NOTE: This page is sorely out of date. I'll update it when I get a chance, but for now use these links at your own risk.
So, I've decided to put together a list of independent game developer resources. Stuff that an indie game developer can use to help complete a game. This includes all aspects, from content to business and legal, etc. The goal is to list things that everyone can use. If you know of a local attorney or accountant that you really like, post it in the comments below.
Note that none of these sites or products are personally endorsed by me unless I say otherwise. These are just links I happen to have, and based off of suggestions.
Also, don't be offended if you aren't on here. I just pulled out some easy links based on my faulty memory. If you do have any suggestions, post them in this thread, or send me an email using the contact information to the side.
- Communities: forums to read news and discuss issues with other indies.
- GameDev.net: Discussions about game development.
- GarageGames forums: The creators of the Torque engine have a vibrant community.
- DevMaster.net: news site about game development.
- Indiegamer Forums: Another great community for indie developers.
- Accounting/Payroll/HR
- Paychex: They offer great service for smaller businesses, something you might not find at other payroll firms.
- IRS Forms and Instructions: All the U.S. Tax forms you'll ever need for your business, most in PDF format.
- FileYourTaxes.com: Easy filing of most Federal and California tax forms. You can even file some forms for free!
- Tom Buscaglia: the Game Attorney. His blog is linked to the right.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Learn the basics here. (Consult your lawyer!)
- U.S. Copyright Office: Learn about copyrights. These you can probably file yourself.
- LinkedIn: A professional networking site used by many other developers. (Try to make a personal connection offline before pestering someone!)
- IGDA: The industry professional organization.
- Programming/Engines
- DevMaster.net Engines List: good research if you're looking for something specific.
- Torque Engine: A great, cheap engine that's very professional looking. 2D and 3D available.
- Ogre3D: A popular open source graphics engine.
- PyGame: A nice set of game-focused libraries for the Python language.
- Twisted Server: A Python-based, flexible internet connection server.
- Edgeworks: a C# based networking layer from Richard Bryant.
- Truevision3D: An affordable 3D engine.
- Communities: places to find artists.
- DeviantArt: The site for artists to show off their stuff.
- Turbo Squid: A place to buy models, skins, etc.
- Pixel Joint: A pixel art community site.
- GM Pixel: Pixel art forum.
- Reiner's Tilesets: Mostly 2D isometric bitmaps.
- Lost Garden: Danc's free 2D art he posts on his blog: space shooter futuristic RTS SNES-style RPG
- Heavy Melody Music + Sound Design: Very cool musicians with a passion for games.
- Yale Music: Some cool guys I met at GDC a while ago.
- Hosting
- Need recommendations.
As a reminder, please post in this thread if you have a local resource you'd like to share. If you have suggestions for new resources, please post in the announcement post. That way your post will show up in the "Recent Comments" section and I won't overlook it.
Thanks!
Comment by Psychochild — 21 September, 2006 @ 6:09 PM
To this list I would add http://www.cgtrader.com - 3D models marketplace.
Comment by Ann — 27 February, 2012 @ 3:25 AM
Surely there must be http://www.cgtrader.com website. :)
Comment by Layla — 23 May, 2012 @ 5:51 AM