BlitzMax Game Framework FAQ V1.06 (General)
AOTMG Screenshots (Click to enlarge)
Speed Run Screenshot (Click to enlarge)
Make Me Happy Screenshot (Click to enlarge)
Index
Q. What is it?
Q. Why would I want this?
Q. Have any professional games been made with the Game Framework?
Q. What do I need to use it?
Q. How much is it?
Q. How can I pay?
Q. What do I get for my money?
Q. How quickly will I get it after I pay?
Q. Is there a demo?
Q. What are the keys for the AOTMG demo?
Q. Is there a manual for the Game Framework?
Q. What are the features in summary?
Q. What are the features in detail?
Q. What will you be adding to the framework next?
Q. Will it teach me how to program?
Q. Where can I find out more about OOP in BlitzMax?
Q. Will I get any updates?
Q. What sort of support will I get?
Q. Will you add the following tweak ...?
Q. Can I use it for commercial games?
Q. Can I use it for freeware games?
Q. Should I add you to my game's credits or readme?
Q. Can I make the BlitzMax Game Framework source code public?
Q. Can I share the BlitzMax Game Framework source code with team members?
Q. If I make a game with the BlitzMax Game Framework, can I make the source code public?
Q. Does it use DirectX or OpenGL?
Q. Is it cross-platform?
Q. Does it work on Windows Vista?
Q. What version of BlitzMax do I need?
Q. How do I synchronise BlitzMax modules?
Q. Will the framework work with any third party 3D modules like Coldsteel or Aurora?
Q. Can I used a sprite module like the Swift Sprite System or ZSprite with the framework?
Q. Can I distribute the AOTMG media?
Q. Can I link to your website?
Q. Will you link to my site?
Q. What is it?
A. The Game Framework (Windows and Mac only) is a collection of extremely useful source code files that you can use to make a professional quality game (such as Fairway Solitaire, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Holiday Bonus). It also comes with the full source code for an example mini-game called Attack of the Mutant Greys.
Q. Why would I want this?
A. So that you can get on with the fun part of making games knowing that your game is using a solid framework suitable for professional games. The framework has taken countless painful and boring hours to research, develop and test so that you don't have to go through the same process. When you buy the BlitzMax Game Framework you are avoiding reinventing the wheel, leaving you free to get creative!
Q. Have any professional games been made with the Game Framework?
A. You bet! Check out Fairway Solitaire, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and also Holiday Bonus (all programmed by Grey Alien Games). These games have been released on several major portals including Big Fish Games, Reflexive, MSN, AOL, iWin, Playfirst, Boonty etc. and have sold tens of thousands of copies and made hundreds of thousands of dollars. Also take a look at Sudoku Maya Gold (by Gellyware) which was released exclusively on Real Arcade. Many more games are in the pipeline too by other framework users and I'm working on my next game right now! Plus try the Attack of the Mutant Greys demo, and for scrolling, check out Speed Run and Make Me Happy.
Q. What do I need to use it?
A. You need the following:
PC running Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista with a DirectX 7 capable 3D graphics card.
Or an Intel/PowerPC Mac running OSX with an OpenGL capable 3D graphics card.
Full version of the BlitzMax compiler.
Reasonable level of Object Oriented Programming experience.
Q. How much is it?
A. Only $59.95 or £29.95 or €44.45. If you wish to know the price in a different currency, please email info@greyaliengames.com
Q. How can I pay?
A. Several methods are available:
Go here and click on the appropriate Paypal button (this is my preferred method). Note: You can pay by credit card - you don't have to have a Paypal account.
You can purchase it online via Share-it! by clicking this link.
If you are based in the U.K. and would prefer to send a cheque, please make it payable to Jake Birkett Computer Solutions Ltd. and send it to:
Grey Alien Games, 3 Willow Way, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4RU.
If enough people want a different payment method, I will look into it.
Q. What do I get for my money?
A. You get the following:
CommonCode.bmx (a collection of very useful functions.)
CommonTypes.bmx (this is the main framework - it contains all the important types.)
AOTMG.bmx (a mini-game demo showing you how to use the framework.)
GameTypes.bmx (types specific to the mini-game demo.)
ScreenTypes.bmx (screen types specific to the mini-game demo.)
All the data files needed to compile and run the mini-game demo.
TemplateProject.bmx (simple template to get you started)
ExampleTitleScreen.bmx (title screen with moving sprite and music)
ExampleOKDialog.bmx (screen with a Play button and a sliding OK dialog)
ExampleTiming.bmx (shows how to use the timing code on it's own)
ExampleTimingWithJitterCorrection.bmx (shows how to use the timing code on it's own)
SpeedRun.bmx (mini-game with variable speed vertical scrolling)
MakeMeHappy.bmx (mini scrolling platform
game using a tilemap)
Getting Started Guide in HTML format.
Creating a Basic Setup PDF file.
This General FAQ and the Technical FAQ.
CommonTypes.html (lists all Types with a description in alphabetical order)
CommonCode.html (lists all Functions with a description in alphabetical order)
Heavily commented code.
The Game Framework is supplied via a link in a private forum as several zip files totaling approx. 10Mb.
Updates (see Will I get any updates?)
Support (see What sort of support will I get?)
Q. How quickly will I get it after I pay?
A. As soon as you have paid, go to the Framework forums here and register. Then join the Registered Customers usergroup. As soon as I receive your payment and see your request to join the Registered Customers usergoup, I'll email you confirmation. You will then be granted access into the private Framework Downloads forum where you can download the latest version. Note that because this process requires action from me personally, it may take up to 24 hours. Bear in mind that I can respond 9am-5pm GMT (sometimes later) on weekdays. However, there is a good chance that if you email outside of those hours, or at the weekend, I'll still be able to process your order quickly.
A. Yes. This mini-game demo for Windows (6.39Mb) and this demo for Mac OSX (Universal Binary) (6.29Mb), called Attack of the Mutant Greys, shows the Game Framework in action but doesn't include any source code.
You can also download these demos:
PC
SpeedRun
(2.52Mb) - mini-game with variable speed vertical scrolling
MakeMeHappy
(2.93Mb) - mini scrolling
platform game using a tilemap
Mac
SpeedRun
(3.37Mb) - mini-game with variable speed vertical scrolling
MakeMeHappy
(3.77) - mini scrolling
platform game using a tilemap
Q. What are the keys for the AOTMG demo?
Press <Esc> to exit the game.
Press <F> or <Alt> + <Enter> to toggle full screen/windowed mode.
Press <V> to toggle VSync on/off.
Press <G> to toggle DirectX/OpenGL.
Press <H> to toggle Free Audio/OpenAL/DirectSound sound driver (reboot after toggle otherwise game may crash)
Press <D> to bring up the debug display.
Whilst in debug mode, press <J> to jump level.
Whilst in debug mode, press <R> to restart level.
Whilst in debug mode, press <L> to toggle slow motion.
Whilst in debug mode, press <T> to toggle fast (full speed).
Whilst in debug mode, press <I> to toggle Flip modes.
Whilst in debug mode, press <N> to toggle No Timing.
Press <P> to pause the game.
Press <Q> to quit the game.
Press <S> to toggle sound on/off.
Press <M> to toggle music on/off.
Press <-> and <=> to adjust sound volume.
Press <F12> to take a screenshot.
Press <Ctrl+X> to exit the game instantly.
Q. Is there a manual for the Game Framework?
A. Yes. There is a Getting Started Guide and several other docs, check the list here. Plus the code is heavily commented. There is also a Technical FAQ.
Q. What are the features in summary?
A. Well, there are loads (in no particular order):
Smooth Fixed Rate Logic timing with Jitter Correction.
Mac OSX and Vista fully supported. Also data is stored in and read from the correct paths.
Huge library of "Common Code" functions including lots of useful OS API calls.
Full icon support (.exe *and* title bar).
Windowed mode has working minimise and close buttons.
Extensive debug suite.
Comprehensive Sprite type.
Comprehensive Particle engine that supports phases and triggered functions.
Bitmap Fonts are supported.
Sound and music functions including a Channel Array.
Dynamically change between Full-Screen and Windowed Mode.
Dynamically change between DirectX and OpenGL.
Supports 3 different sound drivers.
Game and music pauses whenever focus is lost.
Alt+Tab and screensavers will not crash the framework.
Ini file to save user settings.
Take screenshots with F12.
Integrated mouse pointer.
Button type.
Menu type.
Font and Label types.
List Box and Scrollbar types.
Game Text type for reading Unicode files for localised game text.
Animation type for handling multi-phase animations.
Slide Show type and related types for making complex cut-scenes.
Vector type and related types and methods.
Splash screen.
Loading screen.
Title screen.
Fully working options screen.
Fully working Player Profile Manager dialog.
Dialog type (with fancy transitions) extended to DialogOK, DialogYesNo and DialogTextInput.
Load, save and enter High Scores.
Other example screens such as Level Complete, Game Complete, Game Over, and Credits.
Select Level Map which zooms and scrolls.
Example types such as Player (with shield, lives, target, and level), Bullet, Alien etc.
Fast fade out or in. Also crossfade!
Manage multiple game screens easily.
Event-based input instead of PolledInput.
Top-level general error handling including auto-resetting the ini file upon crash.
Auto-selects best graphics mode and errors properly if none present.
BlitzMax fixes and workarounds.
And more!
Q. What are the features in detail?
|
*Timing* |
Q. What will you be adding to the framework next?
A. More stuff to follow soon such as:
Platform Game Engine (may be sold separately)
Widescreen support
Linux support (maybe)
Q. Will it teach me how to program?
A. No, but hopefully it will help to increase your knowledge a lot! In fact, I recommend that you have a good foundation in programming (and some knowledge of Object Oriented Programming) before buying the BlitzMax Game Framework.
Q. Where can I find out more about OOP in BlitzMax?
A. Try this .pdf tutorial. It's pretty good.
Q. Will I get any updates?
A. Yes! As soon as I've made enough improvements/fixes to justify a release, I'll send you an update. I've already sent out quite a lot since it was launched.
Please make sure that you backup any of your own modifications to the source code before installing the update so that you don't overwrite your work. Hopefully most of the updates won't change the way that the core engine works and thus won't "break" any of your existing code. However, I can't guarantee this because I may need to make core code changes from time to time, but these will be for the good of the product. At the bottom of each file is a Version History section which lists all of the changes made to each version; it is advisable to read these to see if any of the changes affect you.
Please note that I may add more major functionality in the future and I reserve the right to increment the version number by a whole step (e.g. V1 to V2) and charge an upgrade fee to existing customers. Naturally, the upgrade will be optional, but the old version will eventually become unsupported.
Q. What sort of support will I get?
A. You will receive support for one year from the date of purchase. Please note the following:
My customers rate my support highly and I won't let you down.
If you can post your support query in the Framework Forums then everyone can benefit from the answer. This is the preferred method to ask for support.
You can send me email queries and I'll do my best to answer them in a timely manner. I reserve the right to add your question to this FAQ or to post it on the Framework Forum.
Telephone support is not offered, sorry.
I will answer questions directly relating to the framework or it's usage in your code.
I cannot answer general programming questions not related to the framework, sorry. Use the Blitz forums for that, they are brilliant!
Please let me know about any bugs you find in the framework. Try to give me some example source code or a sequence of events that can reproduce the bug every time. Again, please use the Framework Forums to post bugs.
Please make sure that you are using the latest version of the framework - I cannot support older versions.
If you need support "above and beyond the call of duty", then I reserve the right to sell you a support contract or refuse support until it drops back to a more normal level. I will help you as much as I can, within reason, providing that you do not abuse the facility.
Q. Will you add the following tweak ...?
A. I will consider all tweaks carefully and weigh up if they are good for the Game Framework as a whole i.e. will they benefit other customers. I can't make any promises though as to what I will add to the Game Framework. If you really want something added, I may well be able to quote you for the work.
Q. Can I use it for commercial games?
A. Absolutely, that's what it's for! You may use the BlitzMax Game Framework (or portions of it) royalty free for commercial use (however, the source code must not be made public.)
Q. Can I use it for freeware games?
A. Of course, but you mustn't distribute the source code because it is NOT "Open Source". Thanks.
Q. Should I add you to my game's credits or readme?
A. You don't have to credit me, but if you feel like it, I'd really appreciate it! Please credit me as Jake Birkett and if you have a readme, please put in info@greyaliengames.com and www.greyaliengames.com . Thanks! Also, please let me know what games you've used the framework in as I'd love to see it in action. Perhaps we can trade links on our websites?
Q. Can I make the BlitzMax Game Framework source code public?
A. No, absolutely not. If you made the source code public, I would loose sales and you would be allowing others to pirate the source code - this would be unethical and illegal, and just plain mean. I've worked very hard to make this Framework and by preventing piracy you are encouraging me to keep on making the Framework better and better.
Q. Can I share the BlitzMax Game Framework source code with team members?
A. No, unless they purchase a copy too. The Framework is sold as a single licence per user (However, it's OK if you want to use it on a PC and a Mac in the same household because you own both and want to compile your games on both). I am happy to do a special deal in cases where other team members also need a copy - please contact me. Remember, if you share the source code with team members, it is piracy and not appreciated. Thanks.
Q. If I make a game with the BlitzMax Game Framework, can I make the source code public?
A. No, because if you made your game's source code public, you would also be making the BlitzMax Game Framework source code public, simply because it would be part of your game's source code. If you can remove the BlitzMax Game Framework source code from your game's source code then you can safely make your game's source code public.
Q. Does it use DirectX or OpenGL?
A. Both! It works with DirectX or OpenGL on Windows PCs and OpenGL on Apple Macs.
Q. Is it cross-platform?
A. Yes! It works perfectly on Windows and Mac OSX. However, Linux is not fully supported yet, although some customers have successfully ported it to Linux with a minimum of changes. Please check the Linux section of the Framework Forums.
Q. Does it work on Windows Vista?
A. You bet! I've got special code in the Framework to make sure that data is written and read to/from the correct shared location so that it works for any users logged onto the Vista PC.
Q. What version of BlitzMax do I need?
A. You need the latest version, which as of 24/12/07 is version 1.28. You may need to install an earlier version (1.18) first and then run the upgrade to 1.28. Also, it's advisable to synchronise the modules in case any changes have been made (see How do I synchronise BlitzMax modules? for more information.)
Q. How do I synchronise BlitzMax modules?
A. You need to do the following:
Load the BlitzMax IDE.
Click Program.
Click Synchronize Modules.
Enter your username and password.
Click OK.
It should connect to the Internet and download any updated modules automatically.
You do NOT need to rebuild the modules as they come ready built.
Q. Will the framework work with any third party 3D modules like Coldsteel or Aurora?
A. Unfortunately, I don't know. However, I really don't think there will be any problems unless they use very specific timing functions which are incompatible with the Game Framework. The Game Framework gives you things like windowed mode, icons, game structure sound, sprites, buttons etc. These things are totally separate from 3D so there shouldn't be any clash. You should be able to use the Game Framework and call the 3D engine when it's needed for logic and drawing. If you buy the Game Framework specifically for use with another engine, and it's incompatible for some odd reason, then I'll give you a full refund within 30 days of the purchase date.
Q. Can I used a sprite module like the Swift Sprite System or ZSprite with the framework?
A. You can 100% use the Swift Sprite System with the Game Framework. I integrated the Swift Sprite System Physics Demo with the Game Framework and it worked brilliantly. I haven't tried the ZSprite module yet, but I don't envisage any problems.
Q. Can I distribute the AOTMG media?
A. I'd rather you didn't, especially the music, which is mine and is copyrighted, so please don't distribute it.
Q. Can I link to your website?
A. Yes please! Link to http://www.greyaliengames.com You can either have a text link saying "Grey Alien Games" and if you've got room for a tag line, please say "Download free games and demos". However, if you've got room for one of these banners or buttons then great!
Q. Will you link to my site?
A. Maybe. However, I'd like to check out your site first to make sure that it's suitable and professional. I don't want a huge list of meaningless links on my website, just useful ones to professional looking websites. Also it would really help if you have a decent looking banner and a tag line of some kind. Take a look at my existing links page to get the idea.
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