Hey ppl I am a student from the UK studying computer games engineering, at the moment my course is just roughly covering things like networking, digital sytems, software engineering and java.I like thinking up game ideas in my spare time and I was wondering about starting to make games on my own to learn more about the development process, and gain some experience and wisdom...i hope :S. Does anybody know whats the best way to go about this, what programs to get, how to start off, what books to get etc. Or if you have any suggestions, or wise metaphors for a trainee games designer with a lot of ambition but not much knowledge....lol, then I''d appreciate it loads. Thx

http://www.gamedev.net/reference/programming/features/davegpg/

this is a good starting point...

-get a program for programming: www.bloodshed.net;
-go to http://www.cprogramming.com to learn C++;
-buy a book to learn an API like DirectX or OpenGL(an API is like a library with new functions like printing things on the screen);

that book should also contain basic Win32 stuff like creating a window and how to handle it.


[edited by - Pipo DeClown on November 17, 2002 9:35:02 AM]

Just dive in. That''s what I''m doing. Go to the library, get some crappy books, and start soaking it in...

Please, please DONT go to the library to read about game programing unless you are planning on developing for the atari! The internet is MUCH better because the information isn''t 10 years old. For example, if you ever read anything about Mode 13 (I promise this is what you will find in the library), then please shut the book, and run away.

Seriously, though...I suggest reading tutorials on http://nehe.gamedev.net/ for a good introduction in graphics programming. Also, aquire Visual Studio because it will soon become your best friend. I strongly suggest downloading the latest (soon to be v9) version of DirectX SDK because it''s a great way to go about game programming. Don''t get locking into thinking that OpenGL or Direct3D is suppieor becuase that''s been beat to death and it''s obvious they both have advantages. DirectX is a little harder to get into but offers much better video card independence (especially with v9) however OpenGl is good for people that are not familiar with object oriented programming, and who want to develop for other operating system than Windows. I personally find it''s usefull to be famialiar with both because most games these days offer the choice (other than id software engines for the time being...until doom3 for xbox)

As far as the non-programming aspect, you will need some good graphics software such as photoshop, 3dstudio max, maya...etc.

A good understanding of basic networking, is important. Again, much of this knowledge can be aquired from the directX sdk (networking with directx is called DirectPlay)

There are a bunch of other tools, utilities, and other software that you will eventually want to look into, but to start out with I suggest just reading a lot of game programming tutorials, documentation, and other peoples questions in gamedev''s forums. Also, I find it refreshing to check out www.flipcode.com ''s Image of the Day.

Happy Learning,
-Pseudo