Experienced game developers opinions needed!

Newbie & Debugging Questions
#1

So to start, I have been going to university for 2 years for programming. I’ve coded in many languages C++/C#, python, JavaScript, Android(SUCKS it’s feels like the evil older sister to JavaScript) and obviously a majority of Java. I really do love Java. I have no problem designing normal applications such as those learned in school (IE fake financial tools) and small games like brick breaker.
However, I can’t wrap my head around actual game development. Where do you REALLY start. Should I start coding and figure it out as you go, or do you sit down and put elaborate thought into what you want the game to be in every sense of the word.

I’ve been fawning over the idea of being able to call myself a Game Developer since 2nd year of High School(4 years ago) but it feels like a completely different world of programming that has walls made out of the hardest material in the world, time, that need to be broken down to enter. I spend 45-50 hours a week as an IT professional so after that time spent it doesn’t feel like enough time to start game development.

INTERNETZ PLEASE HELP ME RECOGNIZE WHERE TO START TURNING MY DREAM TO REALITY! ???

#2

There’s allot of these topics here. Allot… So much we have topics like these in the wiki:


  • Great resources to get you started, or help you with your next game

P.S. Nice username…

#3

Thank you for the reply. I know there are a lot of these posts, but I’ve been through a few and they have mostly been, “I feel like I know how to program, what is my next step” and I didn’t want to hijack one of those threads with my story.

I guess the part that i’m mostly stuck on is should I keep learning as I previously have been taught, which is from a book, or should I go for practice/failure method. I recently purchased Andrew Davison’s “Killer Game Programming in Java”, I got 3 chapters in and other then the fact that I have to convert most code to more up to date versions of libraries or into slick, it feels like a good resource. But on the flip side of that it is an almost 1000 page book, which would take up a very large portion of my time that I could be failing to create something.

The internet is great because It has plenty of resource like the ones that you provided, but it is lacking is peoples stories. People make beautiful “indie” games but did they start in the same place that i’m in not knowing what direction to go, or did they go to an art school with courses for game theories and development that outlined the path with stacks of money(Private schools tuition is crazy expensive).

I probably should find a better identifier if I want to be taken seriously, but thanks :D!

#4

Learn LibGDX, it’s one of the best if not the best game suites out there if you’re coding it yourself. It supports android, desktop, mac, linux, ect. Even without changing the game code that much. It’s very well designed. Once you feel you should move from there, learn straight OpenGL. If you have any questions about LibGDX or if something isn’t working, try googling it, then searching for it here, then positing a topic on it.

I’d recommend learning some math before you go into things like LibGDX and stuff. Here’s an article on vectors: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/Vectors_Basics.aspx here’s a really good tutorial on matrix math: http://www.opengl-tutorial.org/beginners-tutorials/tutorial-3-matrices/

If you don’t understand these things very well, you don’t have to worry. It’ll get easier once you use it enough. Just keep practising. Experience is key in game development.

#5

By all means, jump in and create a game!

If you consider yourself a rookie, it might make sense to copy a vintage 2D game. If you have ideas on a variant or a new game, by all means go for it.

My thinking is that it is good to have some passion and fun in the process. This is most likely to be the case if you are working on a game that excites you.

No single game is going to require every game-programming technique. Might as well wait to come to those bridges before crossing them.

For hurdles along the way, this forum is pretty great for addressing challenges. Also, with a book like “Killer Game Programming” or “Developing Games in Java” by David Brackeen, one can consult IF they are relevant to your game. Yes, a lot of the code is obsolete, but not all of the concepts.

#6

[quote]No single game is going to require every game-programming technique.
[/quote]
…and if such a game does exist, then there’s nobody that can write it :slight_smile:

#7

To add to philfrey’s point about copying vintage games, you could also try to make a close replica of an old game, not just create a similar game or of the same genre. From my experience, while the challenges of recreating a successful game might seem towering, the amount you will learn from them is invaluable.

The biggest advantage with trying to clone an existing game rather than create your own is motivation to continue. I think that most developers at some point or another have lost motivation for a project, either because of its scale, lack of assets etc. But when you are trying to make a replica of a successful game, more or less the assets and most importantly the final product is available to you!

I just wanted to express my opinion on the topic because I see many people discarding the idea of trying to recreate an existing game without giving it much thought.

Happy coding!
P.S. it is obvious that such a project would only be good for educational purposes :slight_smile:

#8

thats funny because they are very similar since android is a copy of java :smiley:

Well if someone makes a movie just by getting a camera and starting without writing a script… what would you think would be the result ? nothing good :stuck_out_tongue:
but as a learning exercise it can help; but not to make an actual game

Absolutely. Making games is very very time consuming.

Just start with libgdx tutorials and it should all come from there. You wanna try things, then you look up how to do things and so on and so forth.

#9

I would also consider changing your name , fapmaster69 is well…

#10

Fortran Assembly Program Master 6.9? I see no problem…

#11

Brilliant m80 , have a medal.

#12

Seriously though, you should consider getting a better name. >___<