GPAI for H/PC

[Paul]

http://www.realbasic.com/ this makes code for mac and windows but i havent got a mac to test it. just thought i'd mention it.

[Digby]

Randall,<br><br>I agree with you that if the software is designed from the beginning to be ported to a variety of different platforms, then it might be worth widening the audience.  However, most games are not designed this way.  I personally have worked with many game developers in getting their PC games to run on console hardware.  These guys whine more than a colicky baby in a crowded movie theater.  (What do you mean malloc can fail?  I need more memory damnit!  Why don't you support C++ exception handling???  Waaaaahh...)  <br><br>Games will frequently rely on CPU-specific optimizations.  That code would need to be ported and would possibly require assembly language level of expertise for each target CPU.<br><br>I suppose it depends a lot on the game though.  Something like Solitaire can port pretty easily to anything.  You want to target another platform, just recompile for the new target (with free tools, I might add).  You would need to test on the new hardware though and that can get a bit pricey for your average "garage" developer.<br><br>Last Spring I attended several talks at the Game Developer Conference in San Jose dealing with developing games for PDAs.  Most of the game shops were targetting Palm devices due to their market share.  The types of games that were making them the most money were simple puzzle and card games.  The reason was the majority of people who owned a Palm were business types.  My point here is that you need to make sure it's even worth your while to target a new platform, not only from the cost of the port but from the amount of potential revenue you would gain with this new audience.  Who is the average HP720 owner?  Why would someone buy a 720 over something like an iPaq and pay twice as much?  I doubt that they did it to play games.<br><br>Anyway, enough rambling for now.  If I have time this weekend, I start another thread and we can discuss there.  This has drifted off-topic from GAPI on H/PC.<br><br>

[R0B]

I don't know about the average 720 owner, but from what I know about me, and others and I know, and from other posts, there are a good number of students that buy them.  It is easy to take notes in class, you can get on the internet with its built in modem,  it has a built in usb, PCMCIA (school network) and compact flash card holder (perfect for any student).  I know that I would love to get some awsome games.  I like RPG's, RTS's, stratagy games, card games, and FPS's (like Quake).  What really doesn't float my boat are games like match 5 ball to eliminate them.  See how many you can get rid of, who cares.  Hope this helps

[jongjungbu]

Some people like those match'em games. Then again, these same people usually don't play the other 'cooler' games like RTS, RPG, etc-type games. As for the GAPI for H/PC...man..I don't think I want to pay the 50 bucks. Heh. A small-time developer would be better off probably by sticking with the free GAPI on Pocket PC's and just stay with that platform. Let someone else port to H/PC if there's a developer out there with a licensed GAPI. I know it would be the way to go for top speed on that device...but is the expense really worth it...if you plan on making a good return?

[Moose or Chuck]

50 dollars, 19.95 per copy of game, 3 copys, o u paid for it

[jongjungbu]

Yes, but that all depends on if you can make a game thats worth $19.95 (that is, people would pay for it). Look at Poccer. ......<br><br>ok...i dont think Poccer needs GAPI but still. you get my point. 11.95

[Moose or Chuck]

well that guy is a dumbass.

[jongjungbu]

I don't think anyone is arguing with you there....

[R0B]

Since pocket quake doesn't cost money, who cares about a little message at the beginning of the game?  I say just hit ok, and enjoy.

[Moose or Chuck]

That's what I do with the current about screen.