hello peopel, I want to start from scratch, to make some simple game such as packman, I''ll make an erotic version of it. I have some good and healthy basic knowledge in win API, MFC, as well as C++ and OOP principles, and want to build my own game on this platform. also have a bit of actual experience in API prgramming. I also have a good sense for art and design. Do I need to use GDI objects for drawing graphics on the window ?!? My little experience tells me that the compter requires a lot of time to draw simple naive rectangles on the window, when it uses the Brush and Pen on the Device context. he is so slow and tedious, or maybe I just don''t use the GDI properly? My question is what is the basic way to draw object on the window of a simple computer games? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$ I love me $$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

That is exsactly the problem:
so much graphic API''s, much data (99.999% of it is not relevant for me). Could you recommend me what source of data can help me?
Is it best to start with directx?

another question: what kind of programming environment do you use?

I''ll explain you exactly what do I mean by "programming environment": I can use the API''s directly (in VC++ 6 ) which means I have to dirt my hands with all of the little irritating details such as WNDCLASS registration, handles, a lot of pointers, ( I can do it, I know how, i learned it).
But it is much more elegant in MFC. So are u using MFC?