New platforms mean new approaches for middleware, and that's exactly what US start up Zipline Games is attempting with its Moai platform.
Designed for PC and mobile and cloud-based game development, it comes in two conjoined parts.
The client-side Moai SDK is driven by Lua script to provide cross platform portability, and handles your game logic, graphics, animation, inputs and physics. This hooks up with Moai Cloud, the server infrastructure built on top of Amazon Web Services, on which the assets and gameplay are hosted. Dedicated or turnkey options are available.
At present, Moai supports iOS and Android on mobile, also running on Windows, Linux and Mac.
Best of both worlds
According to Zipline, which is using the tech for its own game development, the SDK produces native applications on iOS and Android, and the Lua engine and libraries are compiled from C++ and are faster than Objective C code.
"The Lua script is run as interpreted byte code, but since very few Lua instructions are processed among all the input handling, rendering, animation, collision detection, and physics math running natively, overall app performance is wicked fast," it explains on its FAQ.
Access to the Moai SDK is free, as is Moai Cloud during its beta period. Pricing will be announced post-launch, and the SDK source code will then be made available.
Space on the beta are still available but limited. You can sign up here.
News
Contributing Editor
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.
Top Stories
Feature
Apr 25th, 2024
"Gaming in MENA is just starting. Investment will bring more attention to the region and create more opportunities"
Feature
Apr 24th, 2024
48 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, CSR 3, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Events
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
Popular Stories
News
Apr 23rd, 2024
Supercell’s Squad Busters soft launches today with over 100,000 Google Play downloads
Feature
Apr 24th, 2024