14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has created a new interesting project that allows Windows 8.1 users to drive on tracks displayed on Bing Maps and even though no stunning visual effects are included, it’s probably the best way to showcase the way the SKDs could be used with a little bit of imagination.
Unfortunately for those who hoped to simply download, install, and play the game, Bing Maps Racing Game needs additional tweaking before successfully setting it up, but Microsoft provides all instructions to do this with ease.
“This code sample shows how to create a simple racing game using Bing Maps. This app allows you to steer a car on several race tracks on Bing Maps using the arrow keys to steer,” Microsoft explained.
The company explains that Bing Maps SDK for Windows Store apps and a Bing Maps key are needed, but you also need to be running Windows 8 and Visual Studio 2012. Afterwards, additional tweaking to the files is needed, as explained below:
Open the sample in Visual Studio and insert your Bing Maps key in the MainPage.xaml file where it says “YOUR_BING_MAPS_KEY” in the source code.
Add a reference to Bing Maps SDK for C#, C++, or Visual Basic. Set the Active solution platform in Visual Studio to one of the following options. • C#, Visual Basic: ARM, x86 or x64 • C++: ARM, Win32 or x64 If you are using C# or Visual basic, you must add a reference to Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Package. Build the sample by press F5 or use Debug > Start Debugging. To run the app without debugging, press Ctrl+F5 or use Debug > Start Without Debugging
At this point, there are three tracks that you can race on, but every developer can freely add new ones using the information above.