What are they using ? As far as Graphics or is this all Code and and Images>? Im very new to all of this but i really would like to know.
It's basically all code that is used to tell the device to use which graphics and implement in a certain order. All according to the way it was programmed of course.
what do you mean how?? The Iphone has a dedicated GPU, fairly powerful for most hand-held devices in north-america.. Its just like how ps3, xbox360 or psp have good graphics. Each have a limit depending on hardware limitations and the effort of the developer. If you are asking about how games are general in made, that is kind of off-topic and you can find entire books about that heh =)
What he wants to know is how designers create graphics for their games. The most common answer would be with Adobe Photoshop - which is considered to be the industry standard for 2D graphic design. If you can spend some time to learn it (not too hard of a task), then creating lovely visuals will come naturally.
A lot of developers meanwhile use Unity (unity3d.com) as game development tool. Art-wise it depends on what the specific artist is used to, but mostly these are tool like 3DS Max, Cinema4D, Maya, Modo and of course Photoshop for image manipulation.
You can use Photoshop or 3DSMax to make your visuals but it still requires talent otherwise you end up with a mess.
If you are a programmer with little graphics experience, don't bother doing your own graphics. They'll most likely look subpar and it'll take you too much time to create anything halfway decent. Offer an artist 30% of your profits and focus on coding.
2 part question, what program do u use to animate characters for games. Can it be done with the tools that comes within the iphone SDK, or do u need to use external programs like 3D max? Also how do u build 3D looking game characters? Do u use photoshop or again do u need to use an external program like 3D max?
You can use either 3DSMax or Maya. Some graphic artists swear Maya is better for characters. Here are some of our characters drawn with Maya.
Photoshop all the way. I'm a graphics designed and that's the best I've seen. As for 3D; any modeling program (even Sketch-Up Pro) will do. As long as it exports to a 3D file. Most conveniently would be a .3ds file. Then you need a good engine like Unity. But for 2D just Photoshop and the SDK should do.
LOL! Best thing I've heard all day. Thanks for giving me a good hearty laugh I think notepad is better for graphics than paint is...
You can use either 3DSMax or Maya. Some graphic artists swear Maya is better for characters. Here are some of our characters drawn with Maya. --Ok thanks, I was confused about how to make my characters look 3D animated on a 2D background instead of making them look plain papercut 2D. But isnt 3D Max and Maya for Windows only? I looked at the website and both programs only support Windows. Doesn't this create a barrier seen as iphone SDK is Mac only?