1. If i had poor programming skills but would like to try a hand at game development, what programmes are recommended? 3D Game Maker? 3D Game Studio? (these are the few that i have come across) 2. What would be the suggested progression level for a beginner with poor programming skills? (i.e. what programmes/language to start with, and what to move on to next) 3. I have looked at the list of schools listed on GameDev.net that offer gamedev programmes. Can anyone make any recommendations based on cost, standard, and locality? Plus chances of penetrating the industry. I thank you in advance for your time and input.

For #1 and #2
For games, go with GameMaker, by Mark Overmars, it has free version, and it's pretty good. You can creat games with the GUI, and code. Which the more complex things you want the more you have to deal with code, it is also very code flexible and cheap.

For an easy progression, I recomend using html, it's a fairly basic and simple language, then go to &#106avascript(which is integrated in html) then c++ which java was based off. You could do that all for free. For HTML, you need any text edidtor that can save as .html(or .htm) in asci, notpad is good enough. Just search for "html" on google and there'll be a lot of free tuorials. But this is not a game makers ideal path, because it doesn't have alot of game stuff in it.

Or try Basic, it is simple(duhhh), in a variety of programs such as VB, RapidQ, and many more.

GameStudio is not bad, it tried it for the reminder of the trial version, i wouldn't mind working with it, but i like complete control. For beginning it is awsome. I didn't bother with Game Maker 3D though.

As for #3, i'll let someone else answer that.

Quote:Original post by jings
1. If i had poor programming skills but would like to try a hand at game development, what programmes are recommended? 3D Game Maker? 3D Game Studio? (these are the few that i have come across)

2. What would be the suggested progression level for a beginner with poor programming skills? (i.e. what programmes/language to start with, and what to move on to next)

3. I have looked at the list of schools listed on GameDev.net that offer gamedev programmes. Can anyone make any recommendations based on cost, standard, and locality? Plus chances of penetrating the industry.

I thank you in advance for your time and input.

1. Start with GameMaker. If you become good at that, then only then, try 3D Game Studio.

2. I'll go with the vet's favorite: Python

3. Most people will tell you to attend a community college or college period and take Computer Science curiculum/classes. So again I'll go with that. As far as, penetrating the industry, if you go to college, do internships and have demos.

Quote:Original post by Alpha_ProgDes

1. Start with GameMaker. If you become good at that, then only then, try 3D Game Studio.

2. I'll go with the vet's favorite: Python

3. Most people will tell you to attend a community college or college period and take Computer Science curiculum/classes. So again I'll go with that. As far as, penetrating the industry, if you go to college, do internships and have demos.

For #3

I'm currently pursuing a degree in information systems, and in my final year. What i am looking for is a more direct/hands-on programme that will really show me the ropes of the industry. Kinda like specialised courses. The one that caught my eye was the programme at FullSail(www.fullsail.com).

Firstly, would anyone recommend going into something so specialised as this? If so, which insitute/programme is recommended? Really could use some third party feedback.

PS. I'm working on a demo for the finals. Wish me luck.