The Chilkat Library is a C++ library that provides components for building user-interfaces for games. It is based on DirectX and is performance oriented. nothing else like it exists.

It is ideal for implementing a game's control panels, options dialogs, setup screens, status screens, etc. The SDK provides a powerful layer above DirectX, without sacrificing performance or flexibility (the DirectX API can still be called directly).

The SDK is also great for use in any application that integrates custom artwork, such as children's software and edutainment titles.

Features

• Interface components.
• Animation classes.
• Image tables.
• Palette sets.
• Subject/Observer classes.
• Compression.
• Pixel format flexibility.
• Full-screen or windowed.
• Event handling.
• Object serialization.
• Clipping.
• Many examples.

How is the Chilkat Library different from other component libraries?

• Existing libraries force an application to have a certain look and feel. For example, programs using Windows Controls will look like a typical Windows application. You certainly don't want your game to look like an accounting application. The Chilkat Library provides the flexibility you need to build creative, interesting interfaces that utilize custom artwork.
• Unlike other component libraries, this one allows you to use animations anywhere a normal static image can be used.
• Existing component libraries are not performance conscious. The Chlkat Library takes special care to not hinder the performance of the application, and internally uses optimized assembly code where appropriate.
• The Chilkat Library focuses on features needed by game developers. It strives to make common tasks easy to program, and doesn't bother implementing features not normally used by games.