Homebrew PS2 Programming C++

[Atomix2.5]

Sorry if it's not supposed to go here but I could't find a better place to put this...

I just wanted to ask a question or two while I wait for responces on my other topic.

I am a programer. I am now starting to learn DirectX and stuff like that. So I am interested in programming for consoles. I know that DX is for X-Box. But I want to know how to make PS2 games. From what I have seen there are two ways to make a PS2 game. Officially or something called homebrew. I am sure that you need an SDK for both. But I am also sure the the homebrew one is cheap/free while the official one is expensive. And the only way to get homebrew to work is with ESR or things like that.

I just wanted someone with more experiance in this topic to come by and confirm this information.

If what I said is correct then...
How much does it cost for official PS2 SDK?
How do I get homebrew PS2 SDK?

[JNABK]

Heres a great place to start:

http://lukasz.dk/playstation-2-programming/

As far as im aware, Sony no longer sells the Official PS2 SDK.

[Atomix2.5]

Thanks can't wait to get started.

Am I right about official PS2 development?
EDIT: Nevermind

If you have plenty of money to throw around you could always approach Sony for an official development kit. This will involve Non Disclosure Agreements and plenty of official information.

Wow. I knew it cost a lot. But I didn't know you had to go up to SONY and ask them personally. Crap.

Do I need a mod-chip to start development?
No. You can use the ps2-independence exploit which allows you to boot a program like ps2link(see below) off a memory card. To load programs onto the memory card you must use a commercial save game tool such as Datel's Xport.

What do I need to get my programs to run on my Playstation 2?
There is a number of different methods available, but the most popular is using the Sony Ethernet Adapter and a Loader and client program combination to send the program over a TCP/IP connection. On the Ps2, the following loaders are available:

pukklink This is the original loader developed by Pukko.
ps2link This is the open source version of pukklink which has been improved and has a number of features not available in pukklink. We strongly suggest you use this server.

Found that but still don't get it. I think i read some where that ESR can be used to run homebrew games. Is that true? Is it any different from running a back-up?

EDIT:

MEMENTO gives you the possibility to launch Homebrew applications in 3 different ways, from MEMOR32 Memory Card, from a USB Memory Stick, and from the HDD.

To launch the application, the same must be RENAMED as "BOOT.ELF" (or one of the three other available names) and saved saved in a "BOOT directory" in the location from where you want to launch it.

I don't get it. So homebrew games don't even go on disks? They have to be .ELFs? Wow i really want to get the official SDK...

[JNABK]

ESR is for DVDs only, so you would be wasting your DVDs to use ESR with them.

I havent read much on Homebrew games, as much as homebrew apps. You could try HD Loader, just create the ISO with your app as the boot file .

If you really want your homebrew game on a disc, you could boot the burned disc with Cogswap or SwapMagic, thats if you dont mind the disc swapping.

[Atomix2.5]

I have no idea what HD loader is.

if you dont mind the disc swapping.

I do...

So i don't how I am supposed to load the games I make...

[JNABK]

EDIT:
I don't get it. So homebrew games don't even go on disks? They have to be .ELFs? Wow i really want to get the official SDK...

With the current methods of running homebrew, most people dont need to create a disc with support files and such. With the numerous ELF launching programs it isnt necessary for those anymore.

The PS2 is a Linux based console, so yes, ELF files are the executable format used. Look at the Sony games via an editor and you will see that all those "SLUS/SLES" files are ELF files.

[JNABK]

I have no idea what HD loader is.


I do...

So i don't how I am supposed to load the games I make...

Then HD Loader might be the better solution for you, its a program to load PS2 Games from an Internal IDE HDD.

[Atomix2.5]

Meaning I boot the game like I do ESR and such. BOOT/BOOT.ELF and stick it on Memor32 Right?

[JNABK]

I couldnt help you with Memor32, i use Free McBoot instead, so i dont know how Memor32 even works.

[Atomix2.5]

Internal IDE HDD no idea what that is too...

Also if homebrew games are run from Memor32 then it must be only a few mb. But real games are over gb's. I don't get it why?