The Java Gaming FAQ

If you can think of questions that arn't here, add it. Please don't add projects that are not complete to some extent. This is not a place to advertise new libraries.

Most of the information here is provided by the JGO Forums which is a great place to find the answers to other questions not answered here.

This Site

• How do I use this site?
• How do I join a java.net gaming project?
• How do I start a java.net gaming project?
• How do I access shared files from the java.net projects?
• How do I post articles on this site?

General Java

• What is the difference between compiling and interpreting?
• Whats a native binding?
• How do I get accurate timing in Java
• Is Java Slow?
• Jeff Kesselman's Java Mythconceptions

2D Rendering

• Whats the best way of rendering 2D games with Java?
• Java 2D
  • Why does my game run slower now I've switched to ImageIO?
  • When should I use volatile images?
  • What are those properties that speed up Java 2D's rendering performance?

3D Rendering

• How do I render 3D graphics in Java?
• Whats the difference between OpenGL Bindings like JOGL and Scenegraphs like Xith3D?
• Which is better for rendering 3D - OpenGL or a Scenegraph?
• What scenegraph libraries are available?
• Is it possible to render 3D in Java without native bindings?
• What is Java3D?
• What is Xith3D?
• What is JME?
• What is AgentFX and Megacorps?
• What is JPCT?
• Are there any tutorials for working with Java3D?

OpenGL

• Hey, I thought OpenGL was for 3D only?
• How do I use OpenGL in Java?
• What is LWJGL?
• What is JOGL?
• Which is faster, LWJGL or JOGL?
• Should I use LWJGL or JOGL?

J2ME

• What is J2ME?
• Are there any good tutorials/resources for J2ME?

Sound APIs

• What is Java Sound?
• What is GAGE Sound?
• How do I use OpenAL in Java?
• What is JOAL?
• What is LWJGL?
• Can I use FMOD in Java?

Physics

• Are there any physics engines that I can use from Java?
• What is ODEJava?

Networking

• How do I use networking in Java?
• Which is better UDP or TCP?
• Are there any libraries to help me writing game networking?
• How do I go about writing a MMORPG in Java? (op. Like Runescape)

Joystick/Input APIs

• Can I use Joysticks/Controllers/Wheels/etc.. with Java?
• What is JXInput?
• What is JInput?
• What is LWJGL?
• What hardware does JInput/LWJGL support
• What hardware is supported?

Artifical Intelligence

• Are there any libraries to help me writing AI for my game?
• Are there any good tutorials/examples available for doing AI in Java?

Distribution / Licensing

• How can I distribute my Java game?
• How do I distribute using webstart?
• How do I distribute using an installer?
• Am I allowed to distribute the JRE?

Tutorials

• General Java Tutorials

• Gaming Tutorials
  • Java Games Programming Techniques
  • NeHe's OpenGL tutorials's have mostly been ported to Java

Commercial Grade Complete Game Examples

• Tribal Trouble
• Puppygames - Ultratron, Alien Flux, Super Dudester
• Flying Guns - Flight Sim written in Java3D

Library Links

• JOGL - Java Open GL Library
• JOAL - Java Open AL Library
• JInput - Java Input Library
• LWJGL - Lightweight Java Gaming Library
• Java3D - Scenegraph library produced by Sun
• Xith3D - Java Gaming Scenegraph library
• JME - Java Game Engine
• Agency9 - Java 3D Engine
• JPCT - 3D renderer with software (pure java) mode support
• Genesis FX Particle System
• Aviatrix3D - Java 3D Scenegraph Engine

Useful Game Development/Gaming Links

• Java Games Factory - Java Games, Tutorials and Articles all under one roof!
• Java Unlimited - Compeition site hosting the entried into various Java competitions
• The Independent Gamers Source - News and Reviews for Indie Gamers and Developers

-- Main.khashayar - 06 Nov 2005 -- Main.kevglass - 24 Oct 2005 -- ScottWPalmer - 30 Jul 2003 -- GergisKhan - 16 Aug 2003 -- BodoTasche - 20 Aug 2003