SIR Computer Science Investigation Abstract
DETERMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING A ROLE-PLAYING GAME USING THE JAVA PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE
Presenter:
Jeffrey S. Hodal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor:
Dr. Robert Flemming, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Abstract:
Is Java a practical programming language for developing computer games, specifically role-playing games (RPGs)? In order to answer this question, I explored the various methods for developing Java programs, programming several aspects of an RPG using plain text, graphical user interfaces, and Java Applets. I began with a Battle System, in which the player battles against the many opponents within the game. It started as a simple text based system with the user typing in each command, and evolved into a graphical interface with buttons replacing the keyboard input. To experiment with Applets, my research led me to a sample Character Creator, which allows players to customize their characters. I altered the Applet to fit more appropriately with my Battle System by adjusting the variables that controlled how a character can be customized. Finally, I began to integrate these separate code units into an actual RPG, with a short demo prepared for Presentation Day. In the course of my work, I learned how Java can be applied to a wide range of programming tasks and how Java has become more practical as a programming language for games.