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Two questions

A topic by _MHG_ created Jan 20, 2024 Views: 354 Replies: 7
Viewing posts 1 to 4
(2 edits)

Hello,

I'd like to ask two questions:

1) In the FAQs, you have:

What platforms does PFE run on?
PFE only fully works on Windows. Both the Opera GX and HTML5 exports do not support online play. There are no plans to officially port PFE to any other platforms.


Is there a reason this shouldn't work for Android/iOS? If it works fine for Windows desktop, shouldn't an Android/iOS export work also (or Mac even)?


2) I downloaded the demo and tried running a match involving two client windows in the same machine (i.e. how we typically test networking in GM). I noticed there was a join IP option. However, even when I have one client window in the lobby to act as host, and the other to try and join using the device's IPV4 address (or even 127.0.0.1), the joining client simply remains frozen at "joining lobby".  I've double-checked to make sure the application is not being blocked by my firewall. Is the join by IP option allowed to work this way, or do we have to setup a node js server for local internet connections as well? In prototyping basic networking apps in GM, I'm able to connect two separate game windows in the same machine fine by using the device's IP address or 127.0.01. But it doesn't seem to be working here with the option provided by the app.

Thanks.

(+1)

I haven’t tested online but I develop on Mac, so I can vouch for this. If you’re a talented or knowledgeable enough developer you can port it to other platforms but can be a headache if you don’t know what you’re doing thoroughly.

Developer(+1)
  1. Generally ports should work, but GameMaker is known to have obscure platform-specific bugs. There are also some functions (mainly the ones dealing with the file system) that only work on Windows or Mac.
  2. You should be able to test online with 2 windows on the same machine if you do it in this order:
1. Open the game exe. Set the "Target Port" to a different number. I usually use 63567.
2. Open another game exe. Set the "Ingoing Port" to the same number.
3. On the first game, do "Join with IP" and type in your local IP address.
4. Accept the join request on the second game.

Piggybacking off of this, would you extend this answer to consoles as well? I understand that PFE is not designed for consoles as it stands, but does porting seem plausible with educated devs behind the wheel?

I am currently weighing my options in this area for a commercial product, so your insight as the original dev would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you.

Developer

I don't have experience with console porting. Most of the gameplay logic should transfer easily, but there could definitely be issues with the graphics and networking.

So, largely, the limitations of PFE for consoles may be traced back to Game Maker's own porting foibles and, understandably, a lack of testing with console hardware? Is that a fair evaluation?

By the way, does Springroll have a business email? I would love to get in more direct contact to discuss the possibility of building out PFE further.

Developer

Yeah, that's pretty much it.

You can join the PFE discord and then send a DM to Yosi if you want to talk about PFE stuff in a private space.

Thanks both for your input!