Dim3

Infobox_Software
name = Dimension 3
logo =


caption =
developer = [http://www.klinksoftware.com/ Klink! Software]
latest_release_version = 2.2
latest_release_date = 2007
operating_system = Mac OS X (creation and deployment); Microsoft Windows and Linux (deployment only)cite web|url=http://www.klinksoftware.com/downloads/index.html|title=OS Downloads|author=Klink! Software]
genre = Game engine
license = Freewarecite web|url=http://www.klinksoftware.com/freelicense.html|title=License|author=Klink! Software]
website = [http://www.klinksoftware.com/ Klink! Software]

dim3, also known as Dimension 3, is a freeware open-source 3D game engine for Mac OS X,cite web|url=http://www.klinksoftware.com/freelicense.html|title=License|author=Klink! Software] created by Brian Barnes.cite web|url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/features/view.php?ID=312|title=Dim3: The making of a game engine|author=Satterthwaite, Mark|date=2004-09-24|accessdate=2007-11-06|publisher="InsideMacGames"|quote= [Brian] has endeavored to make Dim3 as versatile and flexible as possible while still remaining true to his other fundamental principle: it has to be free to use.] It has been chosen as a staff pick for OS X development software by Apple.cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/development_tools/dim3.html|title=dim3 Download|author=Apple|date=2007-07-26|accessdate=2007-07-26] and featured as one of their "hot game building tools."cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/games/articles/2005/08/gamebuildingtools/|title=Game Building Tools|author=Cook, Brad|publisher="Inside Mac Games"|date=2007-07-26|accessdate=2007-11-08] dim3 has an entry in DevMaster's 3D engines database.cite web|url=http://www.devmaster.net/engines/engine_details.php?id=292|title=dim3|author=DevMaster|publisher=DevMaster|date=2007-07-26|accessdate=2007-11-08]

dim3 uses OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for audio, JavaScript for scripting (using Mozilla's SpiderMonkey implementation), XML for data and Simple DirectMedia Layer for resolution switching and input.

Components

Engine

The engine is the deployment application that runs games created in dim3. Games (or "projects", in dim3 language) are cross-platform and only require the proper engine to run on the proper platform.

The engine runs on Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and can be compiled to run on Linux.

Editor

The editor is an application that creates maps for a dim3 project. Maps are a collection of geometry that makes up a world or level. Maps can also contain information about weather, effects, particles, and scripts needed to run the game. The editor only runs on Mac OS X.

Animator

The animator is used add animations and effects to models used with dim3. Animator is used to add bones, then setup the poses for thoses bones, and finally the animations between the poses. Animator uses a skeletal animation system. The animator only runs on Mac OS X.

erver

The server is an application used to host network games on a local network or the internet. It can run with a light UI or headless. dim3 uses a client-to-client with negotiating server network model. The server runs on Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and can be compiled to run on Linux.

Data folder

The data folder is the game or project. It contains all the maps, models, artwork, sounds and scripts required to create a game in dim3. Each game is self-contained in up to 3 data folders, though only one is actually needed.

Demo Game

A demonstration "game" is included in the package. Whilst not a game in itself, it shows off aspects of the engine and scripting and includes examples for inexperienced users.

References

External links

* [http://www.klinksoftware.com Dim3 website] Official Web site
* [http://www.idevgames.com/dim3/index.php Dim3 forum] Official forum
* [http://code.google.com/p/dim3/ Google Code for dim3]
* [http://dim3wiki.site88.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Dim3 Wikia]