Programming a game for the Nintendo Wii
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Does anyone know what programming language is used to make games for the Wii? And if so, are there any good resources I can use to help me get started on a game project for the Wii?
What you're describing is "Homebrew" development/programming. This type of development is not officially allowed (technically illegal) so the process is a bit convoluted for beginners.
It usually involves having a modchip (so you can run arbitrary software), then installing some custom tool-chain on your PC that will allow you to compile software that will run on that particular machine (in this case the Wii).
However there are some legal paths to this:
- Get an offical dev lisence, which is very expensive. Also you have to *prove* that you are a legit and qualified developer. Don't expect to get one of these.
- Get an indie (independent) developer kit. This basically means you're a company with no money. This would be reasonable to get a hold of. The problem is that I don't think that nintendo has started issuing these yet. Also the indie kits for the Wii are flash based last I heard.
I know the appeal of writing software for the Wii sounds exciting, but I would suggest you just write games on your PC. The process is technically no different than any other platform, and you will actually be able to share your games with other people.
It usually involves having a modchip (so you can run arbitrary software), then installing some custom tool-chain on your PC that will allow you to compile software that will run on that particular machine (in this case the Wii).
However there are some legal paths to this:
- Get an offical dev lisence, which is very expensive. Also you have to *prove* that you are a legit and qualified developer. Don't expect to get one of these.
- Get an indie (independent) developer kit. This basically means you're a company with no money. This would be reasonable to get a hold of. The problem is that I don't think that nintendo has started issuing these yet. Also the indie kits for the Wii are flash based last I heard.
I know the appeal of writing software for the Wii sounds exciting, but I would suggest you just write games on your PC. The process is technically no different than any other platform, and you will actually be able to share your games with other people.
Nintendo has created a tool for making games on the Wii (http://www.efytimes.com/efytimes/fullnews.asp?edid=14865&magid=21). Chances are, the Wii uses OpenGL with the C++ language, but I doubt you'll be able to game makes like that, cause of Nintendo.
Quote:Original post by herocksThe language doesn't matter, so long as you can generate assembly code that will run on the Wii. We use C++ at work, and I suspect that all Wii games are also written in C++. And it's not OpenGL that it uses, it's a custom API.
Nintendo has created a tool for making games on the Wii (http://www.efytimes.com/efytimes/fullnews.asp?edid=14865&magid=21). Chances are, the Wii uses OpenGL with the C++ language, but I doubt you'll be able to game makes like that, cause of Nintendo.
Short answer: You don't make games for the Wii. Authorized developers make games for the Wii.
Longer answer:: You can do homebrew development, but it isn't authorized and you can never sell the games you make. But that Wikipedia entry should provide some information, particularly the External links.
Hope that helps.
Longer answer:: You can do homebrew development, but it isn't authorized and you can never sell the games you make. But that Wikipedia entry should provide some information, particularly the External links.
Hope that helps.
If your game idea is fairly simple (the controller would be treated as a mouse and all other input would be ignored) and you own the software, Flash games can be played in the Wii's browser - just something to consider if you just want to run a simple game on the Wii for fun.
To develop for the Wii you use C++. You also need to be a nintendo licenced developer and have access to a dev kit. You can develop flash stuff for use in the browser or you can wait for this indie solution that nintendo keep hinting at whenever they decide to release it.
Right does that all also go for the xbox and playstation?
You need a dev licence from microsoft/sony and then you can get started with some tools?
Edit: Talking games for release, official ones. Not something illegal.
You need a dev licence from microsoft/sony and then you can get started with some tools?
Edit: Talking games for release, official ones. Not something illegal.
Quote:Original post by DolfYes, the licencing can be quite expensive and may require an established reputation as a developer. In theory this allows them to control the minimum quality of games released for the respective platforms.
Right does that all also go for the xbox and playstation?
You need a dev licence from microsoft/sony and then you can get started with some tools?
If you're interested in venturing into some homebrew I'd probably recommend targetting the Dreamcast if you're able.
Quote:Original post by Dolf
Right does that all also go for the xbox and playstation?
You need a dev licence from microsoft/sony and then you can get started with some tools?
Edit: Talking games for release, official ones. Not something illegal.
Dunno about the playstation, but if your interested in the xbox 360, anyone can make games for it and the development tools are free.. Its called XNA Game Studio Express using C# and XNA.. Of course I believe you'll need a creators club membership to distribute your game to friends with 360's.. or if you looking to sell it.
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