Hi Laurel, Keep in mind that when asking questions about which language is best, you're going to get answers as varied as the programmers who give them. And most of those answers, alas, will be biased. Consider that Sound RTS, which is quite a bit more complex than a board or card game, was written in Pygame. It also has the benefit of being cross-platform. Python, and by extension, Pygame, is noteable for its rapid development. The code reads much more like standard English, and it isn't quite so particular about things like variable types. It's also noteworthy for having quite a large knowledge base to draw from, as the code is well-entrenched in the mainstream. With regard to SAPI/screen reader integration, there currently exists a third-party library which can interface with JAWS, SAPI, WindowEyes, NVDA, System Access, and possibly HAL (I'd have to check on that last one). It can even support Braille displays. BGT, by comparison, comes with much of this functionality already bundled, as has been stated below. It also has a very active forum, and its lead developer is extremely friendly and willing to help. It comes with a quite thorough tutorial chalk full of examples. While it's true that BGT-based games can run faster than those developed in Python, it's also true that you may not require that speed boost, especially since you will not be programming with graphics. Further, current projects within Python exist that enhance Python's speed capabilities; one is even in the works that will transform Python code to pure C++. It's probably obvious which side of my own comparison I come down on, so take my advice, along with everyone else's, with as much salt as you like. In the end, though, it's up to you, and you'll certainly find support whichever language you choose. Do some research, look at suggested language tutorials, and see what clicks for you. There's no right answer, so don't feel like you're in danger of picking the wrong one. I write in Python. Che from BLIND Adrenaline writes in C#.net. Jeremy Kaldobsky and David Greenwood write in VB, and Philip Bennefall writes in C++. Good luck, and let us know if there's anything we can do to be of assistance. All the best, Ryan
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Thomas Ward Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 9:13 PM To: Gamers Discussion list Subject: Re: [Audyssey] board game writing question - programing language etc Hi Laurel, Well, for a beginner such as yourself BGT is by far and away the best tool to write any games with because Philip has wrapped all the essential application programming interfaces, APIs, like DirectX, SAPI, and so on with a powerful scripting language called Angelscript. You can write something as simple and basic as Monopoly to something as advanced and complex as Shades of Doom. /so its a fairly good place to start. If you later want to branch out and practice with some general application development or want to write games in a language that doesn't require a license like BGT my suggestion would be Python. Its a light weight scripting language, is easy to learn, and is supported on just about every platform you are likely to use. You can write anything from a one lline text application to an advanced FPS game with sounds, input, and networking. Although, PyGame isn't as good as DirectX so I probably wouldn't recommend it for anything really advanced like Tank Commander or Shades of Doom. For card and board games though it is fine. HTH --- Gamers mailing list __ [email protected] If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [email protected]. You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://mail.audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [email protected].
