5 replies to this topic

[Adzy 12]

OK, I am looking into building a game, which is turn based, with limited Graphics, to initially start off with. And I need some advice before I start this, firstly to know if it is possible with my current skills, and secondly, the best way to go about this.

My current experience with programming languages is Visual Basic 6, and to a lesser extent, but still fairly decent knowledge of Visual Basic.NET. I would like to know what would be the best language to create a game of this kind. I've been doing some research and I am torn between using ASP.NET and PHP. Both have pro's and cons, so I would like some professional advice. I'd have plenty of time to learn a new language along with my current studies of VB.NET. Any other good languages are welcome, and not restricted to the two above.

Lastly, I'll try to make this short :P. What Key points would this game need, in regards to picking a Host, for example how many Databases would I need, would I need multiple separate ones, or could I condense many into just one?
What Space would be required to host the game itself, would it exceed 250MB, with 8GB Bandwidth, with 100 - 200 regular users? There are going to be a few pictures, logos, backgrounds etc...

I know I had alot of writing, but any help would be appreciated. If you need more details, just post here and I'll be glad to help.

Thanks in Advance

[WingedPanther]

I have almost know idea what to offer. I didn't realize until you mentioned ASP.NET/PHP that it was going to be web-based. Without having a better idea of what you are looking at doing in the game, I can only suggest ASP.NET because you can code it in VB.NET.

For a single game, I would have only a single database. Space/bandwidth will depend on what you are doing. A few pictures would probably be fine with what you stated, but a graphics heavy or flash-based game might not.

[Adzy 12]

Well thanks for the quick response.

I'll probably do it in ASP.NET, like you said, and build on what I already know. And thanks for answering my question on the database, that makes all the difference. Thanks.

Edit: Yes it will be that sort of game, however I'm looking to create multiple separate games, in which people can join depending on certain variables.

Thanks for your answers, much appreciated.

Edited by Adzy 12, 13 January 2009 - 12:23 PM.
Prevent Double Posting

[WingedPanther]

If the games are related, you may want to keep them all in a single database, but that's a separate design decision and may not scale well.

[zeroradius]

asp.net may not be the best choice. if you want any type of over lapping graphics. I do not know about vb.net but if you use c#.net as the main language in your asp it does not support actual transparancy it fackes it by copying the forms bg to the area that is supose to be trans parent (i belive this to be true for vb as well but am not positive). To fix this you have to use direct X with it but i do not know if that is posible with a web host you will need to look into it. For a browser based game like you have explained I sugest going with Java, python, or flash. I agree with the other two in saying only a single database is needed, you will need multiple tables inside of it but just the one data base will speed up the game because it will not have to keep conecting to seprate databases.