Hey Developers,

I just saw this video here Link and thougt this is a very nice thing. Although there is no explanation, just that it was done by windows forms.

My question is: Why can't you remove this startup screen in Commercial also? I mean, Commercial isn't cheap and this startup in white is not a real eyecatcher. maybe allow this also to users who dont want to pay 800€? Because this is a feature that is very cool to get an own style in his game, not interrupted by an white window full of text. This looks like an game from an amateur even if you sell it. Unity also let you design an own startup screen. Maybe gibe this possbility to the users and just say that you have to see the Lite-C logo and the engine. That would be great, you can implent it very well in your own screen.

And if it isn't possible is it illegal to use windows forms to create an own window?

no, it's not illegal, as long as you put lite-c logo and the web adress on yout own startup screen. I mean you are allowed to create your own startup screen this way, you only need to keep the logo and copyrights.

It basically works this way:
you create a windows form with your custom image, and make this form the topmost window(always on top) so when you start your game it covers the ugly white startup window. then you run your game from this form and listen for a special windows message that you will send from your game(lite-c). Then when your game starts, you send the message so that the form knows your game has started and can close down. Then you terminate the form and your game keeps running.

Sounds easy, but I think I'll need a tutorial on how to do that

I have worked with Visual basic and visual studio, but just in my early years.

But good to know, thanks.

It would be good if jcl could add this so that there is an editor where u can put ur image but the logo and the copyrights cant be removed so that you can design ur start page easily

There is... get Pro ;P

maybe we could create a starter with a updater(maybe my own) inside, which is easily customizable and free to use
this starter could do all the work, can also check if the game files are damaged(check with md5) or missing.

That would be great. And Pro is very very very expensive with 800€ just to customize the default startscreen. If someone can script in windows forms it would be an amazing contribution

Its actually pretty easy, just requires an external application to launch the actual game. Useful because it could be connected with an updater, a setup or something the like, but has the drawback that it has to be at least as big as the acknex startup screen.

That's part of their strategy. If you have a serious game - get Pro to have it look serious as well.
An if it really is serious, a few hundred bicks won't be an issue.

Otherwise - get creative. There have been solutions around to cover the startup screen for almost 10 years!

Okay okay, I'll have a look. But as Indie Programmer, who whants to per this price just for a starting screen