[Q] Choosing an engine for a game - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, probably asked hundreds of times before, I already searched for it and know some candidates, but since the oppinions I have found could be outdated, I'll ask again:
I want to jump to game development as a hobbie. I already have a job programming, and know C++ and Java very well (not a guru...yet! ). But when I search for game engines there are SO many to choose from.
I'd like to pick one which:
has a big community of users (for example, PlayN looks nice, but I think lacks of this. just try to google "PlayN push notifications" and nothing will appear)
is free (since it's just a hobby)
and would be nice (not mandatory) if it was possible to port to other non-Android devices (iOS, Windows8...). AndEngine looks great, but it is only for Android, and I don't know if Cocos2Dx is reliable.
extra points if the engine includes multiplayer capabilities or push notifications. I have not found information about this for PlayN, AndEngine or Cocos2Dx, so I guess they don't have these features and aim only for graphics. Moai looks promising here, but I don't want to learn to use it and then discover than the free edition is too limited.
So, I'd love to hear oppinions from game developers around here: please tell me your experiences.
BTW, I'd love to create a Civilization-like game, that's why I'm interested in push notifications and multiplayer. But I'll start with a card game, because I'm just not that mad (yet).
PS: After reading forum rules, I guess this question goes here, in Q&A, but feel free to move it to Android Game development subforum if you think it is misplaced.

I don't know about push notifications, but I think you'll have to code the multiplayer part yourself using sockets because multiplayer is different from game to game.

there is already a thread created on teaching how to create android games. here is the link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1753131
Sent from my Desire S using Tapatalk 2

Related

[Q] New to development!

Hey im a programming student in my second year and ive been wanting to play around with some android development (mostly because my school doesnt teach java or php. Im pretty experienced with visual basic and C#. But my questions is can someone help me out with a link to or something where I can take a look at some open source code for some android apps? It can be as simple as tic tac toe I dont car. Im just basically doing some research myself. Also is eclipse the best compiler for android development? Thanks
You can find quite a number of examples under 'Resources' on developer.android.com.
You may be interested to know that Eclipse is not a compiler, it is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). What is better or not is largely a personal preference, but starting out you are likely to find more tutorials assuming you use Eclipse than anything else.
Source of pre-installed Android Appliaction is open. And you can program with eclips for Android App.
Sent from my LG-SU760 using XDA
Android is open-source, but not the apps.
You can run Eclipse, and create a new project from existing samples. You will be able to choose from a list (this samples come from the sdk, if you downloaded them).
There are some games (snake, ...) and demo apps like API demos.
And Eclipse is very good for Android development, especially if you use the plugin ADT tools.
I am more than happy to have all the eyes I can on my code. I would post a link, but (no rant here)...
AWOL: ArchWiki Offline
by
Tetractys Productions
Search for this on the Google App Store with search term "archwiki".
The code isn't great as I am a novice with both Java and Android, but you will find use of Activities, WebViews, Menus, using external Jars and perhaps a little more. If your scholarly background leads you to make a suggestion or two... please do.
Also... don't buy most of the books. They suck. The "cookbooks" seem pretty good and the Android Developer Documentation and Stackoverflow are your friends. I wasted enough money on Android books I will never read. Hope you don't fall for that too.
Rant:
10 post requirements encourages low quality posts. Perhaps its a good trade-off, but from where I'm sitting I'm drinking HaterAde.

Simple Open Source Android Game?

unsure if it's the right forum for this, but figured Q&A couldn't be wrong since it's a question.
I'm looking for a dead simple open source android game. real simple gameplay, but has the ability to get to a new level and a gameover screen.
I need this to implement and showcase a 3rd party library I'm working with to others.
any help on my search is greatly appreciated, I'll keep googling, but wanted to see if any XDA'ers had input as well. tia.
Check out the sample projects in your android-sdk.
Jetboy, snake, lunar lander, are great examples that contain all you need.
Ive developed a few games but not on android
A few easy games would be pong or frogger in my experence
Id recommend frogger if you want a game over screen and different levels

AndriodOAP Project

Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Cass1977 said:
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I read this correctly, you want to develop an OS based on Android, but one that is extremely simple to use? All I know is that this would be an extremely time consuming project, probably half a year at the least, because you'd have to remove tons of drawables (images and stuff that is rendered) and code, and add in many more. It would be much easier to just install a launcher with big icons, change the system font size to the largest possible, perhaps use some accessibility settings, and debloat the tablet to the max.
Has your mother ever used electronic gadgets before? I forget the saying, but it's something like you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Considering that these types of electronics didn't exist during older peoples' generations, it'll be significantly harder to get them accustomed to such things. I don't know if I'm stereotyping or not, but it may be increasingly difficult to teach her how to use Android because she has Alzheimers. I'm not saying it's not worth a try though. As long as she doesn't feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I'd say to definitely try it out for a while and see how it goes. Happy holidays and have a happy new year. I hope your gift does good for you all.
Codename13 said:
If I read this correctly, you want to develop an OS based on Android, but one that is extremely simple to use? All I know is that this would be an extremely time consuming project, probably half a year at the least, because you'd have to remove tons of drawables (images and stuff that is rendered) and code, and add in many more. It would be much easier to just install a launcher with big icons, change the system font size to the largest possible, perhaps use some accessibility settings, and debloat the tablet to the max.
Has your mother ever used electronic gadgets before? I forget the saying, but it's something like you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Considering that these types of electronics didn't exist during older peoples' generations, it'll be significantly harder to get them accustomed to such things. I don't know if I'm stereotyping or not, but it may be increasingly difficult to teach her how to use Android because she has Alzheimers. I'm not saying it's not worth a try though. As long as she doesn't feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I'd say to definitely try it out for a while and see how it goes. Happy holidays and have a happy new year. I hope your gift does good for you all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input dude, but, I think your over complicating things. A custom rom doesnt mean rebuilding it from the ground up! The aim is to find the most user friendly apps and the best settings and then create a rom around that. no need for new icons, etc.
Just to let you know, even though my mum is 75 she has been a nurse all her life so is well versed on using computers (hell, she brought me up and im a developer, lol). Touching icons on a screen will be no problem for her, altzimers or not. To be fair, you are stereotyping and its pretty sad
Regardless of the support I will continue with this as its a personal project that I will persue. I was just after any help I could get, not negativity.
Have a nice day
Cass1977 said:
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @Cass1977, I see your project as a great initiative to encourage older people to use technology. Although this project might be huge (and I don't have the tablet to test), I might be able to just provide suggestions for your project.
In the Basic section:
Simple UI: It should be easy, due to the fact that many launchers today are user-friendly and easy to use.
Simple to use apps that perform complex stuff: do give some examples.
accessibility capabilities: I don't know of much apps for that (there could be some in the play store) but once we attract the attention of some developers, we can start rolling.
Monitor the device remotely: what do u mean exactly?
Isn't monitor the user's interaction same as the point above? Correct me if I'm wrong.
More suggestions:
Create some tutorials for some complicated apps.
Better colour profile.
Less bright screen=less strain to the eye in low light conditions.
Bigger font=less strain to the eye.
More suggestions will come as I think of them.
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
Hi @Cass1977, I see your project as a great initiative to encourage older people to use technology. Although this project might be huge (and I don't have the tablet to test), I might be able to just provide suggestions for your project.
In the Basic section:
Simple UI: It should be easy, due to the fact that many launchers today are user-friendly and easy to use.
Simple to use apps that perform complex stuff: do give some examples.
accessibility capabilities: I don't know of much apps for that (there could be some in the play store) but once we attract the attention of some developers, we can start rolling.
Monitor the device remotely: what do u mean exactly?
Isn't monitor the user's interaction same as the point above? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good advice, but I feel too many launchers have too many options. the main thing the user needs is simple to access apps. Maybe large icons, etc.My mum likes her news and weather too so simple widgets may help with things like that (A lot are provided with the apps).
TTS will be required too (Text to speech). Maybe an app that will speak highlighted words? Probably have to be built?
More suggestions:
Create some tutorials for some complicated apps.
Better colour profile.
Less bright screen=less strain to the eye in low light conditions.
Bigger font=less strain to the eye.
More suggestions will come as I think of them.
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
By the way, By 'Monitor the device remotly' I mean basically the same thing I have with my kids tabs. Screen Time (MASSIVE RESPECT TO THIS APP!!!) It monitors what my kids do on their tab and allows me to lock it at certain times and give them chores to earn rewards. NOT the same thing we need here, but, thats the kind of monitoring im thinking. Monitoring medication (pop up reminder and if its not used a remote notification)
Any more ideas you have then let me know, Many thanks for your input
Chris
Cass1977 said:
Good advice, but I feel too many launchers have too many options. the main thing the user needs is simple to access apps. Maybe large icons, etc.My mum likes her news and weather too so simple widgets may help with things like that (A lot are provided with the apps).
TTS will be required too (Text to speech). Maybe an app that will speak highlighted words? Probably have to be built?
By the way, By 'Monitor the device remotly' I mean basically the same thing I have with my kids tabs. Screen Time (MASSIVE RESPECT TO THIS APP!!!) It monitors what my kids do on their tab and allows me to lock it at certain times and give them chores to earn rewards. NOT the same thing we need here, but, thats the kind of monitoring im thinking. Monitoring medication (pop up reminder and if its not used a remote notification)
Any more ideas you have then let me know, Many thanks for your input
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can help test launchers according to what u want and report back. Widgets are easy. (Most news apps has widgets.) There may be some apps for TTS designed for this but it's rare (if not none). (TTS apps are extremely complicated) yea, we might need to build it. (Build from Google voice search, possibility)
OK... I'll have to search it up on Google. (We may have to build from another app...) we can build from Screen Time (add some features into it, we could ask Screen Time's developer for help!)
P.S. I think editing a system file can increase the maximum volume of the sound...
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.

You are new to Android development? Consider reading this post!

Hi everyone. I want to share some resources that may helpful for anyone who still don't know where to start.
If you don't have any background, consider learning programming using Scratch or Alice. It seems just suitable for kids but actually for everyone who want to think logically.
If you have some basic background and want to have solid Java background (which I recommend) before moving to Android development, you should start with "Head First Java". They also have "Head First Android", but personally I don't like it so much.
After you have a solid Java background, you can start learning Android using this free course on Udacity. It has 5 parts that cover everything that you need to make literally any app on Play Store.
After you completed the above course, let's make your own project. You don't have to learn other courses or textbooks in order to make an app. You should try to make your own app using what you have learned with the above course. When you making your project, you will encounter real-life problems. By solving it (using Google, StackOverflow, XDA, other tech forums, ...), you will learn more than any course or textbook can help you.
I hope you will find this post helpful for you. If anyone has a question, please leave your question below
Hi, new user here. Thanks for the read
Hi,
I just signed up on this forum and came across this thread and so decided to post a question. First, i have been a full-stack developer and now working on Cloud, AI/ML but android mobile app development is new to me and i am pursuing a self-paced training. My intention is to start off by learning the basics of android and the ide, the various elements and work my way up to the advanced level. Then start learning and work on flutter. I have a fair bit of experience on Java as i have developed java enterprise and web application (JSP, applet based) in the past.
Right now, i am looking at the Android Basics to Advanced nanodegree program offered by Google on the android site, udemy, udacity, etc and lots others on the internet. just wanted your opinion which course would be a good place to start.
Thanks.

Making mobile or PC game

Hi. Does anyone here know about making games either for Android or for Windows or for both? I was always such a gamer addict but eventually I stopped playing because I feel like i played so many games that they dont work for me anymore haha. So I was thinking of creating my own game as I have ton of ideas.
But Im quite inexperienced in game development. I know a bit of programming but not sure how to proceed further so I have an moving object in 3D space. Am also not sure which language to pick, people say Java is good because if you code game in java then it will run in every kind of device.
Shireenzo said:
Hi. Does anyone here know about making games either for Android or for Windows or for both? I was always such a gamer addict but eventually I stopped playing because I feel like i played so many games that they dont work for me anymore haha. So I was thinking of creating my own game as I have ton of ideas.
But I'm quite inexperienced in game development. I know a bit of programming but not sure how to proceed further so I have an moving object in 3D space. Am also not sure which language to pick, people say Java is good because if you code game in java then it will run in every kind of device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all game development is not hard but will take you long time and that's why it's considered hard. Every little feature you code will take you long time, then you will have to interconnect them and ensure it works correctly, then polish each of these gameplay features as well as do perfectly good visual assets.
Secondly, please don't use Java. LibGDX is the only game engine (actually its library, not an engine) for Java and it's nowhere as good as popular game engines are. Java games can be compiled once and technically be run on any platform like Linux, android and windows in same time (there are often errors though). Now while this may seem like an advancement and really great thing to have, it's actually not. Because any popular game engine will let you code your game once, and then just compile (a matter of clicking one button) a individual game package to each platform like Xbox, android, windows, browser and the like. So the only difference here is that you have to compile the game few times but you still code it once.
The game engine I would suggest you is to use Unity. Unity is very easy engine that is suited for every kind of game. One more thing Id recommend to you is to learn from free tutorial instead of paid one. One of websites that teaches you for free is this gamedev blog - actually I'm in game development for quite long time but it still taught me things i didn't know about. If you have troubles following the tutorial then you probably should learn some C#.

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