10 replies to this topic

[Simpsons4261]

Can you use only c++ programs to make a game, or do you need some kind of game engine? I'm just wondering because I think it would be nice to only use c++ to make a game, and if you can only use c++ programs what type of other programs would i need to make maps and such, and to have a succeful game. Also what are some free c++ programs if this is possible besides ms visual studios express?

[Reedbeta]

Yes, you can make a game using C++ without using a third-party engine. In order to do this you'll need to learn either OpenGL or Direct3D for 3D games, or SDL for 2D games. You can make maps, artwork, etc in standard off-the-shelf applications and write C++ code to read the files (as long as they are stored in an open format).

The main other C++ compiler besides Microsoft's is g++, the GNU C++ compiler, which is available for Windows as mingw. You can use it with the Dev-C++ IDE (the IDE is the application that provides a convenient way to edit source files and compile and run your program all in one).

[donBerto]

games, like everything else in computing, is how you represent data. So, to answer the part about needing other programs to make 'maps' and 'artwork', well, that depends on how you want to represent data.

You can represent data as a simple dot or some other simple (ascii) character, or you can represent it as this complex entity that is animated and 3D. You can either make your own tools to incorporate into your games and there is nothing wrong with that. The alternative is to use map-maker software and use their representation schematics if you will. The trade-off is that making your own tools costs time, while using third-party software requires either money or adhering to their design.

[Simpsons4261]

Could you direct me to to a tutorial on making my own game engine? Just to see how difficult it would be...

[Reedbeta]

There are no tutorials on making an entire engine. That is much too hard for a tutorial. However, NeHe has some decent OpenGL tutorials that show you how to get a few rendered polygons on the screen.

[Simpsons4261]

Can I just use the Dev C++ download to do all the c++ writing?

do I need ms visual studio to do anything if i have Dev C++?

I downloaded OGRE and Irrlicht, and I'm not sure which one to use. Any suggestions?

Can I use Dev c++ with those or not?

Can that be the only c++ program I use with the game engine?

Sorry for all the questions :(

[Reedbeta]

Dev-C++ is just an IDE. Basically, a glorified text editor. So, no, you don't need Visual Studio if you've got Dev-C++, as they are both IDEs. Yes, you can use Dev-C++ with OGRE, Irrlicht, or any other third-party library. I don't understand what you mean by "can that be the only c++ program I use with the game engine".

[Rofar]

IDE = Integrated Development Environment.

Meaning, your editor, compiler, project file management, debugging..is all integrated into a single program environment.

[Simpsons4261]

I have a question on Dev C++, whenever I try to load one of the examples from one of the game engines I downloaded, it asks me to do it either in Direct3D 9.0c, or OpenGL 1.5. Whenver I do it in the direct3d 9.0c the window quits out and never loads, but when I do it in opengl 1.5 it always works. Is there someting wrong?

Also is it better to develop games in opengl or directx

[monjardin]

DirectX ties you to Microsoft products. Otherwise, it doesn't seem to matter much. Here is a more thorough comparison: http://en.wikipedia....ct3D_and_OpenGL

[marek-knows.com]

Have a look on my website www.marek-knows.com I show you how to make your own game engine using OpenGL from scratch.