You like Privateer Gemini Gold and want to help us make it better?
You want to become a part of the development team and enjoy the work on the next release?
This is how you become an active developer
===============================
Now you will learn some details about how you can make changes to the next upcoming release of the game. The latest development version of Gemini Gold was recently uploaded to the SVN service at sourceforge and is available for the general public to checkout. It includes the game engine and the game data.
About SVN
SVN (Subversion) is a tool used by many software developers to manage changes within their source code tree. SVN provides the means to store not only the current version of a piece of source code, but a record of all changes (and who made those changes) that have occurred to that source code. Use of SVN is particularly common on projects with multiple developers, since SVN ensures changes made by one developer are not accidentally removed when another developer posts their changes to the source tree.
Information about accessing this Subversion repository may be found in our document titled "Subversion (Version Control for Source Code)".
In order to access a Subversion repository, you must install a special piece of software called a Subversion client. Subversion clients are available for most any operating system. Information about Subversion client software may be found in our document titled "Recommended User Software Configuration".
Access SVN
To get access to svn you need:
1. a sourceforge.net account
2. permission by us (priv@solsector.net) to access svn
3. a svn client like Tortoise SVN to connect to the svn service
"https://privateer.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/privateer/privgold/trunk/"; sourceforge username + psw)
Now you are able to checkout (download) the development version, commit changes to Gemini Gold's sources and help to speed up development of the game. The SVN repository provides the game data stored in SVN trunk/data and the game engine sources stored in trunk/engine (a modified version of the vegastrike engine).
Coordinate development
In order to coordinate development we have the developer section in our forum. You get permission to access it through your regulary forum account by making a request to priv@solsector.net, please include your favourite avatar wish from one of the privateer commodity/upgrade items. Your forum status will change then from >Privateer< to >Developer<.
Gemini Gold's development currently only focuses on the task to rebuild Privateer not to extend it or to add any fan changes/content.
If you are a C++ coder you can help to improve the game engine and work on:
1. getting an original like nav computer implemented into the game (all nav computer graphics are available as high res 2D sprites)
2. improve the AI
3. fix bugs
We could also use some help within the following areas:
1. Modeling
2. Animations
3. Space Backgrounds
4. Speech Grabbing
5. Beta Testing
6. Let the people know...
X. Bar People and Space Backgrounds
1. Modeling
If you are new to the modeling business you need a program to create models. Wings3D ( http://www.wings3d.com/ ) is an easy to use free open source tool most of our ship models were created with. Maya or 3DStudio Max are best for Base Interiors.
What are we looking for:
- Refinery (new model + texture)
- Mining Base (new model + texture)
High Res Base Artwork (remodel and texture the base interiors)
- Retro's Eden (new model + texture)
2. Animations
We need high res explosion animations similar to those the original Privateer used. You can send them in as a set of transparent png files.
3. Space Backgrounds
A talented artist who would like to start recreating the original Privateer space backgrounds in high resolution.
4. Speech Grabbing
Maybe you have already heard that sometimes speech sounds pretty bad, that's why it was recorded in some cases with a microphone while running the original Privateer in Dosbox, some speech is even missing especially in the second campaign.
Someone is needed who is able to rerecord the speech in a more professional way - so we can replace the scratchy sounds. - - -
5. Beta Testing
Beta Testers who would like to take a look at the newest development version while reporting bugs and suggestions are always welcome. Send your application to priv@solsector.net and we get back to you soon...
6. Let the people know...
Privateer is back
