Homebrew [Request] Homebrews begineer guide

[Fosh]

So I have an R4 Card for my DS and I understand how to load roms to it and play them on my DS. Now I would like to learn how to make my own homebrew game. So my question is, What do I need to get started building it. Any push in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[relminator]

Try http://devkitpro.org/index.php

Download devkitARM and libnds and you're set. BTW, installing it is very easy.

Ask some questions there. There is also a very helpful irc channel at server:irc.Blitzed.net, channel: #dsdev

I would suggest learning bit manipulation and fixed-point mathematics or your games are gonna be painfully slow.

The de facto standard coding language in DS coding is C/C++.

Also I would advise for you to learn OpenGL on the PC as it can be applied to DS coding.

If you want some sources to read:

http://rel.betterwebber.com/junk.php?cat=10

Check out my newest called Bubble Fight EX ( Also Space Impakto DS )so see how to use the 3D hardware to do 2d/3d rendering. Also the Easy GL2D download has a mini tutorial in it that would give you the ability to code on the DS in no time.

 

[Fosh]

Awesome, thank you very much

 

[RoyalCardMan]

Here are a list of programs that you could use:

DS App Studio - AwsomiSoft: http://www.awsomisoft.com/

DS Game Maker - InvisionSoft(James Garner): http://www.dsgamemaker.com/

 

[Another World]

micro lua has a ds port which includes its own scripting language. you could also use it to make your own games and apps for the ds, which would require micro lua ds to run.

-another world

 

[RoyalCardMan]

There is that too.

I have never herd of Lua being used for Nintendo DS homebrew development. Ill check it out.

 

[Another World]

this might help: http://microlua.xooit.fr/f8-English-section.htm

there are a few files on filetrip as well.

-another world

 

[Chase-san]

But if you have no knowledge of programming, my advice on making a homebrew game would be "please don't"

 

[Psyfira]

But if you have no knowledge of programming, my advice on making a homebrew game would be "please don't"

That's a little defeatest. Why not "learn programming, using beginner guides and C++"?

It'll take a while, and if it turns out it's not your cup of tea then fine, but while you can't make games without it it can't hurt to at least give it a try.

 

[RoyalCardMan]

Or try DS App Studio. It is an easy program that use DSAL(its really easy to learn). Here is an example of the NDS App template:

// Project Name: NDS App - AwsomiSoft - www.awsomisoft.com

// Description: this template is a very simple project it 
// contains the basic code for a DS App Studio application

// Version: 0.4.6

// whenever using 2D or 3D you must use the start2D or 2D function
start2D(256, 256);

// first, you must tell it to start the first form
startform("Form1");
wait();
endif();
// and this creates the form. To add another form, just
// do createform and in quotes the name of the form.
createform("Form1");

ÂÂÂÂÂÂ say("Hello, World!");
ÂÂÂÂÂÂ 
endif();

Most of it is comments.

 

[ThePowerOutage]

But if you have no knowledge of programming, my advice on making a homebrew game would be "please don't"

How on earth are you going to learn if you follow that advice?

 

[SifJar]

Or try DS App Studio. It is an easy program that use DSAL(its really easy to learn). Here is an example of the NDS App template:

// Project Name: NDS App - AwsomiSoft - www.awsomisoft.com

// Description: this template is a very simple project it 
// contains the basic code for a DS App Studio application

// Version: 0.4.6

// whenever using 2D or 3D you must use the start2D or 2D function
start2D(256, 256);

// first, you must tell it to start the first form
startform("Form1");
wait();
endif();
// and this creates the form. To add another form, just
// do createform and in quotes the name of the form.
createform("Form1");

ÂÂÂÂÂÂ say("Hello, World!");
ÂÂÂÂÂÂ 
endif();

Most of it is comments.

You start the form before creating it...? This language seems to make very little sense to me...

 

[RoyalCardMan]

Of course it does. As long as the form exhists, the form can be started. If you need a LITTLE more help here, this is the explanation.

It is simple. Your telling it to start a form. Well, where is the form? Well, the language searches the code for the function createform. Once it finds it, it starts the form.

Also, you could just put the code like this:

start2D(256, 256);
ÂÂsay("Hello, World");
wait();
endif();

There is just two ways to do it. Forms are just there for people who need to see what will be happening at certain times. Does that help?

Edit: Also, you can create the form before starting the form. It is just easier to put the function after so you can see what the main focus is.

 

[SifJar]

I just think it makes zero sense to start something that doesn't yet exist. I don't understand why on earth you would start a form, and THEN create it.

 

[RoyalCardMan]

Edit: Also, you can create the form before starting the form. It is just easier to put the function after so you can see what the main focus is.

It is as if you didn't read that edit...

 

[SifJar]

I did read, I realise you can create the form before starting it, but I really don't think its a good idea to do it the other way around in an example for n00bs, for whom that is just confusing if you ask me.

 

[RoyalCardMan]

Well, I guess I'll start doing it the other way around.

I guess it would be kind of confusing.