   2D Text and Image Engine
  Salutations,I'm currently working on a project to emulate aspects of tabletop roleplaying games on a computer environment (i.e. emulating the ruleset as a collection of objects). This element I don't have too much trouble with, since I have some training in C++ and VB for non-gaming work.My problem is mainly in terms of interface. Although I could simply use Windows forms, this is far from an ideal solution. What I really want to achieve is a simple full-screen program (i.e. no taskbar etc.) with basic GUI properties (e.g. buttons, potentially pop-up menus/drop-down menus) and the ability to display text and graphics (simple effects, a la "typewriter" text animations, would also be a bonus).Having looked at various tutorials, most advice seems geared towards considerably more complicated games, often with 3D rather than 2D graphics, and in those 2D cases focusing more on things like scrolling-shooters. Moreover, as it stands, I have no good idea as to what the best way to start making a simple full-black-screen canvas for drawing/writing on is (apart from very dodgy methods like maximising a borderless Windows form or something, which seems very bodge-job).I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice - whether specific, or in terms of "take a look at this". As I say, the things I've looked at so far seem to be a little over-complex.Many thanks,-- VS   
  Most people tend to use 3D libraries even when programming 2D games. Modern computers have special hardware for 3D environments, so you might as well take advantage of that.SDL is a library that does fairly well at abstracting the 3D stuff so you can focus on the 2D. Here's a tutorial on that:http://www.gamedev.net/reference/programming/features/sdl2/default.aspIf you've never written a game before, I would take a look at the following, as there really is no such thing as a simple game:http://www.gamedev.net/reference/start_here/;  Take a look at Haaf's Game Engine. It's geared towards 2D games, provides basic GUI controls and even comes with a set of example projects.   ;Quote:Original post by Captain PTake a look at Haaf's Game Engine. It's geared towards 2D games, provides basic GUI controls and even comes with a set of example projects.I'm also using HGE. It's very easy to learn and it's easy to make a port for OpenGL, so you can make cross-platforms games too.   