2D is much much easier. Start out with the GUI and login system. then move on to the database and get everything set up correctly. There is no point in programming a game if you cant correctly implement you data for the game, simply because you have yet to create the database/storage of data... BTW - for the sake of the meme - "One does not simply.... program a game without a database"

oh right, the best ide for linux would have to be netbeans ide for java and c++... or eclipse (some prefer that)

sudo apt-get install netbeans

sudo apt-get install eclipse

I've been studying programming for some years, and I'm well versed in C++ and Java. I know the very basics of coding in OpenGL, whilst currently learning OpenGL ES 2.0, and had a few questions:

- Before programming a 3D world, I hear it's suggested to start off with 2D. Is it recommended to do so? And how much is it recommended?

- What parts of the game are to be coded first? (i.e; if it's a 3D game, the model loader? Or menus and getting them to work?)

- Is a mastery of an API necessary before using it? (i.e; Knowing most of it off the top of your head)

- And what is the best light linux IDE? I love Geany and I've yet to find something as conveniently packed with features whilst being this light.

Any knowledge on any of these topics would be appreciated.

I'd definitely suggest writing a few simple 2d games before jumping into 3D. Making games is SOOO much more than the graphical representation shown on the screen, and having a 3D game will increase the complexity beyond the act of making a game. I'd recommend learning the nuances of making a game, then moving to 3D if you want to.

As many games have shown us (Dwarf Fortress is one), the GFX often mean the least as far as how fun a game is.

[quote name='JinixVomitorium' timestamp='1357343831' post='5017567']
BTW - for the sake of the meme - "One does not simply.... program a game without a database"
[/quote]

That's a silly quote. Are you saying an Angry Birds clone needs a database?

Or are you trying to say a database is simply external data that drives the game content; in that case, I'd agree, but in the case of traditional databases, you can make tons of fun games without them.

I've memorized a few small API's ... I thought it was normal ...

BTW - for the sake of the meme - "One does not simply.... program a game without a database"

That's a silly quote. Are you saying an Angry Birds clone needs a database?

Or are you trying to say a database is simply external data that drives the game content; in that case, I'd agree, but in the case of traditional databases, you can make tons of fun games without them.

Your question regarding to what you want to do is a bit vague. you can make a game in a game engine without understanding hard concepts. With that said, I am going to assume that you are trying to create your own engine. If this is the case, my first and foremost suggestion to you would be learning linear algebra(vector and matrix calculations) and trigonometry. you will have to face these maths in every path you take during your bumpy ride. I would suggest you to stay away from OpenGL ES 2.0 until you are capable of using matrix transformation to manipulate matrix operation of the OpenGL ES 1 manually, rather then using push and pop matrix function of the OpenGL. If you don't have a strong grasp of these mathematical concepts you are more likely to loose your motivation right at the beginning.