Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
▪ Windows + D - This will quickly throw you into the desktop or “classic” Windows en-
vironment.
▪ Alt + Tab - This will cycle through “classic” Windows apps and Modern UI apps. Hold-
ing down Shift while doing this will cycle backwards.
▪ Windows + Tab - This will cycle through Modern UI apps that are active.
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 is an update to the original version of Windows 8 that was released in October
of 2012. It's more than just a collection of bug fixes, there are hundreds of new features as
well as additional APIs and modifications to the overall OS. When it comes to porting
HTML5 games over to Windows 8 there really isn't much of a difference between version 8
and 8.1. Perhaps the most important thing to call out is the new support for WebGL in both
IE 11 (which is the default browser in 8.1) and in native apps you publish to the store. That
means if you are using WebGL and it runs in IE 11 you will be able to publish it to the store
following the same steps outlined in this topic.
Windows 8.1 is a free update and because of that it is expected to gain adoption quickly
among current Windows 8 users. The update process is incredibly streamlined but keep in
mind there may be an existing user base of Windows 8 users. Windows 8 games can run on
8.1 but it doesn't work in reverse. I will be focusing primarily on publishing to Windows 8 in
the topic and plan on updating more over time as 8.1 gains adoption. When there is
something different in 8.1 I will call it out specifically. Keep in mind that this topic was ori-
ginally designed to focus on publishing HTML5 games to the Windows Store on Windows 8.
BizSpark and DreamSpark
The last thing I want to call out are two programs Microsoft has to help developers get free
tools, copies of Windows 8 as well as trails for Azure called
BizSpark
and
DreamSpark
.
BizSpark is designed for small startups and individuals looking to get started developing
apps, as well as games, for Microsoft's platform. DreamSpark is designed for students look-
ing to do the same. I highly suggest checking one of these programs out, especially if you are
new to developing for Windows 8 and are looking to start your own business making games
whether it's on the side or full time. These programs are designed to give you everything you
need to be successful and I have suggested to dozens of indie game devs that they sign up
while working on porting existing games over to Windows 8.
