
For example, instead of working with separate graphical API and User Interface (UI) API for drawing and receiving input, MonoGame provides a straightforward way of drawing graphical objects to the application windows and a simple model for receiving player actions. Together with Microsoft Visual Studio or the MonoDevelop IDE, it becomes possible to focus on learning 2D game development concepts in C# and avoid being distracted by the peripheral requirements of computer graphics, input device interactions, or programming language nuances. The MonoGame framework presents its interface in C#. So once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have MonoGame’s cross-platform support at your fingertips. The examples in this book are designed to run on Windows for easy demonstration, but the same core principles apply to 2D game development on any platform. This framework lets developers quickly learn the information needed to begin creating 2D games for many of the popular platforms, from machines running Microsoft (Windows 7 or 8), Apple (Mac OS X), or Linux operating systems to popular mobile devices (iOS, Android, or Windows Phone). The MonoGame Framework, an open source implementation of the popular XNA Framework discontinued by Microsoft, addresses these issues by creating a developer-friendly framework with a much shallower learning curve. For these reasons, C# is one the best programming languages for prototyping sophisticated ideas and for learning and experimenting with difficult concepts.ĭeveloping games can be a challenging and lengthy process, partly due to the general programming knowledge and experience required to begin game development, and partly due to the steep learning curve associated with most graphics APIs, such as Microsoft Direct3D and OpenGL. When developing C# applications within the Microsoft Visual Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE), programmers are especially empowered with near-transparent application programming interface (API) access, friendly editor-assisted code completion, and almost instantaneous compilations.


CHAPTER 2: Getting to Know the MonoGame Framework.

