Getting started

[Onikura]

Hey everyone, I just had a simple (hopefully) question.

I take computer science at my high school and we learn Java. I know the basics and some in depth (enough to make a college level Harvard Elevator :) ). I am also learning C++ on my own time. I was wondering where to start if I want to be a Game programmer. I see all the things everyone has done but I don't know where to start.

For example: What should I have (equipment wise) ? What should I code exactly? Like those type of questions.

I also 3d model and 2d animate/sketch, so I was wondering how I can implement those into some engine or what not. I would be more than willing to share my work with you all. So that is my question. Any help would be gratefully appreciated!

[Samail]

You'll have to wait for some members to log in. :rolleyes: I can't really help you there.
Mike W. would be your best adviser, but there are members that are in the know as well.

[ekoz]

er...most of the members here who program games here (such as me, blue_moon, rex, others...) use game maker, which is an easier, not as limited as you think, alternative to code programming.

[Skix]

I'm a craptaculer programmer, but I do know game programming is extreamly compllicated, but what you should start on is an engine, you can either make one, buy one, or find an open source.

The engine is basicly the core of the game, it handles input, output, and everything inbetween.
It's the thing that lets your game know that the left buton makes your dude go left, and clicking the mouse shoots, and that bullets fly in lines, not just sit where they apeared. it' whaere "Gravity" exists n such. Another major part is the renderer. Basicly thats just finding what models to put where and what texture to aplie to said madle, or if 2d, where to put the sprites, this also aplies to the map or world.

After that, come up with the sprites and models, then sound, and then the levels and story.

Exectly technicly How I can't tell you however...

[Onikura]

Awesome thanks. I know exactly how renderers work (considering I use 3d applications) so that isn't much of a problem. I do like this though. Where should I get an engine? For example, Ekoz said game maker, anything else you guys would recommend? Thanks again.

[ekoz]

well, game maker isn't creating script. it's more like...just creating the program. no script needed. i am currently in the process of making a breakout game via game maker, with incredible speed and pretty good quality, too. right now, i'm just working on a second version of my game with level select, but the initial version (no level select :() is basically bug free (now, i'm not gaurenteeing that, but...i've worked out all the bugs that my beta testers have found...) and all i need know is a website and a bmt micro liscense or wutever they use, and i can distribute it. it's an easier, but certainly limited, way to program. although, not TOO limited...

[Skix]

You can make one to suit your needs.

You can buy the havok engine if you wnat an elder scrolls 3/4 like game.
you can buy the quake engine if you want a Half life 1/2 like game..

There are plenty more you can buy for 2d/3d games. google em.

you can go to sourceforge.net to find everything open source.

[Onikura]

Ah okay, that sounds interesting. Well I am going to try the Torque game engine for my 3d work, AFTER I try game maker. That way I can build up my knowledge of game engines etc. :)

Ah that really helps! Thanks Skix!

If anything else let me know! :)

[blue_moon]

Game Maker is a GREAT stepping stone, it can handle 3D models if you get the right DLL or convert them to .mod... I think Torque is rather... Different myself. Once I feel the need to move on, I'm thinking of XNA. If you have a Mac, get Unity3D trial. If you have a great video card, try C4. There are SO many out there.

[Onikura]

I have a Radeon x1050, it can handle over 1,000,000 polygons on a screen! It's not the best, but it sure can handle well!

What exactly is C4? :o

[Skix]

I have a radeon X1300 sitting in a box in my room.
Twenty bucks, You can have it.

C4 is a high powered plastic explosive. Completely non-volitile unless exposed to an electric current. Usualy used by the military, it can also be made personaly useing the anarchist cookbook.

[Drow Elf]

And to help out, explodes with a unique orange/red flame.

[Onikura]

Thanks! :D

Sarcasm doesn't help! ;) Well you know what burns in a green flame? Cupric Chloride. Try it sometime!

[blue_moon]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C4_Engine
Makes both computer and PS3 games. Check it out.

[Drow Elf]

I know my firework chemicals. Like Magnesium. When cameras were first invented, the flash was made by burning magnesium powder, which also happens to burn at a very high temperature. When I dropped some on my friends floor, then was a large blinding white flash, and I burnt a small black hole in it.

[wildgoosespeeder]

I take computer science at my high school and we learn Java. I know the basics and some in depth.

At my high school I'm also learning Java in AP Computer Science and helping out kids learn Microsoft Visual Basic 6. I'm pretty good at Java and here is a link to help you learn more about it:

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/api/

[Onikura]

That sounds awesome! I learn Java now and wanted to learn c++ on the side, which I am doing now. The reason being that most game engines use c++.

Thanks a lot for the link Blue! :D

[blue_moon]

C4? If so, your welcome!

[ekoz]

i wish i had some C4...not the engine, the explosive...there would be so much useful uses for that around the house...