14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8’s new Metro platform offers developers the possibility to build not only apps, but also new, immersive NUI (natural user interface) gaming experiences.
And Microsoft is working to make sure that devs have the necessary resources to start creating Metro games tailored to the next version of Windows.
“Building your first Metro style game with C++” on the new Windows Dev Center offers developers the guidance they need to start coding.
It’s important to underline that leveraging C++ implies that the games built will be much more than simple Metro apps, since they’ll get to use the operating system’s underlying graphics technology.
“A Metro style game with C++ is a game developed using native C++ APIs, such as DirectX, that have been made available to the Windows Runtime,” Microsoft explains.
“This model is more complex than the usual Metro style app, but it provides greater flexibility and greater access to system resources, especially graphics devices. So, it is a good model for the experienced developer.”
Essentially, a Windows 8 Metro DirectX game built with C++ implies delivering a graphics- or multimedia-intensive experience to end users, taking advantage of the graphics hardware.
The software giant’s documentation is designed to offer insight into the prerequisites of a Metro style game with C++, setting up the environment and building a basic DX app.
Once again, building a Metro style game with C++ for Windows 8 is not for all devs, especially for those less experienced.
“If you are new to game development, and your game doesn't have demanding graphics requirements, consider developing it as a usual Metro style app instead. Also, many "middleware" graphics and game development packages are available for Windows platforms, and some do not require significant programming skills,” the Redmond company advices devs.
Windows 8 Developer Preview Build 8102 Milestone 3 (M3) is available for download here.