Getting started in programming games?

Question

I am wanting to learn how to program games for windows. I am not interested in programming online games, so please do not give me information on how to do so. I wish to make a 2D platforming game with simple graphics. I have a bit of experience with Java. What software should I use for graphics, what language should I use for the programming, what should I use for sounds, and what (if any) IDE should I use? I would also like to know what books or sites would help me on my way.

Answer 1

I've found from my experience is that if you want to program a game (versus using a UI), you prorobably want to use XNA, a framework for programming games for Windows or Xbox 360 in C#. There are tutorials which tell you the essentials of C# and how to start programming a 2D game. But, if you want more of a drag-and-drop interface, I'd check out GameMaker. Either way you choose, good luck!

Answer 2

Actually, I would recommend Flash. AS3, Flash's newest programming language, is very similar to Java, and Flash is very good at game-making.



Fortunately, Flash can export as .exe for Windows, and there are countless examples of platforming games in Flash. If you wanna get started in Flash, download a trial version. If you don't like it (after trying a Flash tutorial), then you can always uninstall it.



If you want to learn AS3, I would recommend http://gamedev.michaeljameswilliams.com/as3-avoider-game-tutorial-base/ as a tutorial. It's not a platforming tutorial, but the concepts are rather similar.



Hope this helps!

Answer 3

:) c++ is good especialy for more adavanced stuff with direct3d. 2d games can be made with jarva or even a win 32 api for basic 2d grapichs. or there is allways flash which is easiest of all.

Answer 4

You can go to the following websites which has whole bunch of FREE programs, tutorials, and other information for game programming:



http://www.instantfundas.com/2007/10/game-maker-create-your-own-games.html



http://www.ambrosine.com/resource.html



Books for Game Maker program (Not free):



http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Game-Maker-Jerry/dp/1598638823/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250760444&sr=1-2



http://www.amazon.com/Game-Makers-Apprentice-Development-Technology/dp/1590596153/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top



You can also get Video Game Tycoon for about $29. Yes this is NOT free but if you read the customer reviews for this product it is a good program that let beginners create their own video games:



http://www.amazon.com/Video-Game-Tycoon-Create-Games-Pc/dp/B000KJW71Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1250426348&sr=1-1



You can also go to an online book store like www.amazon.com which would probably have a whole bunch of good books and programs for game programming:



http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Flash-Game-Programming-Dummies/dp/0764589628#



http://www.amazon.com/Game-Programming-Teens-Maneesh-Sethi/dp/1598635182/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250425837&sr=1-17



http://www.amazon.com/Game-Programming-Teens-Maneesh-Sethi/dp/1598638432/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250443014&sr=1-2



http://www.amazon.com/Enteractive-DarkBASIC-3D-Games-Creator/dp/B00005V57T/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1250845081&sr=1-2



http://www.amazon.com/ENTERACTIVE-FPS-Creator-Windows/dp/B000BTAC30/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1250845311&sr=1-6





Sometimes it would be better to get a good book for game programming because it would probably show step by step on how to produce a good video game and it usually would include a CD which includes programs, code, instructions, and etc. which would help you to learn game programming and create your own video games.