Right Back Where I Started - PureBasic and SpiderBasic
I managed enough time to take a good look at: Defold, raylib, melonjs, libGDX, and ctjs.
None are what I was looking for.
Previously, after trying out so many things, I settled on PureBasic (also enjoy C programming).
So I thought "why not try the free version of SpiderBasic?".
Basically it's a version of PureBasic used to create web apps.
I never tried it before because I'm tired of the subscription model.
I understand it makes it easier for smaller companies to build a somewhat fairly dependable income. I just don't agree with the SaaS model.
PureBasic was a ONE-TIME payment. I gladly paid it! SpiderBasic is annual payment.
HOWEVER... today I learned I can STILL use SpiderBasic after a year even if I do not pay again, I just won't get any more updates for it.
That's reasonable. It means I'll "buy" the new version every 2, 3 or even 5 years. Fair enough. 😃
SpiderBasic seems pretty awesome. It didn't take long to have a simple box drawn and a sprite moving across the web page.
Any game programmer knows... that's it! If you can do that, it means you have the foundation to build anything, just need to program it.
I created a new email and new Itch.io account. Uploaded test "game". Worked fine.
I'll see if I can make something within the 800 lines of code limit in the free version.
Christmas game? Unlikely now. 😏