The Java language is normally the first language a programmer learns. Since many programmers are interested in developing their own games, many programmers will use the Java language to create a simple game. There are many different tools for developing Java games. For example, a programmer can use Java 3D, Swing, AWT, LWJGL, Slick, and JGame for game development.
Java 3D, Swing, and AWT
Java 3D, Swing, and AWT are game libraries not designed for game development. However, they do have a small advantage. This advantage is that Java 3D, Swing, and AWT are already installed automatically on the Java system. This means that the new programmer does not have to deal with specific configurations. This makes it easier for the programmer to use Java and these game development tools to create easy games. However, Java 3D, Swing and AWT have their own drawbacks. For example, these programming tools are specifically designed for creating graphical user interfaces. Java 3D, Swing, and AWT are not the best tools for creating Java-based games. This is mainly because the developer needs to focus on synchronising audio and video.
The lightweight Java game library
The Lightweight Java Game Library, or LWJGL, is an extremely powerful Java game engine. The Lightweight Java Game Library gives Java game developers the opportunity to access the Open AL audio library and the Open GL graphics library. The LWJGL also provides specific functions that allow developers to access and create gamepads and joysticks. The engine is normally used in both hobby and commercial games. As long as one understands the Java programming language, the LWJGL can be of some use.
slick
The Slick Java game development tool is an easy-to-use tool that many different programmers can understand. The Slick gaming interface is built on top of the LWJGL interface. Since the open AL audio library and the open GL graphics library can get a little complicated, Slick replaces the open AL and open GL with simple method calls. In addition, the Slick Java-based game development tool features built-in game skeletons. The built-in game skeletons are designed to be useful for game designers who need to handle the options screen and main menu for a Java-based video game. However, the negative aspect of the Slick Java game development tool is the fact that it only supports 2D graphics. This can be frustrating if a game designer wants to create one with high-quality 3D graphics.
JGame
Instead of using the LWJGL, the JGame uses the AWT, Swing, and Java Open GL libraries. In fact, the JGame application is built on top of these libraries. The JGame Java tool is used to create many different games. JGame can even be used to create web browser videos, desktop videos, and even mobile phone games. However, the mobile phone or computer must have Java installed. JGame also supports simple methods like DrawImage and PlayAudio.
