Playdate makes software development kit free and available now
Are you ready to crank out some new games for Playdate?
Panic Inc. announced Monday on Twitter that the full Playdate Software Development Kit is available and free to all.
Panic goes on to explain that while they built the Playdate dev kit for people already comfortable with coding, they also strived to make it as user-friendly as possible. The development kit allows users to code in two different languages: Lua, a higher-level scripting language and C, for improved performance.
In addition, the software development kit features helpful functions for font handling, drawing, animations, sprites and more. Naturally, as the Playdate utilizes a crank as a key control element, the development kit also features tools to assist in that area as well.
Another great feature about the development kit is the Playdate Simulator for your computer. The app allows you to run and test games directly from your computer without the need for the actual hardware. The tool allows you to simulate the crank, log errors and check memory usage. It’s useable for Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems.
Along with the development kit, Panic will also expand their developer forum. The forum allows users to ask questions, show off their work and establish a community for Playdate developers. Panic also created a helpful set of guidelines to help new developers get started.
What is a Playdate?
Playdate is a handheld gaming device developed by Panic Inc.. The device offers a unique handheld gaming experience by utilizing a rotating crank as part of the controls. In addition, new games will be added at random on a weekly basis.
Last month, Panic released their alternative game-building tool Pulp. Although Pulp is more user-friendly and suitable for beginners, its limitations left some developers hungry for the full kit.
Anyone interested in developing their own titles for Playdate can download the software development kit from the official website. In addition, the site offers plenty of helpful tools and information you can take advantage of. The website also allows you to try the web-based game editor Pulp.
What ideas do you have for new games on Playdate? Let us know below!
Via Twitter
