Java Game Development Tools

The  Java  language is normally the first language that any programmer learns. Since many different programmers are interested in developing their own game, many programmers will use the  Java  language to create a simple one. There are many different  Java  game development tools. For example, a programmer could use  Java  3D, Swing, AWT, LWJGL, Slick, and JGame for game development.

 Java  3D, Swing, AWT

 Java  3D, Swing, and AWT are game libraries that are not designed for game development. However, they do have a slight advantage. This advantage is the fact that  Java  3D, Swing, and AWT are already installed on the  Java  system automatically. This means that the new programmer does not need to deal with specific configurations. This makes it easier for the programmer to use  Java  and these game development tools to make easy games. However,  Java  3D, Swing, and AWT do have their own disadvantages. For example, these programming tools are specifically designed for making Graphical User Interfaces.  Java  3D, Swing, and AWT are not the best tools for creating  Java  based games. This is mainly because the developer needs to focus on synchronizing audio and video.

The Lightweight  Java  Game Library

The Lightweight  Java  Game Library, or LWJGL, is an extremely powerful  Java  game engine. The Lightweight  Java  Game Library gives  Java  game developers the chance to access the Open AL audio library and the Open GL graphics library. The LWJGL also provides specific functions that allow the developers the ability to access and create game pads and joysticks. The engine is normally used in both games made for hobbies and commercial ones. As long as someone understands the  Java   programming  language, the LWJGL can be of some use.

Slick

The Slick  Java  game development tool is an easy to use tool that many different programmers can understand. The Slick gaming interface is built on top of the LWJGL interface. Since the open AL audio library and the open GL graphics library can get a little complicated, Slick replaces the open AL and open GL with simple method calls. In addition, the Slick  Java  based game development tool features built in game skeletons. The built in game skeletons are designed to be useful for game designers who need to handle the options screen and the main menu for a  Java  based video game. However, the negative aspect to the Slick  Java  game development tool is the fact that Slick only supports 2D graphics. This can get frustrating when a game designer wants to create one that features high quality 3D graphics.

JGame

Instead of using the LWJGL, the JGame uses the AWT, Swing, and  Java  Open GL libraries. In fact, the JGame application is built on top of these libraries. The JGame  Java  tool is used to make many different games. In fact, JGame can be used to create Web browser video, desktop video, and even cell phone games. However, the cell phone or computer needs to have  Java  installed. JGame also supports simple methods like DrawImage and PlayAudio.