Hello everybody

My name is Dana and I love Video Games,I want to learn how to create a game.I don't have any programming skills or graphic design skills,where should I start?

Is C++ a good programming language to start with?
and I heard that many Video Games use 3D max for graphic and animation is it a good idea to learn it?

Thanks in advance,and sorry if my english is not that good

Hello Dana.

Have you ever programmed anything? What about game editors, like level or map editors?

This is what our wiki says about beginning. But my suggestion is to proceed in the order I've written below. This is what I suggested to another visitor:

• Make various programs which generate text output.
• Do various number crunching demos with text output.
• Read mouse and keyboard, do some number crunching and text output with that data.
• Read mouse and keyboard, do some number crunching and 2D graphics output.
• Learn game logic.
• Make a 2D game.
• Experiment with 3D techniques.
• Make a 3D demo.
• Make a 3D game.

If you don't want to do game development professionally, I wouldn't recommend C++. You will need to learn how to program however. Having used a lot of languages for game dev I have stated I'll never use C++ and I'll probably only use C#. You can head over to creators.xna.com and check out the FAQs in the forums to get started. You can also post questions here once you get started.

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Hi
I haven't programmed anything before I have some HTML and CSS knowledge but i don't think that's related to programming.So what programing language do you suggest I should start with?

and one more question

My idol in the video game industry is Daniel Houser the founder of the Rock Star Games and the inventor of GTA series.Does anyone of you guys know what exactly he is doing?Is he the one who writes the stories or is he a coder or graphic designer?

Thanks

Python or C#. Pick one of them. Either will get you started in programming. (Always remember that most core programming concepts transfer between languages so if you pick a language like C# or Python you can move to C++ or many others later).

There are many tutorials for python online. If you need further help just ask.

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I started with basic. I'm still with basic and I don't want to learn any other language. It's a very comfortable language to begin with, and it is versatile, but its power is limited. I'm stuck in the 20th century in gaming terms, as the best I can produce will always be 10 years behind the best that c++ programmers can produce. Fortunately for me though, I prefer 80s and 90s style games.

If you chose basic I'd be happy to guide your learning.

While HTML and CSS may not be directly related to programming, they do share some basic principles, such as the fact that you can't forget closing tags or your program (or webpage) isn't going to work correctly, so you're probably a bit ahead of the curve

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In other words, HTML and CSS get you used to having to adhere to arbitrary syntax rules otherwise everything blows up in your face

For a beginners language, I'd suggest looking at one of the more 'modern' languages. Ruby or python are good ones (both have decent amounts of info online) with ruby being my preference there. You could also have a look at C#, but that doesn't have quite as instantaneous feedback as ruby or python (both of them allow very minimalistic programs with almost no boilerplate code).

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Thank you guys for your reply

I'll have a look on Python and see were I get.
Is it a good idea to learn programs for animation while I learn programming?

Thanks

anyone knows a good software to create the animations for a game?
what do u guys think of 3D max

Thanks

3D modelling and programming are not usually mastered by the same person; they're typically separated aspects of development, with some persons doing the programming and some persons doing the graphics, even for non-commercial projects.

I don't say this to discourage you in any way, but to emphasize that learning both programming and 3D modeling together isn't necessarily productive, because they can both be very demanding.

I don't know which modeling packages are better than others, but I've heard 3D max gets quite a lot of mention, so if that's what you have then I think that will be adequate for learning.

I'm sure others can advise better than me

The only thing about 3DS Max is that it is very, very expensive (we're talking thousands of US dollars). If you want something less expensive, I believe there is a free version (that is likely stripped down). I don't know what it's called, but it's something to look into. There is also a free version of Maya. If you want to get something totally free, look into Blender, which has a bit of a steeper learning curve, but is quite powerful.

While Jasmine is right that few people will be able to master programming and 3D modeling, the same can be said of either one by itself. So, if you can accept that you'll have to sacrifice one of those in favor of the other, then go wild. I personally would suggest focusing more on programming, since it isn't THAT hard to get a decent-looking low-poly 3D model (as opposed to a great-looking one).

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The problem I found with using high end 3D packages to design your models is that you probably won't be able to get all the features of the package to work in your games.

You could build a fantastic looking model in 3DS Max, but could you code in specular and bump mapping in your game?

Also, the model formats tend to be overly complex and again, you lose some of the advanced stuff in conversion.

I personally like Lightwave, I've been using it since the Amiga days.

However, I only build the basic mesh in LW. I export as Wavefront .obj format (fairly universal) to move the mesh between applications. I use MilkShape and LithUnwrap to do UV Texturing/clean up.

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I don't have a problem with the price as were I live all kind of software's movies...etc are sold for a few dollar$ as we don't have low's about copyright.

You say that programming and graphic design is mastered by different people but if I want to create a simple game and don't have a partner to make the graphic design stuff, how will I be able to finish the game if there is no characters and animations?

Thanks

You can ask people to make models for you. Ask on here, or on 3d model making community boards.

Or you can make some crude models yourself using cheaply available software, normally referred to as "programmer art"

Depending on how your skills compare, your game might end up with "artists' programming".

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Ok thanks

The key word here is master...

If your just starting out, I think its an excellent idea to make your own models for your own game. They are right though, the process is very long and takes alot of dedication.

You wont really know what you want to master unless you sample the different aspects of game developement. Personally, I love being able to switch from coding and keymashing to creating models. It helps out with the burn out.

I am a pure hobbyist though and as such I am not looking at getting into the business professionally.

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Why not try Game Maker?
you can get it from http://wwwyoyogames.com
and there are lots of gamemaker video tutorials at http://www.gamemakertutorials.com

You want to make a game where you can control every little thing? Don't use this. Make everything yourself. (I've used it and I do not recommend it, worst programming course ever)

Honestly, Python, C#, or Java are all good options as they're simple programming languages. C++ is overwhelming and shouldn't be taught to new users.

A simple graphics program is GIMP or Paint.NET (if your budget is $0) for 2D, and use Blender for 3D (again, if budget is $0). 3DS Max is a great program, but it's extremely expensive.

But yeah, it's up to you, really- this is just what I've learned. Have fun.

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I don't think itay waited almost two years for an answer :p

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