Learning VGA Programming for DOS Game Development
By
speckx
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
A developer shares their experience learning VGA programming for DOS while preparing for the DOSember Game Jam. They discuss their journey of creating a tower defense game, the challenges of learning VGA graphics programming in DOS, and the technical aspects of working with 256-color VGA mode 13h. The article covers their progress from initial concept to implementing basic graphics, including drawing lines, circles, and handling color palettes in the DOS environment.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledSince the DOSember Game Jam was announced I've been toying with the idea of making another DOS game. Something small, that would allow me to try some ideas in the context of a game jam.
I did some brainstorming with my son and we ended with a nice, if not genre revolutionary, idea for a tower defense game.
Programming the VGA in DOS is fun. It's a bit like learning a new language, but with the added challenge of working with hardware that's been obsolete for decades.
The VGA has 256 colors, which is a lot more than the 16 colors of the CGA, but still a far cry from the millions of colors we're used to today.
I'm still a long way from having a playable game, but I'm having fun learning about VGA programming and DOS game development.
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