Starting points on a game

Newbie & Debugging Questions
#1

Hey guys,

So I am not very experienced when it comes to Java and I am currently looking to educate myself a little further by making a point and click 8bit Java game (in a similar to Monkey Island.)

So I have a few things that I wanted to ask,

  1. Where should I start reading up on Java in general to familiarise myself with the language further.
  2. What API should I be looking at for the type of game I am trying to achieve.
  3. Are there any tutorials I should be reading regarding your suggested API or game development in general.
  4. Any suggestions in regards to IDEs (I was considering IntelliJ as I own a license for this, but certain people suggested Eclipse to me.)
  5. A little bit unrelated to you guys, but any tips on pixel art and where to start on that?!

If anyone could help me out it would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys.

#2

  1. First you should read through the basic tutorials on the oracle site, then I recommend you should buy a physical book from a bookstore.

  2. If you’re just starting, and want to learn by making a simple game, do not use any API.

  3. Don’t use any API if you’re a beginner

  4. Eclipse forever! However, it doesn’t matter. If you later want to go into Android programming, using Eclipse will wake life easy.

#3

Thank you for the link to the basic tutorials, any recommendations on books (perhaps I will look on Amazon)? Maybe I will try and start by making a simple asteroid or perhaps a pacman style game… Something simple!

#4

I bought Sams Teach Yourself Java in 24 Hours, and Java Programming 24 Hour Trainer

These tutorials really helped me when I wanted to begin programming games.

#5

Thank you very much, the links are appreciated. I will order the Sams book!

#6

No problem. It’s a really wonderful book.

#7

I actually own a Sams book already for another language but it’s none OOP!

#8

The Sams book was the first book for a programming language that I bought. I love learning from physical books, instead of websites.

#9

I do as well, I find reading online tutorials a little difficult. Again, thank you for taking the time to help me out!