[IGDA_indies] SDL commercial viability

[Brandon J. Van Every]

Brian Hook wrote:
> Brandon wrote:
>
> > I suppose some games can make do
> > with anything, i.e. even plain old Windows GDI suffices.
>
> Yes, crazy successful puzzle games use GDI just fine.

Ah yes, but you know better than anyone how that goes.

> > or if
> > using the OpenGL layer would create undesired deployment
> > constraints.  Anyone know the answer?
>
> SDL + OpenGL works fine.

Meaning, you will get OpenGL HW alpha blending even on 5 year old
Windows systems with old drivers?  Or budget computers with OpenGL
software emulation paths?  I think when one goes 2D, there's a tendency
to target casual or newbie gamers.  Granted, one could be writing a
hardcore wargame and expect hardcore wargamers to update their drivers.
Or a RTS, or whatever.


Cheers,                         www.indiegamedesign.com
Brandon Van Every               Seattle, WA

"We live in a world of very bright people building
crappy software with total shit for tools and process."
                                - Ed Mckenzie