6 replies to this topic

[phil67rpg]

I am making a pong game using dx9 and c++.I want to implement a simple splash screen that gives instructions on how to play the game. I am perplexed as to how to start this section of the game.

[superman3275]

Well, have an enum that keeps the gamestate:

enum GameState
{
InSplashScreen,
InMainMenu,
Playing,
InGameOver,
Exiting
};

Then, create a gamestate and when they start the game set it equal to InSplashScreen. Have an if statement inside your game loop:

if (MyGameState == InSplashScreen)
{
//render splashscreen
//check for the input you need to get out of the splash screen
//if ^ the input is true, set MyGameState to Playing
}

else if (MyGameState == Playing)
{
     //Logic
     //Render
}

There is a lot of ways to do it. Look into state machines (Great Article in C++, Even though he uses SDL his techniques can be applied to all games)
I hope I helped you. If you have any questions ask away !

[phil67rpg]

cool I have been doing some research and might use something like WM_CREATE or WM_TIMER windows messages. I have some books on win32.I will look up state machines.

[superman3275]

For Timers the same basic principle applies, however instead of checking for input every loop just check to see if the timer is up.

Edited by superman3275, 29 October 2012 - 07:49 PM.

[phil67rpg]

so I am on the right track?

[superman3275]

Yes, I believe you are. Really however, making a working system is on the right track. You'll improve your code with every project and I see no point in trying to make a completely "proper" (By someone else's standards) State Machine or Splash Screen manager if you won't even use it. Feel free to message me your Splash Screen / State Machine code if you want and I'll (try to) reply tomorrow and give you some tips learned through development.

Edited by superman3275, 29 October 2012 - 08:28 PM.

[phil67rpg]

I have this much code so far, I am still stuck on the understanding the function of the WM_TIMER windows message.

case WM_CREATE:

  SetTimer (hWnd,ID_TIMER,5000,NULL);

  return 0;

case WM_TIMER:

  MessageBeep(5000);

  return 0;



case WM_DESTROY:

  KillTimer(hWnd,ID_TIMER);

  Cleanup();

  PostQuitMessage(0);

  return 0;

  break;