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Author Topic: Is it possible to make a multi monitor game?  (Read 2121 times)

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Pixel_Outlaw

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Is it possible to make a multi monitor game?
« on: December 16, 2010, 10:12:40 pm »
I was really happy to find that SFML allows for multiple rendering windows.

I've always enjoyed the game Battlezone which is a first person wireframe tank game designed in the 80's. I know that SFML is up to the challenge of rendering some wireframe models (With OpenGL if necessary). My dream for some time is to make a Battlezone game for 3 people. I know it could be done with some networking but I don't have much training in that area. Instead I was wondering if I could use a single machine and output to 3 different monitors at once, each holding the view of a different player. I would plan on using Windows XP as the operating system. I heard that SFML supports 4 joysticks now. This would be great for this project.

Would it be possible to construct a game that dynamically renders 3 different viewports to 3 monitors from a single machine?

Groogy

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Is it possible to make a multi monitor game?
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2010, 10:21:12 pm »
Well you can have 3 windows open at the same time but don't think it would support having 3 windows in fullscreen at the same time.

You can always try and see what happens.
Developer and Maker of rbSFML and Programmer at Paradox Development Studio

Pixel_Outlaw

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Is it possible to make a multi monitor game?
« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2010, 10:31:49 pm »
I'm short an extra monitor right now or I would be able to test this. A large window on each screen would be acceptable. I want this to be as immersive as possible and even thought about making little dedicated pvc pipe and black cloth booths for each screen with a chair and joystick inside. Make them feel like they are inside a space tank.  :P

This is all just theory until I can find out if this will work or not.

Groogy

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Is it possible to make a multi monitor game?
« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2010, 10:34:45 pm »
The problem you will have is to link all of the windows input to each other. So doesn't matter which window has focus you will still handle the input the same.

Or well it is not much of a problem just that the event loop won't look pretty.
Developer and Maker of rbSFML and Programmer at Paradox Development Studio