March 94 - TEN TIPS FOR GAME DEVELOPERS
TEN TIPS FOR GAME DEVELOPERS
BRIGHAM STEVENS
In this column I'll give some general tips that are targeted at game developers but can
in fact benefit any Macintosh application. Many of the tips are illustrated in the
accompanying sample code (CopyBits ColorKarma) on this issue's CD. If you're
considering writing a game for the Macintosh, or you want to improve your existing
game or other application, these tips are for you. Here they are at a glance:
1. The Macintosh gaming market is wide open.
2. Bypass QuickDraw wisely.
3. Use CopyBits correctly.
4. Scroll graphics smoothly.
5. Don't synchronize with the VBL interrupt.
6. Use Sound Manager 3.0.
7. Learn when to use (or not use) Apple events.
8. Use the Time Manager.
9. Use the Memory Manager effectively.
10. Use a compatible copy-protection scheme (if any).
THE TIPS IN DETAIL
1. The Macintosh gaming market is wide open.
The Macintosh has infiltrated the homes, offices, and schools of every continent on the
planet, and it has matured enough to be ready for entertainment software of all sorts.
Hit Macintosh games have sold over 60,000 copies, and users are clamoring for more.
If you walk into a software store, though, you'll notice that there isn't a very large
selection of Macintosh game and entertainment software. Now is the time to take
advantage of the lack of competition and get into the entertainment market with your
games.