Which Language to use to program this Shockwave game

[NoTiG]

Hey

I wanted to write something like this game that is programmed in shockwave called www.isketch.net

I really love this game but i wanted to program it myself for a few reasons:

I want to use an open language... so that it can run on linux.

Because the server resides in sweden and i want to start one in US so the pings arent 1k +

Because i want to integrate more advanced drawing tools than just the basic ones given.

For fun.

Basically.. i wanted to use the source from a project like GIMP maybe.. and not reinvent the wheel.. so that more complex tools could be used.. such as adding layers. I am guessing that java would be the best language... but is gimp coded in c++ ??? Would i be able to code in java and use c++ or Gimp code ?

I know this isnt an easy project but its my goal anyway. I want it to be like isketch but with more complex tools so maybe even serious artists could come and ppl could watch them.. in addition to what it already is. I also think it would be cool to add other features... such as maybe an in game email system (so you could leave messages when the person isnt there) ... or maybe integrate the game with an Instant messanger.. or even VOIP so ppl could talk or webcams . Just take it into the next generation! .

ALso.. i think with shockwave the game is actually run on the server right? wouldnt it be more efficient to have the code executed on the clients computer? But then i guess they would have to go through the hassle of installing software ? pffft.

Edit: i also wanted to integrate a sort of matchmaking service into it... so that the users could fill out a profile with their interests hobbies, personalities.. and their pictures as well. and maybe you could even browse others at random. ANd one other problem with isketch is that there is still no name registration! so ppl can steal your name.

Oh yea and also a ranking system would be cool. and a better scoring system. In fact.. when ppl tie playing this game there isnt even code to determine it... it just selects one at random to win. And theres other problems like ... if you join a game in the 9th round (they are ten rounds) .. it counts as a complete game played on your score. Just making it better etc..........

BTW ... all i know is some begginner c++ :P but i can learn. i guess i would need to learn alot of networking programming.

[jdodson]

i would not recommend flash for an "open" language. flash requires non-free software to run in GNU/Linux effectively. plus you have to buy flash tools to program stuff in it. if you want to program a game i would recommend c++, c or python.

python has an excellent pygame programming library that speeds up game development.

c++ has some great docs too. check out nehe.gamedev.net for opengl stuff.

[NoTiG]

I guess the question is...... SHould it be integrated into a browser like isketch is... or is that even necessary . hmmmmm.

I feel most comfortable with c++ . Python sounds cool.

I guess the advantage to it being in a browser... is that you can multi task.. i.e.. us an Instant messenger, browse the web.. have other tabs open and be in multiple windows so that you can play under more than one name.. and play in more than one room at once ( i know some ppl that do) .

Oh also there is this annoying feature that won't allow more than 1 person from the same IP address to join a room. Its to stop cheating but... that is dumb because whats stops cheating are all of the admins and the voting system. PPl who are behind routers and have more than 1 person playing from their house want to play in the same room sometimes. restricting that is not necessary.