Series 40 full touch and Nokia SDK for java 2.0 introduce great improvement in application capability for low-price range devices. There are enough materials that explain new things as 3D, sensors, touch UI, etc… Mostly the documents are for experienced developers hungry for new application features. What about newbies in Series 40?  We are going to fill the gap with the wiki article series “Quick start in game development for Series 40”.

Why games? I think nowadays for individuals it is hard to compete with business applications on the market by several reason. One of the reasons is – devices are sold with preinstalled good application collection for every-day users’ needs. There is no much room for improvement for third-party developers. Not the same situation is in game world.  Express yourself! Game development is more art than business app development.  Game development requires more than just programming and UI design skills. It might start from making a story, making characters and end-up living creatures in your world. That is rather exiting opportunity. Considering growing low-price device market available by Nokia you can get even some profit for your game or at least recognition. Target your game to Nokia Store!

So, how do I start? Please go to the wiki and follow the step-by-step instructions.  So far there are two articles in the series starting from creating game application skeleton to adding touch support in it. I hope to keep my pace and release more articles in near future on regular basis. What will be next in the series:

• Path-finding and collision detection algorithms
• Main menu implementation
• Supporting devices with different capabilities. That is actual question for SVG graphics and screen geometry because touch screen supporting is not conflicting in code implementation with key-only devices as Nokia 110.
• Advertising your game with social networks, like sending game scores via Facebook  (honestly I have only vague idea how to implement it. Let’s see how it goes. But definitely that feature is in great demand)

Caution!  The articles are focused on technical problems only – bring there your imagination and art

Please comment.

Regards,
Igor