Hi - NOOB Developer movingto Mac/Game Salad

NMansell

Hi,

I'm an amateur game developer, nothing too serious or great but have re-created some retro games using Game Maker, Game Editor and various other PC packages out there.

I bought an iPhone4, instantly wanted an iPad - got that so now want to start developing for both.

I understand that the PC is not great to do this and as I don't own a Mac was thinking of running a Virtual machine of Mac (I will buy the software appropriately). Can Game Salad be run, tested and fully publishing via a Mac VMWare?

If not then is there anyway to use a Drag n Drop interface to develop games on the iPad please. I want to recreate some retro classics which I used to love for the Commodore 64 (I know there is an emulator on iStore already), Amiga, Game & Watch and a few others.

None of the games I want to create are on the Store so thought what the hell - lets join the developer program (still to be done after I find out how to create) and get creating....

Comments and suggestions would be most welcome.

Thanks,

Neil

Weswog

No you can't use a vmware for a mac and still use gamesalad you have to
Buy a really cheap mac mini and hook it up to your monitor or get a macbook
Also welcome to the forums/community!

Cheers, Weswog

Rob2

You can try with a hackintosh, people on this forum have managed that route quite happily, it all depends how much you enjoy 'working things out' as apposed to just getting on with it.

NMansell

thanks. just out of interest why doesn't VMWare work - surely I can install GameSalad in the VMWare console of Mac OSX and run like I had a mac? Just interested.

Chaser

Try it!
I never knew vmware let you run osx on a windows machine

IndieWerks

It´s possible. I have this setup installed for tests (all my software is legal). I don´t know if you can apply for the developer program with Apple with VMWare. I have an iMac and use it for it.

daverenner

I have ran MacOS inside of Vmware and Virtualbox (which is free) But at that time i wasn't into GS. When i built my first Hackintosh (intel 3.4Ghz HT not dual core) it ran OS 10.6.1 but i think i could never get the 10.6.3 update to install. Anyway, it ran like a mac. no probs with xcode or GS. I was able to do everything. I finally got a mac mini, as the hackintosh had boot problems due to my 4x1tb drives (thats just the externals, had 4x500gb internal). Anyway, the Mac Mini is just awesome for the price.

NMansell

thanks for your comments.
do you know if do apple support this setup if i join the developer program though?

daverenner

Apple doesn't support anything thats not Apple. My hackintosh had no problems with xcode or GameSalad. I was able to get all my updates etc...

NMansell

so am I correct it believing that although apple doesn't 'officially' support it, I can actually use VMWare with the original Snow leopard disc (I have tried this and it works) and Game Salad/xCode - and can join the developer program and upload my apps as though I had a Mac in front of me?

daverenner

When i was running the VMware/osX setup I DID NOT USE GAMESALAD. After i built my PC and installed Snow Leopard on it, then i was using xcode/GS. So i am not sure if your vmware snow leopard will compile the GS stuff. My PC had snow leopard installed on it and no windows, no vmware. Just loaded my EFI onto the boot sector and installed snow leopard.

NMansell

ok thanks. i have bought the mac discs now (awaiting delivery) and will install on VMWare Workstation 7.1 soon as they arrive (I have tested so know it will work). I'll keep everyone posted as to how it works.

My thoughts also turn to buying a cheap Mini Mac though - is there a minimum spec to produce Apps for the AppStore and using xCode and Game Salad, as I found one on eBay for £149 but its only a 1Ghz Mini Mac?

Rob2

Anything with an intel cpu will be absolutely great with GS, that eBay box sounds like a G4 so would be no good.

NMansell

thanks but how will I know what is G4+ - is it speed dependent?

StusApps

vmware doesn't really support os x on non apple hardware. Your experience will entirely depend on your hardware (much like a hackintosh install). It will involve following a tutorial for a bit of a hack install then facing down a ton of problems depending on your hardware. Current known issues include an inability to load certain dmg (disk image install files), lack of sound, graphics acceleration, network support, kernal panics and other problems on some hardware.

If you want to fiddle and spend your life messing around then go for it. If not the buy a cheap intel mac, gamesalad does not need high specs.

Typing this from my new macbook air 11 inch (its super awesome!).

StusApps

just read the comments underneath this tutorial. People struggling with every problem there is

http://www.ihackintosh.com/2009/12/install-snow-leopard-in-vmware-7-windows-edition/

for the proper apple experience buy an apple.

NMansell

i actually plan to, but wanted to play about first without costing my hundreds of pounds

Just out of interest, what is the minimum mac spec including software for xcode and game salad as I want to begin developing for the iPad/iPhone.

Thanks.

MotherHoose

@NMansell...any MAC running SnowLeopard...

always check out the Apple Store online... refurbished models are great as they are cheaper and they have full warrantee.

last month I got a brand new MacBook for $649...
if you have the monitor, keyboard, mouse, mic, etc... the MacMinis are a super buy.

MH

daverenner

StusApps is right. Even my hacked pc (using EFI) had odd problems. It wasn't worth it. I had NO sound no matter what. Some kernel panics here and there. Sometimes it would boot, sometimes not. Printers that install no problem on a real mac could never install on my hackintosh. It didn't support my NIC, i bought 3 different NICs before i got one that worked, and then it only worked at 100mbit. No wireless no matter what. Oh man i could go on and on. But, when it did run, it was good!