Hi wonderful community of Ludum Dare! Context:

I’m a hobbyist game developer who’s previously only worked in the Linux / Android / Mac / Online world. I’m about to attempt creating my first game using Microsoft tech and wanted some suggestions.

I want to create a Windows Phone game, but would love if the same code could also be ported to Windows 8 / XBLA / Surface. From what I’ve read, I believe the following is correct;

• XNA Studio can be used to create Windows Phone, XBLA and PC (desktop-style) in C#
• For Surface / Windows 8 Store style games, you have to use Direct3D / DirectX / C++. As of Windows Phone 8, this is also an option for Windows Phone.

Can anyone comment on this? Am I correct in thinking the above? Are there any popular middleware engines I should consider using if I do go down the C# route? I’ve only learned C# in the past month or so, and as such don’t know what is out there.

Thanks so much!

Tags: OneGameAMonth