Should I learn LWJGL/OpenGL

General Discussions
#1

So I have been learning Java and using it for around 8-9 months now, I have created mostly games but nothing major. All created using LibGDX.

I feel as if I want to learn a bit more low lever stuff, I want to take a bash at making Space Invaders, Snake and what not but using LWJGL or something similar.

Currently as it is, I mainly use LibGDX for it’s nice game loop and spritebatching, such thing as the camera and Box2D are trivial at best for what I want. Don’t need physics and won’t need a very advanced camera.

However I have studied some game loops and created 1-2 and really, it is simple enough and I don’t think I would need a super efficient sprite batching system in order to re-create old arcade games.

That does not mean I would not like to create one though, what you guys think?

Am I in for a shock if I do decide? I have had a look at the Wiki and SHC’s tutorials briefly and it seems “ok”.

#2

Well, when I first started learning java (see my first project) i jumped straight in with lwjgl at the same time and got something to work. it would not be difficult at all to do space invaders without even sprite batching or anything fancy.
all you need to do is make a little ‘sprite rendering function’ and you’re away.

#3

+1 @LiquidNitrogen

There are plenty of good beginners tutorials for LWJGL specific OpenGL. And if you are looking to understand the lower end stuff a little more then you won’t need to put much time in to understand the simple bits. Once you understand all the simple bits then the complex bits aren’t that much more difficult. And the work you’ve done in LibGDX will probably help you out.

So you may be in for a shock but just keep at it and it’ll all fall into place. And even if you don’t end up writing your own games from the ground up then that extra understanding will always be an asset.

#4

I would recommend the “Opengl 3.2 and newer” tutorial on the lwjgl-wiki. I used that to write my own spritebatcher, inputHandler etc :slight_smile:

I am now the happy creator of both a Snake- and Mastermind-copy :smiley:

Also if you want to see how my batcher works just pm me and I will send you the source :slight_smile:
Don’t expect it to be super fancy though :wink:

#5

Be aware that Linux open-source drivers have only recently added OpenGL 3.3, and the support isn’t complete.

Most Linux users are still on <=OpenGL 3.0.

#6

My pc is running 3.1, so it should be fine to follow the tutorial :slight_smile:

#7

Cheers for the replies.

Ama gonna have a bash at it, I started it and made a game loop and made an imitation of the way LibGDX handles screens, with my own implementation of course.

Never realised how simple that is, very powerful.