Hi

I am about 30 and trying to learn as much as possible about game programming. During my University degree I am studying Computer Science for Economics. Sadly there are no programming courses in my country.
It is not possible to learn from books all there is to it right? If I run into a problem like generating a ... a dungeon for example and some 2D terrain, or even AI, this things cannot be completely grasped from books.

Any solutions to my dilemma?

Well, I am torn between C++ && SDL && OpenGL || C# with Unity.
What is your take on this?

[quote name='Alkerak' timestamp='1347276769' post='4978533']
If I run into a problem like generating a ... a dungeon for example and some 2D terrain, or even AI, this things cannot be completely grasped from books.

A programming course does not teach you that either. Best to learn a programming language first and then start making small games. For special issues ask around in forums like this one, use your big coding buddy or your own wit
[/quote]

A programming course for games will surely teach you that. Sadly nothing like that is in my country.

Well, I am torn between C++ && SDL && OpenGL || C# with Unity.
What is your take on this?

Isn't Unity $$$?

C++ is good, but from my own expierience it eats way to much time on small things.
Since i dont write stuff like Quake 4 or GTA4, Java is enough for me.

Try out LWJGL! +Java will help you with fast portability to Android platform.

Unity also has a more limited free version (mainly in shader area).
There's also the paid Pro version and the no so payed Carribean Pro Version.
For education purposes all work equally well I guess.

Do you guys followed a game programming course of some kind?

I already did a pong clone.
Trouble is with algorithms.
For example I want to generate textures, or planets, or terrain ... you don't get this with a programming course.
Not even AI. These are the holes I am trying to cover.

For example I want to generate textures, or planets, or terrain ... you don't get this with a programming course.

Planets, and terrains are generally not taught in most University courses in the US either. However, they do teach algorithms and data structures that are required for such things.

The graphics programming and AI programming is generally offered only to a limited extent at most Universities, but is more common at research schools with advanced degrees on those subjects.


For your program of study, I'm guessing they cover data structures like binary trees, kD-trees, and so forth, which are what you will use for storage. They probably also teach about divide-and-conquer algorithms, and teach applications of it such as quicksort. You can use both of them together to build massive terrains and even planets if you like.

They probably also teach you about state machines; these are the core of most game AI systems. You start in a state (idle), and have multiple transitions available and choose one based on your own rules (if HP<30% run away, if HP>50% run toward, if can hit then attack, if being attacked then defend, ...).

Once you understand the basics of algorithms and data structures, use your favorite search engine to search for the specific topic, and figure out how to apply your knowledge to them.