10 replies to this topic

[Siten0308]

hello everyone,

i have c# experience, actually much more great C# experience than c++, i am finally getting into C++ which i am breasing through since its all or close the same just different syntax really, I have a several questions not just mmorpg question, what should i learn after i learn this tutorial, the link is below:

Instructions for use

what should i learn next after I learn all there is to that tutorial above to help get a job or be more job marketable, i just dont want C# on my resume but also c++, do those 2 make a good match on a resume, i am also planning on learning wpf with C#, and C# i am doing advanced techniques like using LINQ to sql, xml, datasets, barely getting into C# networking etc. do all those plus learning c++ making very job marketable or should i learn something else?

Ok now the main question and stupid question, is it easy and effecient to create video games, specifically mmorpg games using c++? is there any new or good tutorials on directx/c++ tutorials on making games or do i have to buy a book? and if i have to buy a book, what book would you recommend for a novice of c++ novice to learn advanced topics?

Thanks

[speculatius]

Quote

is it easy and effecient to create video games, specifically mmorpg games using c++? is there any new or good tutorials on directx/c++ tutorials on making games or do i have to buy a book?

I dont like using directly DirectX, OGL etc. Isnt it better to use some game engine instead? For example Ogre3D or Irrlicht (well, actually they are only graphic rendering engines). They are well documented, so you dont need to buy any book.

[Siten0308]

with those engines can i use C++ or C# for the backend?

[WingedPanther]

After you get done with that tutorial, you will still have huge gaping holes in your knowledge of C++. That said, you will probably have enough knowledge to start doing interesting stuff. Most 3D engines are written in C/C++ and can easily be used with C++.

[Siten0308]

what gape holes do i have, can you fill them in such as the topics i should know etc.? since i am close to finishing the tutorial i feel i can do some pretty good stuff... but can i make a game etc? more importantly a mmorpg?

Thanks

[WingedPanther]

The Standard Library (especially the Standard Template Library) is a big one.

[ZekeDragon]

Well I don't know what's in the tutorial, I haven't read it, but my immediate guess would be that there's nothing that explains template metaprogramming, the details of multiple inheritance and problems that come with it, using member function pointers, virtual inheritance with polymorphism, and many different C++ idioms were also probably left unexplained (Pimpl, RAII, RTTI, and SFINAE being the big ones, also using smart pointers).

As a person who's been interested in making games his entire life, I'm gonna have to knock you down:

Siten0308 said:

what should i learn after i learn this tutorial, the link is below

I highly suggest building some programs, and of those they're going to be non-game command-line programs. One thing I learned is you're simply going to have to accept that you'll need to program things that are not games to learn enough to make games. Some games are simple, but other programs that perform other tasks are simpler. You'll need to come up with your own program ideas (or take them from an online judge website) and write them. Start simple, like this one, and work your way up to performing more complex logic. Remember, you're going to need to design software that is expected to be robust, fast, and good looking, as well as performing all sorts of behind-the-scenes work such as networking and AI. Don't think that'll come easy.

Siten0308 said:

do all those plus learning c++ making very job marketable or should i learn something else?

Being more job marketable, at least in my experience, hasn't been the knowledge but rather the formal education and experience. Knowing C++ can't hurt, but being an expert C# programmer is probably better than being moderate at both. Also, a lot of businesses use Java, especially when their software needs to interact with more than just Windows machines.

Siten0308 said:

Ok now the main question and stupid question, is it easy and effecient to create video games, specifically mmorpg games using c++?

No. Making a game in itself isn't easy, but you need to do it. In fact, having a game under your belt, any game, is an extremely appealing piece of your portfolio for potential employers. They like seeing that you've got what it takes to pull through and make a game from start to finish, especially if you've done it from your own resolve. Getting a formal education is still commonly a requirement, but in the games industry you'll probably be fortunate enough to find a liberally-minded company to take you on.

Anyway, back to the question at hand. No, it's not easy to make a game, especially and MMORPG. Any MMO requires not just one program, but two, if not more. You need at least the client software, which needs to be graphic intensive and easy to use, then you need the server, which needs to be scalable, efficient, and designed from the start for using multiple servers. The time investment alone is extensive, and will most likely require multiple people putting in many man-hours just to get off the ground.

Siten0308 said:

is there any new or good tutorials on directx/c++ tutorials on making games or do i have to buy a book? and if i have to buy a book, what book would you recommend for a novice of c++ novice to learn advanced topics?

If you're worried about the expense of buying books, don't even consider going into MMORPG design. Buying a couple of programming books for $100 is nothing. Anyway, there's some great tutorials out on the net for using DirectX I'd imagine, though I'm not familiar with them since I don't use Windows. Instead, I know NeHe is commonly cited as a good resource for learning OpenGL programming. However, just starting into 3D I'd suggest actually going ahead and trying one of the 3D engines out there like Ogre3D, irrlicht (my personal favorite), or CrystalSpace. They're all C++ based so you'll need to know C++, but they're also very good for the job and well designed. No matter which one you choose, you're going to need to know how to model using a 3D modelling program, I use Blender. I haven't even really brought up all the other art resources you're going to need for a game (music, textures, etc.).

The purpose of my post was not to discourage you, just to give you a realistic view of what you're asking. I'd highly suggest you start with simpler games, even using a simpler language to make them (perhaps GLBasic is good, I haven't really tried it). Right now I'm working on games with Java, and it's been quite enjoyable as well as a learning experience. I first wrote a game using nothing more than command-line tools, and it was nothing more than a Checkers game. You can do something similar. If you don't give up and you're willing to put the years in necessary, you may just end up being a game programmer.

[bbqroast]

If i was making an MMORPG then i'd make my own engine seeing its such a big project.
Many engines will have setbacks or their code won't be right or they'll only let you do so much, etc

[krwq]

3d game engine:
Irrlicht Engine - A free open source 3d engine
OGRE – Open Source 3D Graphics Engine

simple 2d game engine:
Haaf's Game Engine - Hardware accelerated 2D game engine

network communication
Boost.Asio

[bbqroast]

Sorry, but i skipped a bit of this thread cause of time but:
C++ isn't the easiest way to make games BUT once you get the basics down you ca quickly and easily make it amazing. Many games start off well but soon find their basic yet easy language limits them greatly.
In c++ it's not a SETVELOCITY instead you need to do velo your self but its not hard. E.g. each "step" you move and object depending in the velocity variable by deleting the old one and making a new one but adding say 20 to the Y variable.
Sorry if that confused you.

[Zer033]

If you want to jump right into game creation I would suggest Unity engine. It uses C#, Java, or Boo and is pretty easy to do.