Game Starting Help

[cduce2411]

Hey, I have always been interested in programming games, and I want to start now. I know some C++ and Visual Basic. How should I get started in programming games. I want to make some really advanced ones in the future, but I am getting confused with all these languages. Well, here is what I need to know:

-Which programming language?

-What is all this about OpenGL and DirectX?

-Are there any sites that can help me?

-What more do I need to know?

-Is there any software that can help me?

-What programming language was used for games like World of Warcraft and Crysis?

-Any other stuff I might need to know.

Thanks.

[Shakti]

You need to know a programming language and know it well. You also need to be able to solve problems.

If you only know some C++ I suggest you start with a console-based game such as tic tac toe or maybe an RPG, and not worrying about OpenGL and DirectX or any of that stuff.

Learn a programming language well and learn how to think as a programmer.

Games like crysis or WoW most likely uses C++ (as does most other games at the moment).

Programming games are among the hardest things to undertake as a programmer so dont rush into and dont rush it. You might very well write advanced games but you have to be patient and let everything take its time.

[VirtualAce]

-Which programming language?

C++. After all this is a C++ forum.

-What is all this about OpenGL and DirectX?

They are graphics API's.

-Are there any sites that can help me?

Google comes to mind.

-What more do I need to know?

Lots. More than can be explained in one post.

-Is there any software that can help me?

For DirectX you will need the DirectX SDK.
For OpenGL you will need the latest revision of OGL.

-What programming language was used for games like World of Warcraft and Crysis?

C++.

-Any other stuff I might need to know.

Lots. More than can be explained in one post.

[Cathalo]

hi,
Im in same boat as your self.Just started learning c++ as a hobby.like a poster said above start off with basic console games like tic tac toe,hang man and as you go along a learn new parts of the c++ language you can make your text games more advanced.

there is loads of c++ tutourials in the net,so you can get by without buying any books.You will find that you will need to post regularly on the c++ forum on this site for help(or i do anyway).

theres a good SDL tutourial called Lazyfoo productions(just google it) on how to use SDL(its a 2D graffics l;ibary).the author says you have to know C++ up as far as using classes at least otherwise it will be above your head.But at least it gives you something to aim for.

IMm no expert on programming but thats my 2 cents

[Drac]

-Which programming language?

If you think you can handle it start with C++. I've heard some people who say Python is a good place to start. I can't vouch for that though. C++ isn't the most beginner kind language, so be prepared for that. I started programming with Torque Game Engine, and that worked out pretty well for me. You can get the demo for free. It doesn't contain the C++ source code, but you wouldn't want to look at that anyways. There are now books on Torque, and books are always a good way to start.

-What is all this about OpenGL and DirectX?

They will allow you to draw on the screen using the graphics card.

-Are there any sites that can help me?

I would take a look at the forum stickies.

-What more do I need to know?

Get books, they help a lot. The internet is good to an extent, but it doesn't have the flow of a book. I hear the following is good for starting with C++, but again I haven't read it.
http://www.gamedev.net/columns/books...?productid=615

-Is there any software that can help me?

Depends what language you decide to work in.

-What programming language was used for games like World of Warcraft and Crysis?

C++, that doesn't mean it's the best place to start though, just the best place to end up .

[medievalelks]

There are myriad game programming books available. I suggest you do a search on Amazon and buy one. Also, there is no correlation between the ease in playing games and the ease in programming them.

Your question - and many others here at this site - is akin to "I know how to use a video camera OK and want to make a movie. What kind of cameras were used to make Gone with the Wind and Apocalypse Now?"

Start with a home movie (very simple text based game) and work your way up. There are no shortcuts.

[VirtualAce]

Your question - and many others here at this site - is akin to "I know how to use a video camera OK and want to make a movie. What kind of cameras were used to make Gone with the Wind and Apocalypse Now?"

Haha. Very nice.

[JJFMJR]

Hey, I have always been interested in programming games, and I want to start now. I know some C++ and Visual Basic. How should I get started in programming games. I want to make some really advanced ones in the future, but I am getting confused with all these languages. Well, here is what I need to know:

-Which programming language?

-What is all this about OpenGL and DirectX?

-Are there any sites that can help me?

-What more do I need to know?

-Is there any software that can help me?

-What programming language was used for games like World of Warcraft and Crysis?

-Any other stuff I might need to know.

Thanks.

As was previously stated, C++ isn't where you necessarily want to begin, it's where you want to end up. You really need to have an understanding of how programming works before you learn a high-level programming language. To be honest, I'd recommend starting the same way I did.

http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Te...ef=pd_sim_b_10
http://www.blitzbasic.com/

The above use the blitzbasic language. It's a really easy to understand, but powerful language. You can create some pretty great games in this, you just won't have the same control or power as C++. I recommend starting here, and working your way up as I did. I spent about a year in this language, and jumped, probably too early, into C++ using OpenGL. It's do-able, but I advise against it. Once again, take a look at the above sites, see if blitzbasic is your thing, and dive in.

If you believe your ready for C++, here ya go:


What language?
- C++ most likely.

What is OpenGL and DirectX?
- Both are very common graphics API's, which means they provide access to your computer graphics card to create the graphics you see on screen. Everything from textures, to cubes, to 3d models has to be implemented using a Graphics API. (OpenGL is cross-platform, DirectX is windows. There are numerous differences between the two, but you can find out that on your own. Personally, I learned OpenGL and have just started learning DirectX.

Helpful Sites?
- Google
- gamedev.net
-OpenGL : -http://nehe.gamedev.net (Probably best site for learning openGL

More you need to know:
- A lot, a whole lot.

Helpful software:
- A good compiler, such as Codeblocks ( My personal favorite )

Programming language used for WoW and other major games is C++. You can probably expect a lot of scripting language to be used as well, such as Python. Mostly C++ though.

Other stuff you need to know:
- A whole lot more, I strongly suggest you get some books based off C++ game programming.

Once again, good luck, I've been there before and it's do-able. It just takes dedication.

[VirtualAce]

You can start in C++ but you will not be starting with graphics.