Chapter 228 Helper (Seventh Update)

Hybrid programming should be regarded as a transition method from the old era of computers to the new era.

At that time, computers were undergoing a transition from old to new, and various new trends of thought and new programming methods were emerging one after another.

In order to ensure that more than 90% of programs can run on high-end and low-end computer hardware, hybrid programming came into being.

It has the advantage of being compatible with low-level computer processors, and at the same time has a little bit of the high-processing effects that only high-end computers have.

In later generations, this kind of thing became the favorite thing of many nostalgic parties to study.

For a long time, these nostalgic people have liked to use modern thinking to run some interesting things on old machines.

Some of the people's own DIY version of Doom also has the shadow of hybrid programming, of course only a few, and most of them are developed based on the source code of the game.

However, this concept should be considered very trendy in this era.

As a former core developer of Maoziguo Computer Center, Pajitnov was naturally exposed to this kind of thing.

But he subconsciously ignored this method.

"Boss, mixed programming is possible, but compiling high-level languages ​​is also very troublesome. To reduce high-level languages ​​to the level of assembly language, as you said, you need a powerful enough compiler that can be used as a compiler. There are really not many people.”

"Fortunately, it's not too difficult to make this kind of compiler. What's difficult is to make a compiler under the existing processor performance."

The compiler Zuo Zhen talks about is essentially reducing high-level computer language to low-level computer language.

This kind of translation can also reduce a lot of program capacity to a certain extent.

It also has the advantage of being easier to take care of and maintain.

But the biggest problem lies here.

translater.

This thing requires more than just software knowledge.

You also need to have hardware knowledge.

Understand the details of hardware, it is best to be the kind of core personnel involved in the development of corresponding hardware.

And what is the processor of Sega MD?

Zuo Zhen would be a little confused for a while.

Zuo Zhen said: "Obviously, the only way we can solve this problem of excessive capacity is to reduce the quality of art and sound effects, and the only way is to use a compiler for hybrid programming."

"As for the compiler development issue you mentioned, I'll figure it out."

The boss will come up with a solution...

This seems like a one-size-fits-all answer.

But Pajitnov knew how troublesome this was.

If their staff team is large enough, there is hope that they can develop a compiler.

But... it seems a bit of a loss to invest more manpower and material resources in building a compiler just for a game.

Even if there are manpower and material resources, the cost may be tens of millions of dollars.

Oh, right.

He forgot about the money real games have now.

He certainly had no right to know how much liquidity the real game had.

But based on the current sales of their games, we can still make a rough estimate.

Million dollars for sure.

There should even be tens of millions of dollars in savings.

This is really not a small amount.

"Boss, developing this compiler may cost a lot. Is it worth it for a game?"

Pajitnov asked rhetorically.

"Money is meant to be spent. Of course it should be spent where it should be spent, not spent indiscriminately. As for this compiler... I think it is worth it. Maybe I can consider building a simplified game development engine from now on. ?”

"What's the trigger?"

Pajitnov didn't understand the adjective, because Zuo Zhen was speaking in Chinese, and Pajitnov hadn't fully learned the pronunciation of Chinese yet.

"It is a program specially used to develop games. When the time comes, the prepared compiler will be directly put into the engine. Maybe it will be able to earn a lot of developer money in turn."

Pajitnov couldn't understand it more and more.

Zuo Zhen still wants to make money from other game developers?

How to make money?

Rely on this engine?

But having said that, if there was a very convenient compiler that allowed the game to have richer content while still having a small capacity, many people would still like it.

But he still couldn't understand paying for this.

"Okay, you guys need to think of ways to subtract from the art, sound effects and the program itself first. I will tell Mengchen and Xie Qin to cooperate with you in simplifying the art and sound effects work."

At this moment, Zuo Zhen suddenly realized that if he forced the game concepts of later generations into this era, he would encounter a lot of trouble.

The biggest trouble now is naturally the problem of game capacity.

When will game capacity be truly free?

Zuo Zhen sighed inwardly.

Following this trend, it is estimated that it will take another seven or eight years at least to see an era in which game capacity is gradually freed up.

What a headache.

Sometimes Zuo Zhen admires the development thinking of those game developers in his previous life, who were able to add so much content into a small capacity.

But now he also knows that this is really a helpless move.

If there is really room for them to express their talents to their fullest, who would want to express their talents in a small and cramped space?

They were all forced out.

Okay, don't think about these things now.

The next thing Zuo Zhen has to consider is to find someone who can help him get the compiler.

What he needs most is someone who understands some of the technical details of the Sega MD processor.

Regarding this, Zuo Zhen could only go to Gao Cunxiong.

Back in his small office cubicle, Zuo Zhen picked up the phone and dialed Takamura Xiong's number.

"Hey, Zuo Zhen-san, it's really rare that you would take the initiative to call me at this time, what? Do you want to give me good news about your game development?"

Komura is in a good mood because Sega's recent momentum is still good.

He also gained attention because of this, and it can be said that his future status as the president of Sega is already certain.

"I'm sorry, I may not be able to bring you good news. Now I'm encountering some problems in game development."

"Huh?" Komura Xiong immediately became serious, "Is there any technical problem? Is it related to our game console? Do you want me to provide technical personnel to help you? I can ask the most proficient people to go directly to China to help you. .”

"No, that's not troublesome. I just want to ask about the processor chip model of your Sega MD. Also, can you give me the relevant phone number of your processor chip buyer?"

"Um...this is no problem. The problem you encountered is not on our game console?"

"Yes, it has something to do with your processor."

After hearing this, Gao Cunxiong replied decisively: "Okay, you wait for my news, I will look for it first, let's hang up first, I won't waste your phone bill, Zuo Zhen-san. I heard that you charge ten yuan per minute. many."

"When the time comes, I'll send you the phone bill for reimbursement." Zuo Zhen said jokingly.