AppGameKit is an interesting game engine (previously reviewed here for more information) that consists of two tiers. Tier 2 is the lower level C++ layer, enabling you to create cross platform games while lower to the metal. On top of this layer is Tier 1, which provides tools and a Basic like programming language, that makes it easier to get started creating games. I’ve always appreciated this engine as it provided a nice gradual difficulty curve for those looking to learn programming, coupled with lower level access as their skill level improves.
Today they released the source code of the C++ Tier 2 layer. Note, this is not open source! The code is made available to give existing AGK customers more access to the underlying tech and to enable the community to improve the engine. Here are the licensing details from the Github page:
It is expressly made clear that this is NOT an open source project and all material is copyright The Game Creators Ltd, and any work submitted to the repository is automatically given over to The Game Creators Ltd to use for any purpose and all Intellectual Property and copyright transferred over to The Game Creators Ltd. You may use this repository to help improve AppGameKit Tier2, to work on freelance contracts from The Game Creators Ltd, and also to compile a new Tier 2 library for your own use under the terms of the AppGameKit EULA, provided that you own a copy of AppGameKit. You may not distribute compiled versions of this code, nor use this code in a product that competes with the AppGameKit product, such as a game maker or app maker. If you have any doubts about the usage rights, you can contact us directly at [email protected].
Details of the source release from the AppGameKit blog:
We have set up this repository so that any work done to the Tier 2 libraries can be shared with the whole community, and to provide access to the low-level source for developers who need access to the core engine. It is our hope that this resource will allow contributors to expand the programming language going forward, and introduce commands that may not have been on our roadmap, and facilitate collaboration on adding new features quickly.
This repository primarily targets coders with experience in C++ and Visual Studio, who have an interest in learning more about the functions of the language, or who want to participate in adding new commands to the language. We have created a number of Wiki documents which you can find in the repo that walk you through the process of compiling the libraries and creating your own commands, and this should be studied before attempting to use the repository. Users should also be familiar with Git source control which is the primary method of code collaboration, and have experience cloning, checking out, committing and pushing changes.