Gamedev Lounge 0010

[Phaze]

just because their abandoning XNA (which they did so a while ago when the developers were moved onto other projects) doesn't mean its any worse of a framework

...

anyway back on subject, you won't be able to develop for console at the moment, the wiiU is more open yes, but its standards are strict and I'd imagine you'd need a small following before hand, at which point you'd likely be asked to rewrite the game for the wiiU. The other possibility is the Ouya coming out in march, but that'd be the same as mobile platforms as it runs android.

I'd advise developing for PC at the moment if your not planning for mobile. If you wish to use C++ I'd advise you learn your way around OpenGL too, DirectX has been losing the popularity recently due to compatibility issues and its been argued that the new features in DX11 hardware are working much better on OpenGL (in speed and function) even if your not planning to use these features (which you likely aren't) the compatibility is a must because you might have the option to develop for Mac / Linux too. There is also the planning ahead and with OpenGL growing in popularity again it may be best to follow the trend.

also I'd agree on the "it'd be stupid not to try" thing, my statements weren't in opposition of the idea, its just good to know the full story before making a decision.
and you must promise me something, before you consider even touching a generic programming job, you finish a game to standards you are happy with, of which you can greatly enjoy. You don't want to rush into settling with mediocrity.

rewinding onto the controls issue, I find mapping your controls to a controller first is the best way to go,
the less buttons the better (without removing gameplay functionality of course) if you can map controls to a 8 buttons (4 shoulders, 4 main pad) and a D-pad then you can map it similarly on a keyboard, which will make for easy switching between gamepad and keyboard and a convenient control layout.

EDIT: just noticed the size of my post... I like to talk

Thing is though, if they drop support for XNA, it's only going to exist if people keep trying to keep v2 alive. It seems efforts at maintaining v3 don't even exist. You're either faced with letting your game die or rewriting it completely. That alone makes XNA an even worse option than Java (Which already has its issues).
DirectX is neat... but again, it limits your options. It's Windows-only and with the advent of Win8... no thanks

I know that much! Even if the WiiU were completely open to anything and everything, I still wouldn't consider porting games over unless I knew enough people wanted them to justify the effort spent. I don't know if my game will even be good yet, but the premise seemed interesting to a couple of my friends

Yeah, as mentioned I'm not even considering mobile for my first proper indie game. Controls would simply not be compatible. The last thing I'd want to do is produce a half-baked game for a system.
I'm already planning on using OpenGL for video, OpenAL for audio. OpenGL is cross-platform and I'd like to be able to put it on Linux, too! I'd only really bother with OSX if again, there was a demand. I don't like OSX and don't plan on owning a Mac anytime soon

As for features, I wouldn't be using a whole lot. Biggest 'leap' I'd be making is the use of fragment shaders for some neat effects and those have been around since v2 and exist in the embedded standard.

Yeah, I know! I can agree with that. My dad keeps telling me otherwise ("Go for your career first then try to do this thing!") but he's a very old fashioned man. He was also apparently concerned about me getting fucked over by... making a nonprofit fangame with a friend. I don't see how I could get fucked over, here

I'm willing to take my chances first and will attempt to settle if it doesn't work out. A benefit to this approach is that I'd have a very good thing (or two) to put on the portfolio as I have very little actual work experience, and would need as much proof of my work as I can manage as I had difficulties in college with group projects. Developing an indie game would arguably show initiative on my part, too.

Hm, not too sure if trying to start off with a controller and expanding to a keyboard would be a good idea, but I guess I'd have to think about it... I'd also need to buy a controller
It's just that I can sympathize with the fellows who are sick of half-assed controller -> keyboard control mapping, especially when going from a console game ported to the PC. Dark Souls was probably one of the bigger offenders, there.

You like talking? Me too!