Helix Engine and Controlled Burn Game

Project Overview

Welcome to the Helix Engine project, the foundation for a next-generation 3D game engine and its debut game, Controlled Burn. This project combines advanced procedural generation techniques with unique voxel and mesh attribute systems under the umbrella of MeshDNA/VoxelDNA technology.

Key Features and Unique Aspects

• Procedurally Generated Maps: The engine uses procedural algorithms to create vast, dynamic environments ensuring every playthrough is unique.

• VoxelDNA & MeshDNA Technology: Each voxel and mesh in the engine carries a DNA-like attribute set. This system enables different behaviors, interactions, and properties at the voxel level, allowing for complex, emergent gameplay that is highly customizable.

• Hybrid 2D-3D Top-Down Gameplay: While the game Controlled Burn presents a 2D top-down perspective, it leverages fully 3D elements to enrich visual fidelity and interaction complexity.

• Multi-Platform Ambitions: The engine and Controlled Burn game will target PC, VR, Console, and Mobile platforms to reach a broad audience and demonstrate the engine’s versatility.

• Future VR and AR Support: Helix Engine is designed with extensibility in mind, preparing the groundwork for eventual VR and AR integrations.

• Modular, Expandable Architecture: Every subsystem — input, rendering, camera, procedural generation, physics — is modular, allowing for easier maintenance, upgrading, and customization.

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Project Structure

• Core Engine (Helix Engine)

  • Rendering pipeline using wgpu with shader-based GPU acceleration.
  • Input handling supporting keyboard, mouse, and planned VR/AR controllers.
  • Procedural generation framework adaptable for terrain, objects, and AI placement.
  • Voxel and Mesh DNA system managing attributes and behaviors.
  • Camera and scene management for 2D and 3D hybrid views.
  • Multi-platform backend for PC, consoles, mobile devices, and VR.

• Controlled Burn Game

  • First game built on Helix Engine.
  • Top-down voxel-based gameplay with dynamic procedural maps.
  • Focus on performance and immersive interaction.
  • Planned support for multiplayer and modding.

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Development Roadmap

1. Core Engine Development

   • Complete input and camera systems.
   • Develop procedural map generator.
   • Implement VoxelDNA/MeshDNA attribute framework.
   • Build rendering pipeline with shaders.
   • Develop platform abstraction layer.

2. Controlled Burn Game Buildout

   • Create game logic and mechanics.
   • Integrate procedural maps.
   • Design voxel and mesh attributes for gameplay.
   • Test across target platforms.

3. VR/AR Extensions

   • Add VR input and rendering support.
   • Develop AR overlays and interaction.

4. Tools and Editors

   • Build map editors, attribute editors.
   • Create asset pipelines.
   • Develop debugging and profiling tools.

5. Licensing and Distribution

   • Finalize commercial licensing for Helix Engine.
   • Launch Controlled Burn on platforms.
   • Open selected engine modules to community.

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How to Use This Repository

This repository currently contains the foundational source code of the Helix Engine and initial Controlled Burn assets. It is private and under active development.

• To build the project, ensure you have Rust and related dependencies installed.
• Use cargo build and cargo run for local compilation and testing.
• The src/ directory contains engine subsystems and game-specific code.
• The rendering/shaders/ directory holds WGSL shader files.
• Input and camera modules are designed to be extended for VR and AR.

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Contribution and Licensing

• At this stage, this project is closed-source and private.
• Licensing will be modeled similar to Unity and Unreal Engine, with commercial and personal use options.
• Contributions will be accepted after a formal open-source or licensing announcement.
• For business inquiries or licensing information, please contact [Your Contact Info].

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Contact

Project Lead: Shane Foster
Email: [[email protected]]
GitHub: https://github.com/Op-era/HelixEngine

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Thank you for your interest in the Helix Engine and Controlled Burn project. Together we will create a powerful, flexible engine and a compelling game experience.