Is there a good environment, to develop simple games within a few hours, for kids to learn programming? Not only games in the end, but such games are a good way to get familiar. Best with a common language, that is available under Windows: Java/JVM, .NET stack (C#, Visual Basic etc.), Python or even native C++. But without the need to learn complex game frameworks or graphical APIs first. Best would be to have a coordinate system of characters, which all have an equal size. Like the text screens on the 1980s VIC-20/VC-20 and C64 computers. For the beginning, even ASCII characters would be enough, for something like a Snake game (snake eats and grows, must not stumble upon wall or itself). Later, graphical or custom charsets can be used as building blocks for a game environment. Or is it better to start with a simple 2D surface, using something like C64 Sprites (small bitmap images, easily moved around, used for game characters in C64 games, mostly in front of a character background)? I … [Read more...] about Any way for simple, educational game programming, VIC-20 style?
Game programming
Origin’s free game program On the House has been ‘retired’
Electronic Arts said during a financial call yesterday that Origin Access Premier, an upgraded version of its subscription-based Origin Access service that will provide full, unlimited access to EA games, will go live next week. More quietly, it also pulled the plug on Origin's "On the House" program, which provided free games to everyone—including non-Access subscribers—on an intermittent, time-limited basis. On the House debuted in 2014 with the most excellent survival-horror game Dead Space, and since then has made numerous other games, including Bejeweled, Battlefield 3, Theme Hospital, Syndicate, Peggle, and Dragon Age: Origins, free for the taking, without catches or take-backs. The games generally weren't EA's latest and greatest but free is free, and dated or not a lot of the games it offered were really quite good. Earlier today, however, Reddit noticed that the link to the On the House page is, without notice, redirecting to Origin's front page. EA had … [Read more...] about Origin’s free game program On the House has been ‘retired’
Get a job: Schell Games is hiring an Engineering Manager
The Gamasutra Job Board is the most diverse, active and established board of its kind for the video game industry!many, many positions being advertised right now. Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania With expertise in all areas of game programming, our engineers are adept at writing code from scratch as well as working with middleware and existing tools. Our flexibility allows us to partner with our clients to determine the best technology plan that enables the successful execution of each project. We are seeking an Engineering Manager to manage, train, and lead a talented team of engineers to tackle a variety of projects across a wide range of platforms. Past projects have ranged from VR & AR games to large-scale theme park installations. You’ll work closely with the VP of Engineering to foster an environment where team members are excited to grow their careers and continue to launch engaging, high-quality projects. We're looking for someone who is excited … [Read more...] about Get a job: Schell Games is hiring an Engineering Manager
Gaming Documentary Highlights the Biggest Cheater in Video Game History
Todd Rogers may not be a household name but he’s certainly well known among speedrun enthusiasts and those who keep an eye on retro gaming records. The former Twin Galaxies referee once had a scandal for putting his own scores into the system, skipping their old ‘buddy system’ verification process entirely. As a newly-released expose points out, however, the verification process at Twin Galaxies wasn’t a foolproof concept to begin with: Todd Rogers is, and always has been, one of the most prolific video game cheaters in history. Some 30 years after his scores in Donkey Kong and Dragster made him famous, a lack of evidence and a simple verification of game programming is finally exposing Todd Rogers for what he is: the biggest cheater in video game history. The web began to unravel when perhaps his most famous high score – a 5.51 second run time in Dragster – was found to be genuinely impossible. A frame-by-frame assisted speedrun of the 1980 Atari … [Read more...] about Gaming Documentary Highlights the Biggest Cheater in Video Game History
Get a job: Infinity Ward is hiring Game Code Engineers
The Gamasutra Job Board is the most diverse, active and established board of its kind for the video game industry!many, many positions being advertised right now. Location: Woodland Hills, California About Us: We’re looking for two additional Engineers to join our Game Code engineering team. We need people passionate about games with strong C++ and math skills. The Game Code engineering team tends to work closely with Designers and Animators to solve complex engineering problems. We have a very close, friendly atmosphere and hope to find developers that fit that culture. Our group likes to share knowledge, so be prepared to teach others your strengths. We are seeking one Senior and one Associate Engineer, so don’t be afraid to apply at any level. Responsibilities: Collaborate with Game Designers to implement original gameplay features using C++ Field game code related support tickets that help the design teams work efficiently Optimize game code for … [Read more...] about Get a job: Infinity Ward is hiring Game Code Engineers