Thread: Prerequisites of Game Programming

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    Prerequisites of Game Programming

    I know Intermediate level of 3DStudio Max and Photoshop and elementary level of C++. What more should I learn to have a minimum basic knowledge of Game Development. On which I could expand my knowledge further.

    Please Advise.

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    Re: Prerequisites of Game Programming

    Originally posted by RaviRaj
    I know Intermediate level of 3DStudio Max and Photoshop and elementary level of C++. What more should I learn to have a minimum basic knowledge of Game Development. On which I could expand my knowledge further.

    Please Advise.
    Well it really depends. Do you want to only program 2D games? Or full blown 3D games? Anyways, regardless you should learn the Win32 API if you plan on programming for windows. As far as graphics either OpenGL or DirectX will get the job done (opinions will very on the board about which to use). OpenGL is just graphics so you'll have to look elsewhere for input and such. I'd say get a real good foundation with C/C++ and Win32 , then pickup DX or OpenGL and go to work. Also for 3D games you will need a strong mathematics background (maybe not required but will make life easier). Hopefully this has helped you some. Good Luck.

  3. #3
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    Well, you have a good start then. Now you only need to do a few more things:

    1) read as much as you possibly can about (amatuer) game development. read game design articles and read a game design and game programming (gamedev.net is a good place for that).

    2) try to play as many games as you can. this will help you generate ideas along with the reading.

    3) start off simple with the games and work your way up. hey if you have to make a tic-tac-toe game as your first game, who cares! it's going to make it that much easier the second time around when you might want to make a little more advanced game.

    4) keep on trying and don't give up. always make you finish your game no matter what. if you can't finish a basic game then you're never going to be able to finish an advanced game.

    Good luck and to make your decision on what API to use just look at some posts on this forum (game programming). you'll be able to find a ton of information on directx, opengl, allegro, sdl.

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    Lightbulb Thanx

    Thanx you so much for your reply.
    From your replies I could make out that Programming is the main part of Games development and not 3D Graphics or Animation. Is that so ?
    But I am a Graphix man with a little knowledge in C++, so how should I move about ?
    Also tell me, where I can get a few very simple and basic tutorials on 3D game programming. In fact should I directly go for learning 3D games development?

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    Re: Thanx

    Originally posted by RaviRaj
    Thanx you so much for your reply.
    From your replies I could make out that Programming is the main part of Games development and not 3D Graphics or Animation. Is that so ?
    But I am a Graphix man with a little knowledge in C++, so how should I move about ?
    Also tell me, where I can get a few very simple and basic tutorials on 3D game programming. In fact should I directly go for learning 3D games development?
    Well programming is a vital part of a 3D application but so are 3D models and other artists work. If you like graphics more than programming you should just buff up with 3DStudio Max and start doing some 3D modeling if that is what you like. Also, I would do some 2D game programming before jumping into 3D game programming.

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    I recommend reading: Game Programming All In One.

    This book takes you through making Two games in C++ then I shows you how to make a game using DirectX 8.1. The SDK Comes along with the CD Which Also contains all the souce code, programs, and other sample games.

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    http://www.makegames.com/sidescroller/contents.html
    This is an old book that is out of print, but helps to make a side scrolling game, that is 2D. Maybe that can give you some insight into the code for it and such.
    Last edited by Kyoto Oshiro; 07-18-2002 at 08:30 PM.
    "Um...well..."
    -Kyoto Oshiro

  8. #8
    Seven years? civix's Avatar
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    you might want to look at the tutorials on http://www.gametutorials.com ....they were a big help to me in many ways!
    .

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    Lightbulb Thanx

    After a model is created in 3D Studio Max or Maya, how is that Model controlled ? I mean it's movements etc.
    Can that be done through Max Script ( a scripting language of 3D Studio Max) ?

  10. #10
    Registered User JoshG's Avatar
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    I know this is a C/C++ board, but if you are just a 3d modeler and want to make simple games, check out dark basic.

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    There was a thread awhile back where someone posted the steps required to be the greatest game programmer ever. maybe it might help you.

    http://www.cprogramming.com/cboard/s...5&pagenumber=1

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