Forums → Programming Forum → How to make a Wii Game{hard copy/disk}

So instead of using a game you already made, you can accually make your own game for the Wii. You'll need to create a new game so sorry if you want to make a hard copy via flash D: . There are two ways, 1. make a version that needs a WiiWare application, where everyone who will play it needs it. 2. Make your own and get certified by Nintendo, not recomended for anyone exepct rich people/ businesses.
To make both you will need knowledge of C++.


1. The easy way

What you need: Nintendo Wii Console, A Compatible SD Card, and A Computer

Step 1: You'll need to install a channel called "The Homebrew Channel" onto your Wii.

Step 2: Once you have the Homebrew Channel setup on your Wii, you now need to set your computer up with the development tools you'll need to start making your own Wii games and programs.

You'll first need to download devkitPro. This is the main programming environment and compiler for all your Wii programs. devkitPro can be configured to create programs for many, many home video game systems, but for this article we will be focussing on setting it up for the Wii console.Download and save that file to your computer. Save it somewhere that you have at least a few gigabytes of free space, as it makes the installation process go much smoother. The download link will be given at the end.

Step 3: Run the file and let it load.

Step 4: Go to the directory that you chose to install devkitPro to, and then go to the following folder: \\DevKitPro\\Installed\\examples\\wii\\

In there you will find three basic examples in the C programming language to get your started.

The first one is called "filesystem", which provides example code on how to read and write files to the Wii's SD card. This can be useful for saving and loading files and configurations using the SD card.

Second, you'll see one called "graphics". This example provides several examples and a few guides on how to use the GX graphics language that the Wii uses to display its graphics and visuals. If you have any experience with OpenGL, then GX won't be too much of a problem for you and you'll be creating stunning visuals in no time!

And finally, the third example is called "template" and it offers a template of sorts (as the name indicates) for getting started with console/text display and handling button presses from the controllers. As you'll notice, this is the ubiquitous "Hello World" program that every programming platform seems to offer to get your feet wet.

Step 5: Now then, let's try running some of those examples directly on your Wii console!

Load up one of the included example projects into devkitPro's Programmer's Notepad.

Then click on "Tools", then "Make".

This will compile the loaded example project into a program that can be run on the Wii. It will create a *.elf file and a *.dol file.

Pick either file and copy it onto your Wii's SD card. Using your computer, create a folder on your Wii's SD card, inside the "apps" directory, called "Example1" (or similar) and then copy the *.elf or *.dol file into that new folder. Rename the file to "boot.elf" or "boot.dol", depending on which file you chose to transfer.

Now put the SD card back in your Wii and launch the Homebre Channel. You should see an icon that lists the directory we just created and the "boot" file we put in there for our example.

Click on the icon, and then click "Load".

This will run our freshly compiled program on the Wii console!

Step 6: Alright! Now that you're running your very own programs on your very own Wii console, go back into the examples and try modifying and experimenting with the code and see what you can come up with!
DOWNLOAD LINK


2. The Expensive Way
NOTE: IF YOU ARE NOT RICH/ OR A COMPANY DON'T TRY THIS!!!!

What you need: Computer Wii Development Kit Startup capital, MAJOR KNOWEDGE ON 3D & C++

Step 1: Outline your game idea from beginning to end. Begin with an overall idea of what you hope to accomplish with your game. Break down the game into specific areas. Decide the genre of your game or whether it will combine multiple game types. Spend time developing your characters and plot; even if the game is action-oriented you will still need to take players from a start to an end. Create a document that can be easily read and understood by a third party. The creation of this document can be a long process, taking several months to complete; in some cases, more than a year of research will be required.

Step 2: Explore how your game will make use of the unique Wii controllers. If motion control is an important portion of your game, research how other games use the technology and use this knowledge to adapt the controls into your own game. Remember that not all Wii games use motion control, but developers should make use of this feature.

Step 3: Partner with professionals. The development of a game requires knowledge of game design and programming. If you lack knowledge of programming languages such as C++ or 3D modeling tools, you will need to collaborate with individuals who can aid you in these aspects of the development process.

Step 5: Submit an application to become an authorized developer of Wii games. Being able to produce games for release on the Wii requires this authorization.

Step 5:Gather the following information to provide in your application to Nintendo:
Your company name, address, telephone number and main contact person
Members of the company and their industry experience
Names of published games
Outside contractors who will work on development

Step 6. Fill out and submit a confidentiality agreement. This will occur upon acceptance as a developer. You will be held accountable for any information that is leaked regarding development tools and processes.

Step 7. Purchase a Wii Development Kit. In order to develop a game on the Wii, users will need more than a computer; this kit is designed to compile code, test games, and ensure programming stays within the limits of the console. These kits range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Step 8. Take your game outline and build the product off that document. Using the development kit will help you learn which of your ideas can be effectively translated to a Wii game and which need to be altered to fit the console's limitations.

Step 9. Perform quality assurance on your game. This is also commonly referred to as testing for bugs. Oftentimes games contain glitches that can be small, such as an incorrect texture, or large enough to prevent players from continuing past a certain point in the game. Bring on outside players who will be assigned specific sections of the game to play through several times, all while recording and reporting bugs and glitches to the programmers.

Step 10. Investigate the possibility of acquiring a publisher for your game. Visit the websites of noted game publishers such as Ubisoft and Electronic Arts. Contact the company to see if it would be willing to publish and distribute your game.

Step 11. Publish your game. If you do not have a publisher, you can submit your game for release of WiiWare, the console's downloadable games channel. If your game is approved for release by Nintendo, it will be added to its upcoming release schedule.


Thanks to EHOW for the information on the 2nd way

IF YOU GO THROUGH WITH STEP 2. YOU WILL NEED TO GO TO HERE