Using Software Prototypes in Game Design 221
What Is the Quickest Way to Build the Tool/Prototype?
My ?¬? rst a empt was to build the tool in a spreadsheet program, but I quickly realized that it was
not feasible due to the nature of some of the calculations. I decided to build it using Java and the
Metrowerks RAD (rapid application development) toolset. This was a good option because I could
quickly and easily lay out my tables, bu ons, and other widgets and doodads. I was already familiar with
the language and the development environment, so it was a natural choice. For me, writing this type of
so ware is somewhat liberating because the end product is more or less a throwaway. I am far less concerned
with so ware design, architecture, optimization, coding standards, and all the other things that
go into building solid so ware. Remember, the goal is to create a tool to help your game design e?¬? orts,
not to create elegant, airtight so ware. Ultimately, I believe that you should write your prototypes in
whatever language or authoring system you feel comfortable in and that allows you to experiment and
change things quickly and easily.
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