Question:
Where would I go to get started with game programming?
Shaoni
2011-09-22 14:01:35 UTC
Hi, I've always wanted to learn how to program games, but I never really got into it a lot. I've only ever programmed using BYOND (www.byond.com), which from what I can see is really similar to Python. Aka, simple. So I thought of attempting a game in C or Java or some other "professional" language.

My goal is to create a game like Runescape, but probably more science fiction based, so I naturally assumed Java would be ideal since that's the language Runescape was developed in. It doesn't seem too complicated, either.

Now for the scary part: I'm only 13 years old, which pretty much excludes studying the language at school, and I really don't have the money to buy expensive courses and such. So, does anyone know of any free "tutorials" to help me get started? (Please no answers like "Do some chores if you need money" or anything like it, that's not what I asked for, right? :P)
Five answers:
Mencellator
2011-09-22 14:40:16 UTC
Well I wouldn't say Python is too 'simple', it is a very good language to use. I'm a professional software engineer who works with C++ mainly, however I still use Python a lot because it is a beautiful scripting language. For example, much of Civilization IV is scripted in Python.



Of course you are right that languages like Java can certainly handle more complex stuff. But only consider that if you are really ready to jump into complex stuff, which it sounds like you probably aren't (even I'm not, and I've studied a great deal of programming). It would be good to start with Python, because of its intuitive and natural language style. I believe there is a good Python module called 'PyGame' which is supposed to be a very helpful game development kit.



If you do want something more advanced, I don't know Java, but I can highly recommend C++. Definitely choose C++ instead of C, because C++ lets you use classes and objects, which are essential for RPG style games (e.g. if you want to create classes of monsters with their hitpoints, AI, etc.) Try www.cplusplus.com for the tutorial I started with. Download Visual Studio Express, which is a very good (free!) IDE, the exact same software we use at work to design the video effects you see in films like Avatar or Ice Age (I work for the film tech industry).



As for graphics, there are good kits like DirectX and OpenGL which can transform your C++ code into visuals the way you want it. As you probably know, many game designers use these. But it'll take time to learn. Don't try and make your SciFi game yet, start with simple things like text adventures or ASCII games.



Don't worry about not having access to school or 'expensive' courses. Every single programmer I know taught themselves programming from books or the internet, usually from free online tutorials, as did I. You are not at any disadvantage in that respect at all. It's the digital information age, you have access to it all at the touch of your fingertips.



And yeah, don't waste your time with Game Making programs. Sure, they might help you build something quick and nice, but at the end of the day you won't have learnt anything from it and it won't make you a better game programmer.



And btw, if you make games and programs at a young age, and can provide demonstrations of your work, it'll look brilliant on your CV if you decide to go into a tech-related career in the future.
Soul Reaper
2011-09-22 21:28:23 UTC
I would suggest Java, it may be a little hard to learn but with the time and patience you will have it down in no time:)



You can visit w3school.com for tutorials on javascript or just click the link below and it will take you directly to the tutorial:



http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp



I do NOT suggest game maker, all game maker is is a drag and drop method, really simple and really sucky, I should know I tried it. Also you are on the point when you said it is easier:P



I do not code in java, so I cannot tell you how loing it would take you, I do however code some in html and visual basicsXD



Anyways good luck:)



Hope this helped:D
Chris
2014-01-26 20:01:56 UTC
i really don't recommend using a software like GameMaker. because if you wanted to make games for a living you would need to learn a programming language anyway, so it is a bit pointless using GameMaker. and i highly recommend Java, even though it seems complex when you watch a few videos on it, it is really simple. but i do suggest trying Python it is a good and simple place to start and it is useful in future.



Golden Rule: Don't use Game Making Software (Apart from Unity (Unity is awesome))
?
2011-09-23 00:27:04 UTC
The Java tutorial from Oracle is pretty good: http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/ I find it helps a lot when I forget something.



C++ I would avoid because of the older conventions that make it harder to learn. Low-level memory management instead of garbage collection, pointers, lack of portability, and lack of robust built-in libraries make it a lot more painful than Java.



This is a pretty good library for making Java games: http://lwjgl.org/ Look at their tutorials.
anonymous
2011-09-22 21:11:43 UTC
Game Maker program would be a great step. It's easy to make a game like RuneScape with this program, but you need to read tutorials, and have experience with it.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...