Adventure Game Studio

AGS Support => Beginners' Technical Questions => Topic started by: Sslaxx on Sun 11/04/2010 21:42:06

Title: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: Sslaxx on Sun 11/04/2010 21:42:06
I note the AGS documentation talks about using PCX files for splash screens. Does this still work (for 3.2)? Can we use alternative file formats?
Title: Re: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: xenogia on Sun 11/04/2010 22:08:45
I actually don't think it is worth it anymore.  Most games load to quickly to even see said splash screen.
Title: Re: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: GarageGothic on Sun 11/04/2010 22:30:16
My game that I've continually updated to every new beta still has its .pcx splash screen working fine - as for other formats I don't know, try it out for yourself. But since you can't use alpha channels on a splash screen anyway, there's not much point in switching formats.
Title: Re: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: Dualnames on Sun 11/04/2010 23:30:44
Quote from: Xenogia on Sun 11/04/2010 22:08:45
I actually don't think it is worth it anymore.  Most games load to quickly to even see said splash screen.

Not all games.:D. King's Quest AGDI uses it, and I'm using it since 2.72. I've noticed however when added it actually increases slightly the loading time. Perhaps it's my idea though.
Title: Re: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: xenogia on Mon 12/04/2010 03:28:15
Quote from: Dualnames on Sun 11/04/2010 23:30:44
Quote from: Xenogia on Sun 11/04/2010 22:08:45
I actually don't think it is worth it anymore.  Most games load to quickly to even see said splash screen.

Not all games.:D. King's Quest AGDI uses it, and I'm using it since 2.72. I've noticed however when added it actually increases slightly the loading time. Perhaps it's my idea though.

Does it only really come up when your first loading the game?
Title: Re: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: on Mon 12/04/2010 04:09:42
Quote from: Xenogia on Mon 12/04/2010 03:28:15
Does it only really come up when your first loading the game?
It does, but PCX isn't supported anymore for several versions now (since 3.0, IIRC). PNG is your format of choice.
Title: Re: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: Gilbert on Mon 12/04/2010 04:30:27
PCX is unsupported for the editor only.

Since it was not mentioned that similar change was made to the engine, it's still supposed to be supported, and PNG is probably not supported yet for the engine side.

At least, that DynamicSprite.LoadFromFile(), DynamicSprite.SaveToFile() and SaveScreenShot() support BMP and PCX only at the moment (unless the manual is not updated).
Title: Re: Splash screens, PCX files and version 3.2...
Post by: Dualnames on Mon 12/04/2010 19:26:54
Quote from: Xenogia on Mon 12/04/2010 03:28:15
Quote from: Dualnames on Sun 11/04/2010 23:30:44
Quote from: Xenogia on Sun 11/04/2010 22:08:45
I actually don't think it is worth it anymore.  Most games load to quickly to even see said splash screen.

Not all games.:D. King's Quest AGDI uses it, and I'm using it since 2.72. I've noticed however when added it actually increases slightly the loading time. Perhaps it's my idea though.

Does it only really come up when your first loading the game?

I have these huge rooms, that take a little while to load, but the only time the loading screen appears is indeed at the beginning.

Quote
TIP: You can make a "Loading..." style splash screen to be displayed while your game starts up. To do so, simply save the image as PRELOAD.PCX (must be the same resolution and colour depth as the game) in the game folder, and build the game. It should then display while the game is loading.

Not, to be a smartass, but I thought only PCX files were supported for the loading screen.