Console Programming

AFAIK, there''s no good way to get into programming for Gamecube or XBox for hobby programmers. For PS2, you can purchase the PS2 linux kit and use the SDK that comes with that.

Otherwise, you''d need to get the respective SDKs from Nintendo, Microsoft or Sony. Last time I checked this ran from $10,000 to $20,000 (US dollars). They''re also only usually sold to companies good track records of producing games on consoles or PCs.

If you are new to programming altogether, then check out the For Beginners link at the top of this page.

what SiCrane is trying to say is that there is realy no ''proper'' way to get into console programming, espically not by starting off on the ps2, X-box or game cube.
(without spending £200+ on a linux kit, which even then isnt realy programming for the ps2, its programming for linux)

Think about it, in programming, do you learn about DirectX before you learn boolean operations...? no, well most people wouldnt/couldnt.

There is no point programming, i think, if you dont know (even a little bit, like me) of whats happening ''under the bonnet'' of the console itself.

plus the consoles you have mentioned are some of the moast powerfull consoles created so far, which wil be a sod to program...

it would be best to start on something a bit smaller, and less powerfull. see below for a perfect example of where to start, in the sig, this is a new console which comes with a cd that tells you how it works, its easy to program and will be out in december, in time 4 christmass (in the USA, dont know bout UK however[dammit])

Try this for a start, thats what im going 2 do...

hope this is helpfull... gameplayer [console neube]

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XgameStation A Console Game Development Kit

I second the recommendation for the sega dreamcast. I got one recently for development, and it's well worth it. The library support is amazing, especially considering they're made by hobbyists, and not commercial libraries. KOS has support for lua scripting, mp3, ogg vorbis, png, jpeg, some basic OpenGL support, and a lot more. It's a lot of fun to code for. Once your game is done, you can even make a bootable cd of it that you can just stick in your dreamcast and play, without having to chip it.

In terms of languages, you can code in C, or C++. The C++ support isn't too bad, minus some parts of the standard libraries. I was able to get all of the standard C++ libraries working except for std::string, and iostreams.

You can transfer your code to it via serial cable, or if you can find one, the dreamcast broadband adapter. You can get a broadband adapter off ebay for about $100, cheaper if you're lucky. Considering that you can get a dreamcast second hand for about £30-£40, that still comes in a lot cheaper than the PS2 linux kit. You might want to consider getting the linux kit if you're trying to get experience to get into the games industry though. Experience of PS2 coding is a lot more valuable.


[edited by - Oxyacetylene on November 16, 2003 11:55:56 AM]

[edited by - Oxyacetylene on November 16, 2003 11:59:05 AM]

"You might want to consider getting the linux kit if you''re trying to get experience to get into the games industry though. Experience of PS2 coding is a lot more valuable."

Actually, most websites for major game companies say that experience in linux for PS2 does not count as experience in PS2 development.

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If only I could just write them down...

quote:

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Original post by Nathaniel Hammen
Actually, most websites for major game companies say that experience in linux for PS2 does not count as experience in PS2 development.

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Not as actual work experience, but it''s advantageous trying to get an entry level job. I can think of one example of someone I was working with when I was in QA at a games company. He managed to sufficently impress people in the software department with his PS2 linux demos that he got an interview, and subsequently is now working as a programmer at the same company.