T H E G A M E S M A S T E R S Y S T E M VERSION 0.7 BETA 11 JULY 1997 Hi there and thanks for downloading GMS V0.7B! This is the first version where there haven't been loads of new features added, which is quite a good thing as it means I've implemented most of what was important. Version 1.0 should be ready by the end of the year hopefully. If you haven't sent in the questionnaire, then now is the best time to do so! Please remember: It is okay to write games and demos in GMS (that's why it's available), but you are not allowed to release anything publicly until V1.0. If you have written something you want others to see, then please send it to me so that I can include it in the next beta. Changes to make to existing sources ----------------------------------- If you have written demos/games with V0.6B then you will have to make the following changes if you want them to work for V0.7B... * The Blitter functions are now orientated around a new Bitmap structure and not GameScreens. Some functions also had some arguments removed, the Buffer argument especially. What this will allow is more versatility with the blitter, eg you could now blit to a memory area that originated from a Picture structure. To see what changes you might need to make, look at the blitter demos. * Restorelist's are now attached to Bitmap's, so all *Restore() functions are working differently (see docs and sources). * Only one joyport reading function is left (ReadJoyPort()). ReadMouse() and the others have been deleted as ReadJoyPort() covers all of these. See the history file for further specific information. Anyone want to write an editor? ------------------------------- Someone other than myself needs to write the object editor for GMS. It will have a GUI front end and lots of boxes and windows for the user to enter data for all currently available structures. It also needs to be able to write out data as tag lists, in a file formatted to Amiga file hunks. Look at Data Objects in the autodoc for detailed information. [NB: You do get a free GMS license for as long as you work on this.] Translation of autodocs ----------------------- Someone recently offered to convert the autodocs to French and is working on it now. If you too are interested in converting the docs to your own language, then write to me and I will give you my support. The usual free GMS version applies. Anyone want to finish writing IceBreaker? ----------------------------------------- You can find the source to IceBreaker in this archive. What it needs is a GUI with options to turn the output of specific messages (eg AllocMemBlock()) on/off, and the ability to view structures would be nice. You do not need my permission to create new versions of IceBreaker but you *cannot charge for it*. Better Chunky 2 Planar ---------------------- In this archive you will find the source to the C2P module (Asm/Chunky/ 000.CPU1.s). If anyone wants to implement a faster routine such as the one by Peter McGavin, go ahead. Remember to send me the source (if you want it working for V0.7B). GMS Logo -------- I need some logos for GMS, something small enough for people to put on their games to show they support the Games Master System. Maximum of 32 colours, plus an 8 or 4 colour version needed. Any resolution is okay. I'll use whatever logo is the best one, winner gets a permanent license for as long as I use it. Web Master Required ------------------- Richard is too busy to look after the web site. I am looking for someone who wants to take care of the web site and update it every few weeks. You will need to be committed to the site and good at general web site design if you're interested. Paul Manias Email: paul@ethos.co.nz WWW: http://gms.ethos.co.nz/gms/