New hardware needed

[Cybermonkey]

Sorry, guys, I already know Linux. I use Linux since the beginning of this millenium. I know how to configure Lazarus and Freepascal under Linux and Window. Thanks for that but it was more the hardware question because it was clear that this will become a dual-boot machine. Linux will be some Ubuntu flavour either Kubuntu or Linux Mint KDE. I think I will go with that Athlon X4, I think that's almost 3-4 times faster than my actual PC according to the benchmarks. As for the Mac: it's too expensive (even a Mac Mini) currently. Btw, for development, I will have a closer look at Asphyre Sphinx 3. Seems what I need although I'm missing some beginner's tutorial.

[Super Vegeta]

Seems what I need although I'm missing some beginner's tutorial.

I daresay that's the pain of many many libraries.

[code_glitch]

@Will: Its always possible to make a hakintosh... Not saying anyone here would know anything about that Although its usually considered harder on AMD hardware I believe that gap has now closed quite a fair bit in recent years and now its roughly equal. Though some driver issue still exist.

Or you could vmware/virtualbox a copy of OS X since AMD seems to include all the VM instructions sets on virtually anything and everything. Not saying anyone would know anything about that either though

[WILL]

@Will: Its always possible to make a hakintosh...

Actually the Hackintosh and virtual machine concept is completely legit these days. In fact when Steve Jobs first presented Mac OS X, he was running it on PC hardware. If that's not endorsement, then I don't know what is.

Do note that I said at least get Mac OS X running to do development from Mac to Windows if you were going that route. And for all commercial games I'd recommend making a Mac version of your games. You'll double your sales if not more since the Mac gaming market isn't quite as saturated as the Windows gaming. If the quality of your game is high and is quite marketable you can do well on the Mac today.

I don't mean to step over Cybermonkey's main topic here, but for commercial games, I would never do Linux as a priority unless it was a mere couple hours of work to include them. Adding Linux to your supported list of platforms is simply PR for your game as most Linux users don't want to buy anything that they use. It's like selling neck ties to pot smoking hippies.

As for the hardware, I only suggest getting something that is current and will have a little bit of power for now. (sorry I just can't say what that is as I don't by clone PC parts anymore) Should you want to go commercial(selling your games) in the next couple of years get a Mac or hardware that will run and be fully supported by Mac OS X. You'll still be able to develop for Android allowing you to hit the top 4 selling platforms for gaming.

[code_glitch]

And from what I hear, people are now making money making linux games and selling on things like the ubuntu software centre... (eg. Lunduke) And for smaller games platforms of choice now include Linux, Android (linux), Mac (BSD, linux's "cousin"), iOS (god knows... probably something a little like BSD in some way) XD What weird times we live in. I remember the days when the list was more like: Windows 2000. Windows XP. Windows XP. Windows XYZ. Symbian.... Not.

[Cybermonkey]

I daresay that's the pain of many many libraries.

I must admit it's the problem with EGSL, too ...

Yeah, even Steam is being ported to Linux now ...

[LP]

Well, Windows is still the most popular operating system, which is over ten times more popular than Mac OS [1], [2], so if you want to have wider audience both for commercial and non-commercial targets, Windows is still your best friend.

However, I think there is an indirect factor, where I agree with Jason. Just think about it, who is most likely buy your commercial software, a guy that spent $500 on his Windows PC or a Mac "freak" who spent over $2000 on his Macbook Pro? Now, if you also consider people who replaced commercial Windows OS with free Linux distro, how likely are they going to buy it? This is an exaggerated speculation of course, but it's definitely an aspect that you need to analyze before releasing your software.

Also, there is another issue in mind - piracy. On Windows, it is incredibly easy to pirate, while, for instance, on an iOS powered device it may even result in warranty breach due to jailbreak.

Therefore, in my opinion, the "safest" commercial route for now is Mac OS and iOS, although for larger audiences, there is no beating Windows. Taking that in mind and back on topic, spending $500 on Windows-based PC, which can also sport Linux, can be considered money well-spent. Although, there are some Mac Mini's and MacBook Airs in $500 budget limit that have interesting hardware and should not be ignored!

[SilverWarior]

Just think about it, who is most likely buy your commercial software, a guy that spent $500 on his Windows PC or a Mac "freak" who spent over $2000 on his Macbook Pro?

If you are thinking that those who spend more money on computer will also be more prepared to pay for a game I must dissapoint you but you are wrong. There are many pepole who spend even more than $3000 and still don't buy any game.

I think that most important thing is the price for each game. Nowadays many games are way overpriced. So chosing right price for your game will aslo lower the chances for it go get pirated.

[Super Vegeta]

Adding Linux to your supported list of platforms is simply PR for your game as most Linux users don't want to buy anything that they use.

Not true, and the Humble Indie Bundle is a good example of this. Linux users provide about 12% of the incomes and the average payment of a Linux user is almost 2x higher than that of a Windows guy.

[WILL]

Not true, and the Humble Indie Bundle is a good example of this. Linux users provide about 12% of the incomes and the average payment of a Linux user is almost 2x higher than that of a Windows guy.

These people aren't buying the games as much as they are contributing or donating to a cause. A very different model and considering that these are only some of the very popular games from indie developers, I don't see this as viable market data.

Further to that I don't consider the pie chart reflective of amount of buyers as it is the actual dollars donated to a "cause." That is still very few Linux users however.

I get that you can buy games for Linux and there is even an Ubuntu Store, but it's such a small teeny tiny drop in the water that even if you wee successful on Linux, you'd still be way better off with Windows and Mac ports a thousand fold.

Linux is great for network gurus, uber geeks and your "free" thinkers, but it's useless for commercial gain. Unless you are are using it for IT purposes.