Question About SDL

[grim107]

I know little to nothing about programming. My friends and I want to write a game using SDL so that it will be compatible with a large quantity of systems. My question is that assuming that we wrote the program on a PC for PC, what modification would need to be done to port it to other systems?

For example, I want to create a port for the Sega Dreamcast. Assuming that I included the IP.Bin and 1st_Read.bin files, would the game be read? I'm aware that if the game was read, we'd still need to remap the controls.

How long does it take to port a game?

Also, because SDL is open-source, couldn't I hypothetically take any game written in SDL and port it?

Thanks for any help offered!

[bobdevis]

what modification would need to be done to port it to other systems?

Depends on how you make the game in the first place and on how much resources the game will use (how heavy it runs).

Also, because SDL is open-source, couldn't I hypothetically take any game written in SDL and port it?

No. You don't write a game in SDL. You write a game in a programming language (like C++) and use SDL for certain features (like sound and video). If a game author used SDL it does not mean automatically that game is easy to port.


From the way you ask your questions, it seems to me you are trying to do something you are not quite ready for.
Buy some starters book and make a simple game with Java, Javascript, the Microsoft .NET thing or some such.
Start worrying about portability when you are at least comfortable with the basics.

[grim107]

Thanks for the explanation.

trying to do something you are not quite ready for.

I am actually not the one programming. My friend is (he has a much better understanding of coding and the works than I do). I was just asking this question on both of our behalves.

Another question I had was that even though our game would use SDL, does that mean that it couldn't be supported by ScummVm? I feel that if ScummVm supported it, it would be much easier to port to other systems. I apologize if this question makes no sense. Just try and bear with me.

[dreammaster]

Another question I had was that even though our game would use SDL, does that mean that it couldn't be supported by ScummVm? I feel that if ScummVm supported it, it would be much easier to port to other systems. I apologize if this question makes no sense. Just try and bear with me.

For a written game to work with ScummVM, there are some constraints. First, and foremost, the code has to be written in C++. Secondly, ScummVM provides it's own interfaces for graphics, sound, and input, since not all supported systems have SDL. Have a look at the ScummVM Wiki for more information on creating new game engines. As long as the game/engine you develop follows them, there shouldn't be any reason why your game can't take advantage of ScummVM's portability, even if it's not part of the main distribution.