Develo facts for kids

The Develo (デベロ) was a special set of tools from Japan that helped people create games for the PC Engine console. It was made by NEC, the company behind the PC Engine. This kit was designed for hobbyists – people who love making things in their free time. It included important software like a C compiler and an assembler, which are like special translators for computer code. Some games made with Develo were shared on demo discs, such as a game called Frisbee Ken John.

What is a Game Development Kit?

A game development kit is like a toolbox for making video games. Imagine you want to build a model airplane; you need specific tools, instructions, and parts. A development kit provides everything a programmer needs to create games for a specific console. This includes software tools, special cables, and sometimes even a modified console for testing.

Why Developers Need Special Tools

Making a video game is a complex process. Game developers need to write code, create graphics, design levels, and add sound. A development kit helps them do all these things by providing:

• Software tools: Programs that help write and test code.
• Debugging tools: Ways to find and fix mistakes in the game.
• Documentation: Guides and instructions on how to use the console's features.
• Testing hardware: Sometimes, special versions of the console to test games.

The PC Engine Console

The PC Engine was a popular video game console released in Japan in 1987. In other parts of the world, it was known as the TurboGrafx-16. It was created by NEC and Hudson Soft. The PC Engine was known for its powerful graphics for its time and was one of the first consoles to use CD-ROMs for games. This allowed games to have more storage, better music, and even animated videos.

NEC: The Company Behind the Console

NEC is a large Japanese company that has been involved in many different technologies, including computers, electronics, and telecommunications. In the world of video games, NEC is best known for creating the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 console. They aimed to compete with other major console makers like Nintendo and Sega.

Tools for Game Makers: Compiler and Assembler

The Develo kit came with two very important tools for programmers: a compiler and an assembler. These tools help turn human-readable code into instructions that a computer or game console can understand.

What is a Compiler?

A compiler is like a translator for computer languages. Programmers write instructions using a language like C, which uses words and symbols that humans can understand. The compiler takes this code and translates it into "machine code," which is a series of numbers that the computer's processor can directly execute. Without a compiler, the computer wouldn't understand the game's instructions.

The C Programming Language

C is a powerful and widely used programming language. Many video games and operating systems have been written using C because it allows programmers to control the computer's hardware very closely. It's a bit like giving very specific instructions to a robot.

What is an Assembler?

An assembler is similar to a compiler, but it works with a lower-level language called "assembly language." Assembly language is very close to the machine code that a computer understands. It uses short codes to represent specific actions the computer's processor can perform. While harder for humans to read than C, assembly language can be very efficient, allowing programmers to make games run faster or use less memory.

Games Made with Develo

The Develo kit allowed hobbyists to create their own games for the PC Engine. While not many commercial games were made with it, some interesting projects came out on demo discs.

Demo Discs and Frisbee Ken John

A "demo disc" is a disc that contains playable demonstrations or short versions of games. These were often given away with gaming magazines or at events. Frisbee Ken John was one such game that appeared on a demo disc from a magazine called PC Engine Fan. It showed what hobbyists could create using the Develo kit, even if it wasn't a full commercial release.

Why Was Develo Important?

The Develo kit was important because it made game development more accessible. Before kits like Develo, making games for consoles was usually only possible for large companies with expensive, specialized equipment. Develo allowed individuals and small teams to experiment and create their own games, even if they were just for fun or to share with friends. This helped foster a community of independent game developers and hobbyists.