Fast Arcade Complete (Warning: Large Image)
by William Lee Sims · 02/01/2007 (7:59 pm) · 7 comments
I have long wanted one of those touchscreen gaming systems, but have found them to be quite expensive (300,000 shiny pennies). Besides, I didn't care for a third of the games.
Then I found that 15" touchscreens cost around $300. Since all of my spare time is spent writing games, it costs me nothing to write my own games. By connecting the monitor to my laptop, I would have a semi-portable touchscreen gaming system.
I developed a meta-system where I put games into categories. The main program scans the categories and creates buttons. If you click on a category, it scans the subdirectories to make buttons for the games. You click on the game button, see the high score table, and then can play the game. Each games takes between 2 and 5 minutes to play. All can be played with both mouse and on a touchscreen.
I've tested the system with my family and friends and found that it is very popular with them. I've got about 20 mini-games created with plans to create another 15 (or so) more. I have a button within the meta-system which downloads any updates and new games that I will create. This will allow my family to get updates without re-installing the program.
If you are interested in taking a look at it, you can get it at wsims.com/FastArcade.
Here is a snapshot of the games:
Then I found that 15" touchscreens cost around $300. Since all of my spare time is spent writing games, it costs me nothing to write my own games. By connecting the monitor to my laptop, I would have a semi-portable touchscreen gaming system.
I developed a meta-system where I put games into categories. The main program scans the categories and creates buttons. If you click on a category, it scans the subdirectories to make buttons for the games. You click on the game button, see the high score table, and then can play the game. Each games takes between 2 and 5 minutes to play. All can be played with both mouse and on a touchscreen.
I've tested the system with my family and friends and found that it is very popular with them. I've got about 20 mini-games created with plans to create another 15 (or so) more. I have a button within the meta-system which downloads any updates and new games that I will create. This will allow my family to get updates without re-installing the program.
If you are interested in taking a look at it, you can get it at wsims.com/FastArcade.
Here is a snapshot of the games:
#3
02/02/2007 (7:32 am)
Haven't you thought of building a box around it all and selling the system? 
#4
02/02/2007 (6:38 pm)
@William, very nice -- now all I need is a table-top touch-screen ... :)
#5
@J Lesko & David - Thanks!
@Ricardo - I have, but a machine that runs TGB would still cost $700 to $1000. Besides, as a programmer, my art and music skills leave much to be desired.
@Everybody Else - I forgot to mention that these games also play quite well on my Tablet PC. Also, the picture on the bottom left is me with my chinchilla, Shadow, on my back.
02/02/2007 (6:56 pm)
@Matthew - Touch screen kits were a consideration, but I found that kits for my 19" monitors were almost as expensive as a 15" monitor. A kit for my laptop would have been a better option except that I leave this out during parties. I do not trust anybody with a drink and a laptop.@J Lesko & David - Thanks!
@Ricardo - I have, but a machine that runs TGB would still cost $700 to $1000. Besides, as a programmer, my art and music skills leave much to be desired.
@Everybody Else - I forgot to mention that these games also play quite well on my Tablet PC. Also, the picture on the bottom left is me with my chinchilla, Shadow, on my back.
#7
Cool setup though!
11/27/2007 (12:40 pm)
I so thought that your chinchilla picture was a game kinda like find the difference between the two pictures thingy. Cool setup though!
Torque Owner Matthew Harris