3D Game Development Tools

Gaming industry has come a long way over the years. From simple brick games about two decades ago, the world has moved to 3D game development. Around the world, game developers stretch their skills to entertain enthusiasts gamers with ever enthralling gaming experience. Being a $ 10 billion plus industry it is not fun for the game developers but serious business. Be it the personal computer, play stations, Xbox or your mobile phones, 3D games are slowly but steadily overtaking their two dynamic cousins.

This growth has been further fueled by the emergence of many offshore centers where expert game developers create, innovate and execute new 3D games every day. There are many small and big companies, which outsource their projects to these locations. The game developers use latest tools and platforms to develop games. The games are tested extensively by experts, before giving it into the market.

Popular 3D Game Tools

Autodesk 3ds Max - One of the favorite with developers this is a modeling, animation and rendering package. Renowned games like Unreal Tournament, Need for Speed, Call of Duty, Half-Life and The Lord of the Rings have been developed using this platform. Combining integrated features like Character Studio, Scene Explorer and Key Framing 3ds Max offer the best solution to game developers around the world. It comes with flexible plugin architecture and can be used on the Microsoft Windows platform.

UNITY - It is an integrated authoring tool, which is used to develop 3D projects primarily for the mobile platform and has some of the best iPhone and Android games to its credit. Games like Batman Streets of Gotham, Foreign Legion, Enercities, Robot Rampage and Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2 was developed using this platform. It can produce games both for the Windows and Mac platform. Recently support for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has added to this platform. It is also used to develop browser games.

Autodesk Maya - This was the original tool from Autodesk and is popular among certain sections of developers. Renowned games such as Madden NFL 2004, NASCAR Thunder, Halo 2, and Final Fantasy XI are developed using Maya. It works equally well on Linux, Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh platforms. Maya is equipped with its very own cross-platform scripting language, fittedly called Maya Embedded Language.

Blender Game Engine - Mostly used for developing mobile games, Blender game engine is an open-source comprehensive 3D production suite. Blender game engine is made robust with features such as Python scripting and OpenAL 3D sound. Some of the most well-known games developed on this platform include Yo Frankie !, Boro-Toro and DukDuk!

These platforms have pushed the threshold of game development, which has become one of the most competitive industries in the world. To develop your own 3D game, visit http://www.evontech.com/smartfox-flash-net-silverlight-game-development.html

International Business Etiquette Tips

When doing business internationally, you shouldn't concentrate on simply selling your products and services. To be successful, you need to cultivate relationships with the people that you are working with. To help you out, here are some of the areas you should pay attention to when interacting with people internationally:

Gender roles

You will be interacting with people from different sectors that have different beliefs. To avoid uncomfortable situations, take your time to understand the appropriate gender etiquette. In most cases, the gender roles are about personal boundaries and physical contact with men and women.

If doing business in the Arab countries, you should note that Arab women aren't allowed to shake hands with men. If you are a woman and traveling to these countries, be cautious of this as it can be uncomfortable when you hand out your hand and the men don't shake your hand.

Time

While time is crucial globally, different countries have different tolerance levels. In china and japan, punctuality is crucial, and if you are late for even a minute, the people you are having the meeting with will walk out. In India, your companions won't be overly offended if you are a little late, but you shouldn't push it.

If doing business in England, the business professionals will require you to show up on time or even slightly earlier. In France, punctuality is of little importance, and the professionals will consider you "on time" even if you are ten minutes late.

Dress code

This is crucial as it determines how people see you. Just like time, the business attire preference varies from one place to another. In china and japan, business attire is formal. You should wear a suit and tie to all professional meetings. In the US, the business environment is less formal; therefore, you can wear smart casual and be considered okay. In France, you need to be formal, well-tailored, and fashionable. It's France you are in.

Personal space

Personal space varies from one gender to another and also on how well you know each other. In china, the formal way of going about it is shaking hands. You shouldn't great someone with a kiss or hug. In France, men will sometimes greet women with a kiss, but many women will stick out their hands if they prefer a handshake. In England, personal touches such as kissing and hugging are reserved for close friends and family; therefore, allow a certain amount of personal space.

Business gifts

Handing out gifts varies from one culture to another. In most Asian countries, gifts are tolerated and highly encouraged. In fact, the business associates will expect you to bring a gift. When you are presenting the gift, always wrap it. Remember that the value of the gift is less important than the thoughts you put into it.

While gifts are encouraged in Asian countries, the culture is highly flowed upon in western countries. Most of these countries consider a gift as a bribe.

Conclusion

These are the international business etiquette tips you should consider when doing business internationally. Always go through them before visiting a country you aren't familiar with.

Settle Debt For Less - Free Advice To Help You Save Money When Getting Out Of Debt

Going for debt settlement is the best option for those who are burdened under high debts. In this, the settlement firms negotiate with your creditors and reduce your debts by 50-60%. This helps the debtor to get out of the debt faster. The settlement company negotiates on your behalf with the creditor for a set of agreement and the debtor pays less than what he owes.

But one needs to be cautious in selecting the right settlement company as well as the money to be spent on it. The debtor should be aware of the new FTC rules for the settlement firms. One needs to do proper research and he will not face any negative impact on his credit. Take your time and look for the best settlement firm. A good settlement firm is a member Association of Settlement Companies and offers a money back guarantee.

To save your money while getting out of debt, you need to take care that your interest rate is low and you are making the largest payment that you can afford. Consumer does not need to pay any upfront money to the settlement company for their services. The debtor needs to pay the money only after the negotiation is done completely.

The upfront fee should not exceed $ 50 and this amount the debtor needs to pay only after the settlement company has reduced at least one the debts you owe. The consumer should note that there is a written agreement and full money back guarantee is provided to him.

The total fees that you need to pay to the settlement firm should not exceed 15% of what you save under the settlement program. Basically the time of completion of your debt depends upon the amount of debt you owe but it should be taken care that the timeline should not exceed 2 years. In most of the cases, the completion period is less than that of a year. One needs to be sure that he pays off his monthly bills regularly. If you do not then you can be sued to collect the settlement amount. If a check is not done on this, the monthly fees will increase gradually and in all, the total fees will be outrageous.

There are some simple things that need to be taken care of when you are in debt. One should not use credit card at all. Cancel all of your registration that automatically charges your credit card. These few things will help you not to sink further in debt.

Want to Be a Digital Nomad? 5 Steps to a Location Independent Lifestyle

Step One
Check your bank balance and start saving. Unfortunately, serious debts are one factor that can really rain on your digital nomad parade. If you do have debt, you may have to reconcile yourself to the fact that you'll need to knuckle down at work and pay it off, or at least reduce it to a minimum monthly payment. If you're fortunately enough to have some savings, lucky you! Ideally you'll need living costs for a year (or perhaps only six months, if you already have a freelance or online based business) - which may be less than you think, depending on your first destination.

Step Two
Sell ​​or rent out your house! (Or give your notice in to your landlord, if you're a tenant.) How long this step will take is absolutely dependent on your situation - but start your preparations early. If you own your own home, renting it out through a lettings management company could be a great option, which will also provide you with income each month. Do not forget to let your service providers know that you're leaving too.

Step Three
Quit your day job! Now's the time to give your notice in at work. Plan to leave in two or three months, to give yourself time to make any necessary preparations - and of course, to choose your first destination and start getting excited! At this point you should also decide what you're going to do to fund your digital nomad lifestyle - whether through freelancing online, affiliate marketing and blogging, teaching English ... the possibilities are endless!

Step Four
Book your departure flight and a few nights accommodation at your first destination. You'll also need to make sure you have any necessary vaccinations, and make sure you're registered for tax as you're now self employed - congratulations! Purchase a decent traveling bag - ideally cabin size for maximum flexibility - and a good lightweight laptop, if you do not already have one. You'll also need to either sell all your possessions, put them in storage, or donate them to charity.

Step Five
Plan your leaving party and bid farewell to your friends and family. You're about to become a digital nomad and the world is your oyster! Get on that plane!

If you do not currently have a location independent job, prepare to spend the first six months working hard to build an online business. But that's half the fun!

7 Reasons Why Only Some Succeed Financially

1. No Written Plan
People who have taken the time to think about what they want to achieve in life, how they want to earn their income what kind of relationships that they want and writing it all down usually find them more than the things they want than those that don ' t.

2. Procrastination
There is no better time then now. No one knows what is in store for them tomorrow, next week or next year. Getting your life, your finances in order is necessary as soon as you start working it's never too soon. It's also never too late, NOW, is the key.

3. Believing the Media
If you are investing you would be wise to study textbooks, training programs or
seek advice from trained consultants and not listen to what you read or hear in the media. The media still draws heavily on entertaining their audience, do not rely on news for financial advice.

4. Accepting Advice from Amateurs
Many people make make investment decisions based on a 'hot tip', thinking they are going to get rich quick. There are no shortcuts, research and study is required, get sound financial advice.

5. Overconfidence
It is easy to get into trouble when you start feeling you know what you're doing. It
generally means you start taking unnecessary risks, wander off your plan and then get
burned. You made a plan follow it until you can afford to lose what you are investing.

6. Failing to Take Small Steps That Can Make a Big Difference
Any goal you set needs a little attention everyday whether it's personal or financial.
Go over your goals daily, are you on track do something everyday to keep you
moving in the right direction.

7. Letting Emotions Drive Your Decisions
Fear and greed are the big emotions that drive the markets. There will always be something to fear, the thing is what some people fear others welcome. Greed can also
cause you to make decisions that take little regard for your plan and what you know.

Anything you want to be good at and achieve success in requires a plan, training and education, goal setting and regular attention. If you take the steps involved in achieving financial success seriously you will get there, if it's possible for one it's possible for all.

10 Questions to Ask Before Trying That Commission Sales Gig!

It seems like a long time ago when what we used to think of as "good jobs," those that offered solid salies and bonuses and nice benefits, were plentiful

These days, especially in selling, you're more likely to scan employment listings and see "straight-commission" compensation schemes. Essentially, these are pay-for-performance opportunities.

If you perform, you get paid; if not, then not.

It's Darwinian, a survival of the fittest atmosphere. Still, commission jobs tend to offer higher than average potential, and if you can stick it out until the spigot flows, then you can thrive.

Here are 10 questions to ask any employee offering a straight commission pay plan:

(1) How long have you been in business? Beware of start-ups, because no one really knows whether their business concept will succeed.

(2) How well is your top salesperson doing, financially? Key question, this one is. If you hear a solid number, divide it in half and that's what you'll probably earn during the first few months.

(3) How long did it take for him or her to get there? This is a vital cash-flow matter. Can you survive until you start seeing regular paychecks? You may not have the time to invest to go from A to B.

(4) How long until your best seller made his first sale? Did he get lucky and close someone on the first day or week? Or, did he struggle? If the best seller struggled, multiply his time invested to the first sale by a factor of at least two or three, for yourself.

(5) Commission plan specifics? What percentage are they paying? Is there an appropriate incentive? Possibly, you can negotiate this to make it more appealing and sufficient worthwhile to you.

(6) How well is your worst person doing? If they permit individuals to struggle for weeks without fundamental rewards, that is a bad signal. There should be competition to earn a spot on their team, and the worst performers should be cut quickly.

(7) Is this a scripted sale and can I merge it into my own? If they have a script and it is a proven success, this will save you a lot of time, assuming you follow it. If they allow no deviation from it, either they have selling down to a science or they're needlessly strict. Especially if you're on a commission, they should not care HOW you sell, as long as you sell, and you do it honestly.

(8) Are the hours flexible? If you are an independent contractor, this means you can come and go, with some broad limits, as you see fit. Some companies have a set start-time, and they want everyone to be there, for announcements, updates, and the like. But if they try to set the workday in concrete, unless they're paying for your TIME, they're overreaching. By doing this they deny you one of the upsides of being a commission seller, setting your own pace.

(9) At what intervals are paid? This is significant. If they do not pay weekly, a flag should go up. You should not be their bank, which is what you become with sparser pay intervals.

(10) Are there any reserves for charge-backs? When are they released? Charge-backs, or reductions in your agreements-paid, can occur when orders cancel or do not pay the company, as agreed. Naturally, firms try to protect them against paying a commission for a deal that falls through. Correspondingly, they may hold back 10-15% of your check. Ask them, when are these funds released to you, and if you leave the job will they still pay you your reserves after you depart?

A commission sales job can be a fantastic opportunity. It offers the prospect of high rewards with flexible hours, and it is perhaps the closest you can come to being in your own business without a lot of the hassles.

But be sure to ask these ten questions before leaking into the fray. It could make the difference between making or missing some serious pay!

Smartphone Marketing

Smartphones are taking over from standard mobile phones and the ability to access the web so quickly and easily through these devices has responded in a growing number of businesses investing in Smartphone marketing. There are a number of different ways that you can capitalize on this growing trend including SMS marketing, mobile website marketing and App marketing.

While SMS marketing is effective both on our old mobile devices as well as on the new smartphones, it is mobile website marketing and App marketing that are the big winners. Mobile website marketing makes use of an easy to read template of your website to be hosted along your normal website. Making use of re-directs, you can ensure that people visiting your site from a mobile device will automatically be directed to your easy to read mobile site. Although mobile websites do make use of some of the interactive features of your smartphone, they are not always as interactive as they can be.

Why Apps are So Popular for Smartphone Marketing?

Mobile Applications for small business take your mobile website that much further with interactive features which can be used to create content to use for your marketing as well as to reward your customers. Making use of the GPS feature to offer turn by turn directions to your business as well as offering GPS discount vouchers to anyone who visits your store at pre-designated times make use of the phones built in features to enhance your customers experience.

What makes Apps stand out from mobile websites the most is the convenience for the end user as well as for your business. Customers can achieve far more with the touch of a single button and as we are now becoming more prone to instant gratification and prefer to complete tasks that are easy to perform, Apps make things like telling a friend about a special discount they have just received as easy as touching a button. This one touch word of mouth promotion tool makes App marketing so popular with many companies experiencing a massive growth in their downloads through this single tool.

Mobile marketing is here to stay and there are numerous companies that can offer you quality apps for the same price as converting your website into a mobile site. The additional features that can be included such as shopping cart, loyalty programs, survey forms and free push notifications ensure that smartphone marketing can be both cost effective and will add huge value to your customers experience with your brand.