9 replies to this topic

[Jespyr]

Hi, I am new to game development, and would like to know the best way forward. Currently I know BASIC, and thats pretty much it. Would it be better to have a shot at development using a premade engine, or spend my time learning C/C++ first and start from there? What would be a good engine to start with?

Any help and direction would be appreciated.

[dave_]

Set yourself a problem and try and solve it. That is figure out what you want to achieve and then research it. You'll learn a lot along the way.

After a while you'll realise that you've been way to ambitious and will have to scale down your project. ;)

The easiest way to make a game is to use an existing engine. Even easier is to mod and existing game

[Jespyr]

What exactly do you mean by problem? Do you mean a game design in mind that i try to achieve? I have a design in mind, but i already understand it is too ambititious for my current level of skill, which is why i am looking for ways to get started.

[dave_]

Something like that. If the game design is too complicated, think of ways to simplify it.
It depends on what your design is of course.

Why not make a simple game? The simplest one I can think of is noughts and crosses. You could implement a text based versions, then learn how to do graphics later.

Tetris, Pac-man and similar games are good examples of easy to make games. I'd imagine they'd still take months for you to complete.

If you're using an existing engine, try to create a scene with a character that can move around, then add game mechanics incrementally.

[TheNut]

Jumping into games might be a bit to much =) If C++ is your target language, it's a good idea to get the basics of it. You don't need to know everything, but at least have an understanding of the basic data types (int, float) and operations (for, while, if). It's also good to understand functions. Once you know that much, start learning 2D/3D and the rest will just come naturally. Later you can learn about creating classes and data structures to enhance your skills.

Using a pre-made engine is definitely the fast route. You still need to have knowledge in C/C++ in order to work with the engine, however you can opt to skip out learning about low level game elements such as graphics, data structures, sounds, networks, etc... All you will have to do is focus on creating and interacting with the game content. The engine will do the rest.

[SamuraiCrow]

What version of BASIC do you know?

[bdaunno]

I really wish someone would post a Newbie Guide and sticky it in this forum. It could be very simple: start with QBasic. supply some sample code for 2d games and let people mess around with it. move into more complicated stuff. I personally have made some very complex animated 2D games but am very stuck getting into the 3d world. I am working with C++. that way u wouldn't get these damn posts over and over again

[SamuraiCrow]

http://www.devmaster.../wiki/Main_Page is our beginners' page but http://gpwiki.org/ is probably better.

[BitTamer]

Irrlicht: http://irrlicht.sourceforge.net
Great 3D Graphics engine and large communtiy.
Game Maker: http://www.gamemaker.nl or http://www.yoyogames.com
Great 2D Game Engine and Framework

[marek-knows.com]

If you want to learn how to make an OpenGL game engine using C++ take a look at my website at www.marek-knows.com