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Selection requirement | XNA | JGame | Flash | Scratch |
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(1) Easy to learn | Relatively easy to learn, but requires to learn
several core concepts to utilize the offered possibilities. | Easy to learn, but requires to learn a small set of
core concepts. | Relatively easy to learn, but requires to learn
several core concepts to utilize the offered possibilities. | Very easy and intuitive to learn and supports
dynamic changes to the game in run time. |
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(2) Open develop environment | XNA puts little restrictions on what kind of games can be developed and supports development of both 2D and 3D games. Not open source project. | JGame supports a limited set of games, mainly classical 2D arcade games. Open source project. | Flash puts little restrictions on what kind of games can be developed and supports development of both 2D and 3D. Not open source project. | Scratch limits the options of what kind of games the user can make through the limited options provided in the graphical programming environment. Not open source project. |
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(3) Familiar programming language | All programming is done in C#. | All programming is done in Java | Some programming can be done using drag-and-drop, but most will be written in Action Scripts. | All programming is done in the visual drag-and-drop programming language Scratch. |
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(4) Not in conflict with educational goals | XNA puts little restrictions on what kinds of software architectures can be used. | JGame puts some restrictions on what kinds of software architecture can be used. | Flash puts some restrictions on what kinds of software architectures can be used. | Scratch puts strict restrictions on what kinds of software architectures can be used. |
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(5) Stable implementation | XNA has a very stable implementation and is updated regularly. | JGame has a relatively stable implementation and is updated regularly. | Flash has a very stable implementation and is updated regularly. | Scratch has a relatively stable implementation and is updated regularly. |
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(6) Sufficient documentation | XNA is well documented and offers several tutorials and examples. Many books on XNA are available. | JGame is not well documented, but some examples exist. | Flash is well documented and offers several tutorials and examples. Many books on Flash are available. | Scratch is ok documented and has some examples and tutorials available. |
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(7) Low costs | XNA is free to use. A $99 for a year of membership is required to develop games for XBOX 360. | JGame is free to use. | The Flash development kit costs $199 per license (university license). | Scratch is free to use. |
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