On the other hand, the limitations are also amazing. Due to security concerns, the Internet is very limited in what you can do to the visitor. And each language has different strengths and weaknesses. A Java game is powerfull, but it lacks user interaction and speed. Javascript is graphically challenged, ActiveX is suspicious looking and weak, and VRML is the weakest. The strategy that is most effective (and most impressive) in overcoming these weaknesses is a cross-language game.
For example you could do a game based in Java that saves info about the user with Javascript cookies. In my wild dreams I can imagine a game in which a silent (not seen) java applet does the heavy programming tasks and communicates with a VRML world which is the main screen. Throw javascript in there, and you've got endless possibilities for a powerful creation.
Stand-alone games can be fine, though. Check out this Java-only game. It's the best I've seen! Jump! Unfortunately, it lacks mulitiplayer capabilities, and it's a bit slow.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, everybody should take advantage of the Java capability to communicate with Javascript and VRML. Hardcore programmers go Java-only, and amateurs go Javascript-only. That's using just half the Internet's power at once.
And remember to make the most of the Internet! I've noticed that there aren't enough client based multiplayer games out there. You can do it!
Next month I'll be talking about how to communicate between languages, so if you don't know how, stick around.
0-
Go To Page: 1
