Arowx.com - Indie Game Dev

Link: /ArrgggPixmaps

No not a new swear word, in BlitzMax pixmaps are images loaded into RAM so they can be used to draw things in a game or application...

The problem is I can't get images with nice transparent alpha bits to work with MaxGUI (it's the windows/application GUI interface for drawing labels, buttons and other onscreen gadgets in BlitzMax).

I get the impression that BlitzMax is going through a wobbly patch, or maybe I'm just trying to get it to do things that are pushing outside of it's envelope.

UPDATE BlitzMax 1.37 fixed the issues!

I am trying to get a nice looking but skinned window for the CD versions of my games the idea being to show the user a cool install window (see below) but this requires a none rectangular window! Found nice example of how to do this for windows in codearchives ... first push!

But I need nice graphical buttons to work with, OK use the panel gadget and set it's pixmap ... second push!

Arrrgg the transparent bits of the image appear as a block border!

Upgrade to latest version of MaxGUI 1.36, try again Arrgg! Now have white rectangular border around window!

So one step forward and two steps back!

UPDATE it works!
Thinking about converting this into a generic certified downloader, but would it be worth the investment in time and money to give people that download peace of mind?

Link: /CDAutorunApp

I'm quite happy with the Autorun application that I have created for my E-bay game sales, mmjChallenge seems to be selling well and you can get it and Qbix for bargain prices at Auction...

Anyway here is the Autorun application that pop's up when you insert the mmjChallenge CD...

That's right you also get, Qbix (Demo), Balls and CandyCascade v1.1

You might just find Qbix and mmjChallenge on E-bay.

No it's not some evil pirates copying and selling my games, it's me trying out alternate sales routes and in theory free advertising!

So if you are interested in a copy of Qbix or mmjChallenge, posted and packaged by me to you then do a quick search on E-bay and you could be in luck!

You'll be glad to know that STSE (Save The Silly Earthlings) is progressing gradually, Simulating the Climate, Powerplants and Oilfields especially in an interactive game can be tricky!

Next majour hurdle is the Disasters, or as Woody Allen in quoted as saying "What happens to you while your planning other things!".

There could be some technical issues with BlitzMax as it has just updated to DirectX9 graphics and there seem to be a few issues!

So I'm on the lookout for beta testers to give an early release of the game a quick run on their system!

Send an e-mail to: IWantToSaveTheSillyEarthlings [at] arowx.com
And let me know your system details...

• Operating System
• Graphics Card
• Resoultion

Please note that beta testers will get a special price on the final game!

Link: #newProjectSTSE

Currently working on a topical little game where you get to save the world from the twin disasters of Peak Oil and Catastrophic Climate Change!

NB: If your interested in the effects of Peak Oil and Climate Change but are concerned about their impact check out the Transition Culture a grass roots approach to solving the problem with a community driven approach.

I know these are pet subjects of mine! So much so that I designed and built a board game to play with the game mechanics! I was quite impressed with the results, only there was far too many things the players needed to update so now I'm well on the way to writing the computer version...

So far I have the CO2 cycle working, basic disasters for the players to deal with and a simplified version of Peak Oil theory attached to fossil fuel extraction.

Just got to get the power plant builder to work, disasters to be triggered by climate change and power shortages, syncronize the timings and playtest with the option to set dificulty levels.

Then send a free copy to all the world leaders and set up a leader board (pun intended) to see if they can 'Save The Silly Earthlings!'

Tempted to post a video of the in development version in action with the CO2 cycle in full swing but lots more to do!

Link: #BallstoNumpties

Well I have been busy and have negelected to update my blog, for instance my Mah-Jongg game is out as well as a redesigned website, the styling/design was derived from the the rather nice looking Apple and Nintendo websites...

Check out mmjChallenge.com for more info on Mah-Jongg.

Note to self must update the design of my blog to match! ;o)

The Mah-Jongg mechanic was developed within a couple of days using BlitzMax and then the Grey Alien Game Framework was wrapped around it along with the code necessary to provide an encrypted challenge code system that can send challenges via twitter!

Currently it is only available for the PC in the process of converting it to the Mac platform!

I also started what I had hoped to be a great course at Sunderland University in Software Enterprise only to find, just when I was getting into it and enjoying myself and getting to know people, another 'Numpty'!

So as my 'Numpty' fuse is very short, (Note to Numpties it's been 6 years now, and a recession get over it, Peak Oil has happend!). So I left a great opportunity (a course with a bursary) and some cool people who I hope will make a great Multimedia/Games Companies together!

Anyway I directed my anger at 'Numpties' into a quick game dedicated to 'Numpties' everywhere...

You can download this collapse style game here

Currently I am working on a 'quick' 3D game using Unity a cool 3D Games Development Platform that is FREE!

But I am available for Freelance work to all none 'Numpties'!