FBA The Creator

Running my game in the IDE and all was fine. Installed to device and switching from menu to game get a memory low error message.

1. Can we have some functions that query the memory in use etc so we can track resource usage etc?

I now unload all the menu resources when exiting the menu but even though it works in the IDE all I get on the device when running is a black screen.

2. Why is this? How can I better debug on the device?

3. Do TTF fonts use LOADS more memory? Are GFX fonts better?

4. What other memory saving techniques can I use?

5. How much memory does FBA.EXE use? Can it be limited?

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http://www.boiledsweets.com

Keeping in mind that PPC device has far lower resource than PC....
to track down the problem i suggest to disable features via an ingame menu with options.
This is the usual approach used on mobile games.

Remenber that lower will the resource requirements, bigger will be the supported devices.

_________________
Regards,

umbiomar
[email protected]

OK found out why it just hangs. If you have not enable audio extension and load a sound it hangs! Not nice!!!

There has to be some memory funcs added to aid the developer! You cannot just have this suck and see approach!

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http://www.boiledsweets.com

Could my 5 points be answered individually please.

Also point 6.

6. What is the maximum grid size I can create? A 2000*2000 just causes FBA to hang on the device!

_________________
http://www.boiledsweets.com

FBA won't tell you when you're going low resources. I suggest you to download an external memory track usage program and keep your FBA program as light as possibile (imho keeping your memory usage always lower than 6-7 mb is the best thing and should be enough for all devices)


TTF fonts use more memory than GFX fonts, because the TTF extension. (that's why i always prefer gfx fonts)


Actually you should remember to load/unload resources just when needed.


FBA showing a blackscreen uses very few memory (LUA extension + some other memory required by startup environment).


Remember: lower is better
It's better to split your worlds and load them when needed.

Thanks.

OK unloading menu resources when exiting the men and game resources when exiting the game. Will switch to gfx fonts too.

I'll get some memory tracking software.

Is there a limitation to the size of grids, seems to "go black" when I have a 2000 * 2000 grid...

_________________
http://www.boiledsweets.com

No there aren't limitations; just the memory one

can u recommend any particular memory tracking software?

The trouble is FBA runs full screen and cannot break out to switch to other app...

_________________
http://www.boiledsweets.com

Usually i also do this with windows task manager.
I start my Windows FBA program, then i check the memory used by "FBA.exe".

can u do this with full screen program? cannot seem to 'break out' of fba to see...

did you like the new logos?

_________________
http://www.boiledsweets.com