6 replies to this topic

[Galn]

Hey guys,

I'm just starting in to my programming classes and was wondering if anyone has experience in making games.(any type you can mention would help) I'd like to study more than what my classes are going to give. But I'm not sure what direction to start going. If anyone can put in any thoughts I'd appreciate your time :)

[WingedPanther]

To me, the hardest part of games is getting a good idea. Lots of games are just boring or lame. If the game isn't fun, there's no point.

Try implementing some engines for allowing two people to play various board games. Chess, checkers, mastermind, etc. Don't worry too much about AI or graphics to start, just see if you can force players to follow the rules.

[marwex89]

There are lots of good books on game programming, I suggest you hunt down a few of those :)

Generally, with game programming you have to start small. Really small. Make a pong-clone. Then try to make it the best pong-clone in the world. Then move on to something harder.

[WingedPanther]

Plasma Pong - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

[marwex89]

That's exactly what I'm talking about :) lol

[Galn]

Thanks for the responses :) Do you have any specific books that are something worth picking up?

[marwex89]

Well, games are usually written in C++ mainly, so if you don't know that you need to pick up a good book first.

That being said, this is a good book on general game programming (not C++): "On Game Design" by Andrew Rollings and Ernest Adams
Andrew Rollings is also co-author on the good book "Game Architecture and Design" (together with Dave Morris)
"Physics for Game Developers" by David Bourg has C++ examples and is a good read IMO

You will also need to decide on a graphics API (OpenGL or DirectX) and find a good book on that.

Personally I recommend finding as many free resources as you can and read them all :D