My answer: YES.

But there are limitations. I''ve been using Java for a while and I have this much to say about it: Java makes it very easy (and tempting) to do truly processor-intensive things, like compute the solution to a particular chess board using recursion. However, for C++ programmers shifting to Java, similar methods yield similar speeds.

The magnitude of the difference depends on the application.

- A Civilization clone (anything turn-based) would probably run fine.
- A heavily hardware-accelarated game will work with appropriate use of vertex caching, display lists, or whatever and a good OpenGL/DX wrapper.

What you might have a problem with is CPU-intensive modules such as AI/Pathfinding, where a 10% slowdown on decision mechanics might have a perceptible effect on NPC intelligence.

The plus is that you can automatically sell to the Mac and Linux markets. For simple, fun and addicting games, this is a huge benefit.

Tom

quote: Original post by ParadigmShift

The plus is that you can automatically sell to the Mac and Linux markets. For simple, fun and addicting games, this is a huge benefit.

1. Linux users don''t BUY games. 2. Write-once run anywhere just doesn''t work; even with Java, Java applets or Java applets using the lowest common denominator AWT interface. Even the LWJGL only supports windows and (higher end) gfx cards (which is why I''ve never tried it.)

I like Java as a language. Its super easy to use and it runs plenty fast for just about any type of 2d game you want to make. There were some impressive demos on the sun site (javagaming.org). Who knows, a commercial game in Java? Stranger things have happened....

this is correct
Commercial games? No.
Games in general? Yes.

btw for commerical games the main reason has nothing to do with java''s speed

http://uk.geocities.com/sloppyturds/kea/kea.html
http://uk.geocities.com/sloppyturds/gotterdammerung.html

The definite answer with factual arguments can be found at the following address:
http://www.rolemaker.dk/articles/evaljava/

Have a good read, it is really worth it.
Ghostly yours,
Red.

Java can be used for games in 3D or 2D. A good example is RoboForge (87% in PC Gamer) www.roboforge.com. It is in 3D with good performance using Java3D.
Java is less complex in some respects to C/C++ but, using it properly requires an understanding of Object Oriented programming and if you are going to use it for games make sure your code is optimized, there are lots of books on Java performance, pick one up after you get your feet wet with java.
By the way, write once run anywhere works most of the time.

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Matt Knowles
Programmer/Game Developer
www.mak-tech.com
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[edited by - maknowles7 on January 15, 2003 11:38:52 AM]

as far as yahoo games concern java is always playing important for the back end developement role