[IGDA_indies] Linux on consoles

[C Ratchet]

On Aug 31, 2004, at 5:54 PM, Brandon J. Van Every wrote:

> In OCaml-land I argue with UNIX crumudgeons a lot.  They don't like
> Windows and can't wrap their head around the idea of someone being
> oriented towards consumer applications on the dominant consumer
> platform.  I have a master plan to change that situation, and allies,
> but it'll be some time.  From the friction has resulted some 
> interesting
> speculation, however:
>
> Is it possible to develop a game for Linux, stick it on a console, and
> "It Just Works [TM]" ?  Has Linux evolved to the point where it can
> short-circuit the console developers' control of their platforms?  Both
> technically and legally.

Sony Playstation 2 has a legal Linux Kit sold by them, not sure how 
feasible it is for gaming, but its there.

>
> I don't see the same scenario as feasible on a PC.  Sure, Linux can 
> just
> boot a PC nowadays.  But consumers don't want to use their PCs this 
> way,
> and it's too unreliable for the developer.  3D HW support, internet
> connections, internet security, switching e-mail apps, and saving links
> in one's web browser are all issues.

True.

>
> If Linux could run seamlessly under Windows, that could work, but I'm
> not aware of such a capability.

Have you looked at Cygwin and/or CoLinux? Or Fink for the MacOSX 
version...

>
> Soooo... the answer I'm looking for is "Yes, Linux is starting to be
> possible on consoles now."

Yes it is, at least on PS2, and modders do it on Gamecube and XBox. Not 
sure what OS the XGameStation and Phantom use.

>   Or "No, you gotta be kidding me, I'm dying
> on the floor here laughing my ass off.  Did Jim Jones rise from the 
> dead
> and slip you some kool-aid in an open-skulled penguin cup?"
>
>
> Cheers,                     www.indiegamedesign.com
> Brandon Van Every           Seattle, WA
>
> OCaml offers superior high level language features,
> superior type safety, and performance.
> http://caml.inria.fr
>
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>
>
---
 From Ratchet (Mikey Lubker)
Lead Coordinator of the IGDA Indie SIG: http://igda.org/indie

Check out my projects: http://sf.net/users/ratchet

Are YOU a Good Person? Go here: 
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