mrMagenta wrote:
i'm curious about your multiplatform solution. does there exist a minimal programming environment, and libraries suited for simple multiplatform games that are also quick for a beginner to get started with? the thought of low-level programming or the hugeness of visual studio .net make me nervous.. not to speak of the learning curve just to get past the intitial windows obscuria. i just want to make games, but i'm willing to take the bull by the horns if i have to.. any tips for a next step?
I'm not familiar with Gamemaker but I've heard good things about Blitz Basic.
Puppy Games use Java for their cross platform solution - they've also created some nice game libraries so that could be an option too. They had a nice forum as well until somebody hacked it.
I use SDL (
www.libsdl.org) with C++. SDL really is dead simple to use and takes all the agro out of setting up your windows, etc. I don't use C++ at work so I'm totally self taught and to be honest know just enough to do what I want. This may be a step too far though.
I learnt graphics programming (OpenGL) from NEHE (nehe.gamedev.net) - nice beginner tutorials and definitely a place to look if you want to do Troid style particle effects.
email me if you want a more in depth discussion.