sound Speed increase
  - Spawned entities

• Developed the Occluder further
  
  - Occluder runs on a separate thread and creates optimum draw calls for rendering each frame
  - Entities that make bad occluders are marked in the fpe (lots of fpes updated)

Editor
One of the key new features added to the editor is the new rubber band selector. You can now drag and group select many entities and the move, rotate, scale and delete them.

• New rubber band control lets you highlight multiple entities.
  
• When spraying characters, X and Z angles are no longer adjusted
  
• Fixed visual settings getting wiped after a reloaded session
  
• Pressing space key now deselects any entity current selected
  
• Objects are now easier to scale when they are already a large size
  
• Green resource bar is now reset between levels
  
• When you exit GG and choose to save on exit, the level no longer reloads after saving
  
• Fixed an issue where an entity that was a clone would not de-highlight and remain green
  
• Fixed the RECENT folder not showing up on some machines
  
• EDIT ALL in the IDE is now called CLIP OFF to be clearer

Test Game

• numpad + and - now work in F9 mode
  
• You can now use TAB from the last F11 FPS Screen
  
• Performance boost if DOF and Motion Blur are set to 0!
  
• Dynamic resolution: If the draw count is high and fps is below 60, the resolution will dynamically adjust to improve frame rate
  
• Characters use a diff shader from a distance and do not animate, even when instances
  
• Shadows speed up: Shadows are not always drawn for objects dependant on their distance and size
  
• When in test game the mouse no longer affects the game if GG does not have the focus

Sound

• Changed zombie sounds to mono so they can be used as 3d sounds
  
• Fixed ogg files memory leak

LUA

• Fixed SetSoundSpeed in LUA
  
• Fixed all LUA shader related commands to not freeze animations when called (changing DOF, Vignette etc)

Standalone

• Fixed crash issue after playing multiple levels in standalone
  
• Fixed an issue with games that used their own custom images not having them when building in standalone

Model Importer

• Fixed importer from not naming normal and specular files

Weapons

• Fixed Uzi V mode issue which locked damage to 30 regardless of settings

Lightmapping

• Fixed an issue where some buildings disappeared when lightmapped

Misc

• LOD specified in the FPE now works
  
• You can now shoot the winged fantasy creature thanks to a new FPE field
  
• Dynamic resolution can now be switched off via setup.ini with disabledynamicres=1
  
• Fixed several issues with fantasy characters
  
• Demo games now have a start and complete screens

Today we're releasing the brand new GameGuru performance build. We have converted the original engine to a C++ foundation and highly optimised the game loop for improve frame rate performance.

There’s more help for new users with the aid of a new getting started guide and a range of video tutorials that step them through all the aspects of the software and easy access to the archive of Twitch videos that the development team blog every week.



Our CEO and lead developer Lee Bamber has this to say about this build "This update is the most significant release since the launch of GameGuru and introduces an incredible boost in performance for most users. In addition to increased frame rates, you can expect a number of long-requested feature improvements, such as entity group selection in the editor and an improved help system"

Performance Improvements

• Converted the whole GameGuru engine from DarkBasicPro source code to C++
  
• Optimised the C++ source code;
  - Speed increase on real-time shadows and grass
  - LUA Speed increase
  - Sound Speed increase
  - Spawned entities

• Developed the Occluder further
  
  - Occluder runs on a separate thread and creates optimum draw calls for rendering each frame
  - Entities that make bad occluders are marked in the fpe (lots of fpes updated)

Editor
One of the key new features added to the editor is the new rubber band selector. You can now drag and group select many entities and the move, rotate, scale and delete them.

• New rubber band control lets you highlight multiple entities.
  
• When spraying characters, X and Z angles are no longer adjusted
  
• Fixed visual settings getting wiped after a reloaded session
  
• Pressing space key now deselects any entity current selected
  
• Objects are now easier to scale when they are already a large size
  
• Green resource bar is now reset between levels
  
• When you exit GG and choose to save on exit, the level no longer reloads after saving
  
• Fixed an issue where an entity that was a clone would not de-highlight and remain green
  
• Fixed the RECENT folder not showing up on some machines
  
• EDIT ALL in the IDE is now called CLIP OFF to be clearer

Test Game

• numpad + and - now work in F9 mode
  
• You can now use TAB from the last F11 FPS Screen
  
• Performance boost if DOF and Motion Blur are set to 0!
  
• Dynamic resolution: If the draw count is high and fps is below 60, the resolution will dynamically adjust to improve frame rate
  
• Characters use a diff shader from a distance and do not animate, even when instances
  
• Shadows speed up: Shadows are not always drawn for objects dependant on their distance and size
  
• When in test game the mouse no longer affects the game if GG does not have the focus

Sound

• Changed zombie sounds to mono so they can be used as 3d sounds
  
• Fixed ogg files memory leak

LUA

• Fixed SetSoundSpeed in LUA
  
• Fixed all LUA shader related commands to not freeze animations when called (changing DOF, Vignette etc)

Standalone

• Fixed crash issue after playing multiple levels in standalone
  
• Fixed an issue with games that used their own custom images not having them when building in standalone

Model Importer

• Fixed importer from not naming normal and specular files

Weapons

• Fixed Uzi V mode issue which locked damage to 30 regardless of settings

Lightmapping

• Fixed an issue where some buildings disappeared when lightmapped

Misc

• LOD specified in the FPE now works
  
• You can now shoot the winged fantasy creature thanks to a new FPE field
  
• Dynamic resolution can now be switched off via setup.ini with disabledynamicres=1
  
• Fixed several issues with fantasy characters
  
• Demo games now have a start and complete screens

Hi GameGuru fans,

Today we're moving GameGuru from the Games section of Steam to the Software section.

So when you come to run GameGuru from Steam, change the GAMES filter in the search box (top left) to SOFTWARE and you'll find GameGuru in the new software list. We're moving to Software because we've been asked by our community a number of times that they feel this is where GameGuru's rightful home is.

Next week we're releasing a huge performance update to GameGuru, so get ready for that too!

The GameGuru Team

Hi GameGuru fans,

Today we're moving GameGuru from the Games section of Steam to the Software section.

So when you come to run GameGuru from Steam, change the GAMES filter in the search box (top left) to SOFTWARE and you'll find GameGuru in the new software list. We're moving to Software because we've been asked by our community a number of times that they feel this is where GameGuru's rightful home is.

Next week we're releasing a huge performance update to GameGuru, so get ready for that too!

The GameGuru Team

Dave Milton will be taking a small break from his extensive coding duties to return once again at 4pm GMT to answer some more of your questions regarding GameGuru.

http://www.twitch.tv/gamegurulee

See you there :)

Dave Milton will be taking a small break from his extensive coding duties to return once again at 4pm GMT to answer some more of your questions regarding GameGuru.

http://www.twitch.tv/gamegurulee

See you there :)