Thread: Where to go from here?

  1. #1
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    Where to go from here?

    Currently i am a Computer Engineer major at college but mostly for the reason because that is the only way programing classes were offered. The main focus i am learning programming is for making games. With that said, I have learned a majority of the 'C' language over the past year and i feel comfortable with it. I guess my question is where is a good step to go from here? What language should i learn (C++,C#,or others) and i am very comfortable with the modeling and animation aspect of it, i just have no clue how to implement that into me code lol. So i guess i want to take a step to making robust games, not just the little ones. I know, i know, I should learn by starting small but for me sometimes its easier to take on a huge project and learn over time by making lots of errors. So please if you could guide me anyway, offer some books or anything of that nature.
    Last edited by omGeeK; 02-15-2011 at 07:13 PM.

  2. #2
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    Writing a whole game from scratch by yourself is a big task for all but the simplest of games.

    A progression might be for tic-tac-toe
    - simple console program (no clrscr() or anything) with input for 2 players
    - Add platform-specific screen handling to make it look better
    - Add single player with dumb (picks random location) computer AI
    - Add average AI (blocks opponents winning move)
    - Add good AI (seeks winning moves)
    - Add menu option for the above as "difficulty" levels
    - Add sound effects
    - Add proper graphics (still 2D)
    - Add 3D graphics or animations
    - Add network play for two remote players

    Each step should build on the previous step (a lot of code re-use). You might end up re-writing it over the entire sequence, but each transition should have recognisable re-use. This will test your ability to plan ahead and design accordingly.

    Or get yourself onto an open source games project.
    SourceForge.net: Software Search


    NeHe Productions: Main Page
    GameDev.net
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Salem View Post
    Writing a whole game from scratch by yourself is a big task for all but the simplest of games.

    A progression might be for tic-tac-toe
    - simple console program (no clrscr() or anything) with input for 2 players
    - Add platform-specific screen handling to make it look better
    - Add single player with dumb (picks random location) computer AI
    - Add average AI (blocks opponents winning move)
    - Add good AI (seeks winning moves)
    - Add menu option for the above as "difficulty" levels
    - Add sound effects
    - Add proper graphics (still 2D)
    - Add 3D graphics or animations
    - Add network play for two remote players

    Each step should build on the previous step (a lot of code re-use). You might end up re-writing it over the entire sequence, but each transition should have recognisable re-use. This will test your ability to plan ahead and design accordingly.

    Or get yourself onto an open source games project.
    SourceForge.net: Software Search


    NeHe Productions: Main Page
    GameDev.net
    Thank you for your input, I will use those guidelines to start on a small game like that.

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