Tools of the Trade

So, just what am I going to be writing this game in? Most games are developed in C++ I think, and while I could struggle through reacquainting myself with it, the prospect of managing memory pointers and the like makes me not what to go there. Java certainly seems popular in the Open Source space, so how about that? My Java skills are acceptable, but I've no idea where to start creating anything like a game in it. I've done Java web portal type things, but never graphics and the like.

So what do I pick? For me, it's C#. I use the language extensively at work and I have a good handle on it. I feel comfortable there; it's practically a second language to English. Yes, yes C++, Java and C# have virtually identical syntax, but the environments are so different.

C# isn't really the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Open Source, or games for that matter. There are, however, plenty of great Open Source projects in C#, and I am not writing the next great 3D engine here. C# may have overhead, but not for a game of my scope. Having fun and being able to get started quickly are high on my list here, and C# fits the bill nicely there.

Being as one of the challenges here is using Open Source tools I have selected SharpDevelop as my C# IDE. The install was impressively smooth and simple after installing .NET 3.5 SP1 (which actually took far longer). It was quick to load and the interface is very familiar to anyone who knows Visual Studio. I felt comfortable in it immediately. Makes you wonder why Visual Studio takes an hour to install when this seems just as robust and installed in minutes. Just loading it up made me excited to dive in. I threw together a Hello World application and everything seemed in order.

Next, I needed something in which to exercise my meager art skills. As a web guy I've used Photoshop plenty at work, and I had heard the the GIMP was the Open Source equivelent. Once again installation was a breeze and the program loading quickly and painlessly. I goofed off in it a bit, found my favorite Photoshop functions and declared victory.

Seeing these amazing, robust tools created for free by development communities was somewhat inspiring as I set myself to making this game. People really DO this stuff for the love of doing it, to contributing something to the world, and not just to make a buck. I'm glad I'm in good company.