I read a thread on CSGf and I thought we can start it here.

Now, from what I hear, people in urban and architectural design use it for their experiments... now there are plenty other city building simulators, (CityOne, Cityscape, CityEngine, but not CitiesXL) but where does Simcity games stand in this? (Not including that Societies). I know everyone has their own opinions on SC4, but think of the entire series.

So basically the point of this thread is to try and understand the aspects of a better RL city building simulator.

Now, I don't think it (SC4) is really good as far as an RL simulator. This is as far as SC4 goes, as I haven't played 1,2, 3. But I feel that in an SC5, (doubting one will come out) that it could lean towards RL more. IMO, the grid is not realistic at all. I understand that this is an 8Yo game, but still, the grid is kind of weird, even annoying at times. In an SC5, it would be great to see it gridless, just like CXL.

Speaking of that, CXL IMO is a large step towards improving on Simcity, making it more real life, as it is gridless, however, I still couldn't call that too realistic either. That is due to all the real world advertising on the roadways, barely any cars drive on the roads, on the avenues there are stoplights just when the road turns in a different direction so really it isn't that big of a RL simulator either. But overall, the steps that can and should be taken to improve SC4 to it's fullest extent is to simply take some of the aspects from other simulators that are more realistic, apply them to SC4, and then developers can and should develop the game in a fashion where everything is as realistic as possible. That includes things such as fixing stuff like the buildings and cars and ppl being over/underscaled; (some ppl area as big as cars and small houses), removing the grid, you know, overall making the game as realistic as possible. Also things such as growth of buildings as well as zoning can be modified.

IMO, this could really make for a fun city building simulator.

So give your opinions, if any.

I've even thought of launching another project to program a city simulator, but I don't think that I've got the time, or the programming skills, for that matter. I'm trying to think about how I could help defeat both setbacks, but still, I don't think I would even bother unless several other people were willing to commit to the idea.

I do think that creating a realistic city simulator would be a great idea.

That is true, or the community MIGHT be able to make a 3rd party expansion for SC4.

I don't have any programming skills at all, but I have been wanting to learn about programming, that is, if I am commited enoough to it. I have read several things about wiat C++ Programming is, but I have never actually learned what codes do what. Now I know some simple stuff, like writing an installer and stuff like that, which you can do using software, but the actual program is going to take a lot of work. Of course, you have to pay for liscensing and stuff.

But I'd be willing to help program a new city building simulator if I can find time. (and learn how to even do it in the first place)

I think both of us would have to pull out our programming skills big time. I can program some C, but I'm not great at it. It took me a year to learn it. I'm considering getting back into it.

We would still need several other people who would be willing to participate.

Well, I'd be willing to help in anyway I can. I allready know some basic stuff such as writing install wizards. That is easy to do and with what I am doing, should only take a few hours to compile all the registry keys and files into an EXE.

But I know nothing about C programming. But blake, maybe you could teach me what you know about C so far?

OK, that's a huge request, but maybe we can try, if things work out.

First, I think we ought to get several other people involved. Then I might ask Mayorm if we can get a private board here and we might be able to get started. However, something like this might take years to complete.

Cool, that might work, to make a private board.

I was also thinking making a small website to post progress on .

Well, first, lets see if we can get at least a dozen more people involved. (We probably need more like 200, but at the very very least, several. )

I downloaded Visual C++ but have no idea where it was installed to

If you have Windows 7, just type Visual C++ in the start menu.

Cannot find it there either.. I might have gotten the wrong thing. Are you sure you don't mean Visual Studio?

I don't think that's the same thing, although I could be wrong. Get this: http://www.microsoft.com/express/Windows/

Ok I got the wrong thing. I'll try that/.

i already have written some small programs and have some C# knowledge (C++ or C is simial)
But even to write a 2d simulationprogram is difficult.
I think that we need adivce from persons who already wrote a small 3dgame and persons who know to wrote good simulators.

meister

Well, I have written a couple Form Applications now, but it is far beyond me to know how to write code line for line.