The Game Creators launches asset store

The Game Creators, the UK company behind entry-level game creation tools such as FPS Creator and Dark Basic, has launched a new art asset store for hobbyist game developers.

Called the Game Creators Store, and currently accessible through its FPS Creator product or through a new free cut-down version, the store has launched with over 1,000 assets including characters, weapons, objects and music. Plans are underfoot to support other engines and file formats, including Torque’s .DTS format and the open .FBX file format used by XNA and Autodesk’s 3ds Max and Maya, as well as new item categories such as sound effects, skyboxes and decals.

“Game Creator Store is another significant step in our campaign to democratise game development,” says Richard Vanner, financial director with The Game Creators.

“With the games industry increasingly polarising on a few big players, it’s good to broaden it out with new talent but game making isn’t as easy as many people think. Independent game developers have the need to create 3D models but they’re not artists so they don’t always have the ability or contacts.

The store runs on a points system, with high quality animated characters costing the equivalent of around £2.50, weapons around £1.50 and static items for 50p.

“Most current catalogues are designed more for artists than developers and their assets have a high polygon count that doesn’t support quick gaming. Game Creator Store fills the gap with objects that are better priced than existing offerings and come game ready.”