TITLE
    Mac OS 8.6: What's New - Game Sprockets 1.1.4
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		60329
4/30/99
4/6/00
TOPIC

    This article outlines the features of Game Sprockets 1.1.4 now included with Mac OS 8.6.

DISCUSSION

    Apple Game Sprockets is a set of technologies designed to make writing Macintosh games easier for developers. They are designed specifically to provide the functionality that games need on the Macintosh: drawing to the screen, handling input devices, setting up multiplayer games, and simulating 3D sound sources.

    Game Sprockets version 1.1.4 is now part of the Mac OS 8.6 system software. Components that are included are:
    • InputSprocket allows games to support a wide variety of input devices including joysticks, gamepads, steering wheels and flight sticks without having to write customized routines for each.
    • DrawSprocket gives game developers a way of using different graphics hardware (video cards/chips) without having to write customized routines for that hardware. There is no user interface for DrawSprocket.
    • NetSprocket gives game developers standard ways to configure networking preferences and to send and receive information to other players.
    • SoundSprocket gives game developers an easier way to use sound including simulating 3D sound. There is no user interface for SoundSprocket.

    Once Game Sprockets are installed, they are automatically used by any application that looks for them. Applications that do not look for them must be modified by their developers to look for them.

Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: Mac OS 8.6
Sub Category: General OS Topics

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