IN (enough time to learn a new language ?)

im contemplating learning a new language for this ludum..  everytime i have used java

but i realize i spend so much of my time just getting to the point where there i can just draw

something to the screen/input etc.. i start from scratch everytime and dont seem to be coding

in between ludums so i forgot alot of it by the time the next one comes around ;p

 

i was just wondering if any one had any suggestions to quickly try and learn another language with

possibly a framework in place to get up and running quite quickly as this time i would like the put

more into the gfx/sfx and actually gameplay instead of building everything from the ground up..

 

plus im kind of sick of fighting with java to get it working online with ppl having to update/accept

security things etc..

 

cheers

howie :)

Comments

Sébastien
21. Apr 2014 · 18:31 UTC
Hello !

For every ludumdare, I used Python with Pygame. But this time I decided to change and discover something different, and I choose to try Haxe.

I think you can learn it really quickly, because for me, it’s similar to Java (but it’s less annoying, I have to admit, I don’t really like Java :p)

There is multiple game framework for Haxe, I choosed HaxeFlixel, but there is also HaxePunk and Flambe (or OpenFL if you just want a basical library).

The big inconvenient is the lack of documentation.
21. Apr 2014 · 18:32 UTC
That’s a tricky one. It all has to do with frameworks.

I like Java, but I haven’t found a good framework yet. libgdx sounds good.
21. Apr 2014 · 19:44 UTC
Keep in mind language != platform. Only you know yourself well enough to know if there’s enough time to learn a new language/platform before LD starts.
howieV (binarygirl)
22. Apr 2014 · 11:22 UTC
thanks Sporidios.. a few have mentioned libdgx ..i think i mite have a look at that.. could be just want im looking for actually.. i still like the lowlevelness and java is fine really as long as it takes abit of the pain away ;p ..ive tried gamemaker years ago.. its abit too UI for me.. im really surpirsed at myself for not being fluent with unity yet.. tried it a few times and just never clicked with it.. i thought i would go mental for something like that ;p