I am really excited about the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook Native C/C++ SDK since it will finally provide BlackBerry developers with some low level access to hardware. RIM seems to be targeting this SDK to game developers but I doubt it will stop at that unless RIM restricts it. As we mentioned yesterday this new SDK will provide developers with low level access to OpenGL 2.0, data storage, and networking along with other features directly. In other words all the cool stuff will happen at this level. There is a reason the Tetris and Need for Speed games EA made were created with this SDK. It lets developers tap the native QNX OS without a abstraction layer in the way.
We have been hearing rumors that this SDK is coming out soon and it looks like soon is VERY soon. It looks like RIM will be releasing the BlackBerry PlayBook Native SDK at the Game Developers Conference which starts on February 28th until March 4th. RIM used to hold a developer day at this conference but it looks like they won’t this year. On the other hand RIM will be having their own John Thomas, Manager of Handheld Software Product, give a session on developing with this BlackBerry PlayBook Native C/C++ SDK for games.
Check out the details on the session below:
Getting Your Games onto the BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet (Presented by BlackBerry) Speaker/s: John Thomas (BlackBerry)
Day / Time / Location: Thursday 9:00-10:00 Room 302, South Hall
Track / Format: GDC Smartphone Summit / Sponsored Session
Description: The new dual-core BlackBerry PlayBook offers professional grade gaming performance. Upcoming support for Native C/C++ applications using hardware-accelerated OpenGL opens a huge new opportunity for game developers. With Adobe Flash and AIR, and HTML5 integrated into the platform, you can start creating games immediately. Find out how you can start creating games for the BlackBerry PlayBook using the various development platforms, how you can distribute through BlackBerry App World, and ways to monetize with the BlackBerry Payments Service. Lets put the Play in BlackBerry PlayBook and learn how to qualify for your Free BlackBerry PlayBook tablet!
Barry ( View Profile) - Posts: 1186
Posted: February 18, 2011 at 1:55 PM EST
You know what, I never really cared that much about the Playbook’s gaming capabilities, but seeing the demos from MWC, I’m actually pretty excited!
Jay ( View Profile) - Posts: 1362
Posted: February 18, 2011 at 4:44 PM EST
I am losing it over the gaming capabilities on the PlayBook! I’m also looking forward to BB’s not being left out when it comes to the coolest apps. No more headaches for developers trying to cut through the unnecessary garbage anymore.
babisboi ( View Profile) - Posts: 416
Posted: February 19, 2011 at 12:08 AM EST
I was always hopeful of what the PlayBook was going to be able to do with gaming, but after the conference, I’m really excited about what its going to be capable of doing and what developers will bring to the platform.
DaSaint ( View Profile) - Posts: 397
Posted: February 19, 2011 at 12:52 PM EST
im still psyked about Flach 10.2
and PlayBook suppore
fubaz ( View Profile) - Posts: 842
Posted: February 21, 2011 at 10:21 AM EST
this should really help with consumer purchases.