Game Programming: Where to Start?

Question

Ever since I was 7 I've wanted to be a game programmer. I am a teenager now, and I really want to learn game programming. Anybody know where I can start? What language should I choose? And what language do big name companies like Activision use?

Answer 1

You don't learn "game programming". You learn how to write code and then you worry about gearing that toward a specific goal. Bear in mind that the gaming industry is notorious for treating their programmers like utter crap. Very long hours for very crappy pay. This is why game design technical degrees might as well be printed on Charmin 2-ply. If you want to get into programming games, you'd darn well better be sure you have a nice, broad base you can fall back on if that doesn't work out.



Any major game is likely going to be written in C/C++. They're not the easiest languages, but they produce some very nice, fast code when done right. To start, you might want to go with Java or C# to learn the fundamentals before getting into the lower level stuff. You're also going to need a good deal of math. When you get to the point where you want to work with graphics, physics, etc, you'll need to pick up calculus, linear algebra, and more. Set theory, logic, etc are all a must for any programmer in any field, really.

Answer 2

Well, you want to end up using a language like C, C++ and/or html. C is harder to learn than C++, but it is more powerful. If you are thinking about online games, try learning Java or Flash. You will need to get into college if you want to be hired by Activision, btw. Go for a graphics program in college, and physics/programming will benefit you immensely.



Right now, I highly recommend a program for you. Have you Ever heard of GameMaker? It is a free, very easy to use game creation engine that will let you create a simple (or complex) game within a couple weeks! It is difficult enough to be a challenge, yet simple enough that anybody can learn it. Making games on GameMaker will give you a good idea of the requirements for a game, and be a good steppingstone to a hard-to-learn language. Here is a link: http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/windows

This will let you get a free, legal copy of the engine. I HIGHLY recommend you try it, it is perfect for individuals with your goals. Its parent site, yoyogames.com, showcases gamemaker games that have been created by people like you.

Answer 3

Wow, you're in basic terms like i became into My suggestion is start up with an merchandise orientated Language, i might advise you start up with the language Ruby, study to play around with numbers and counsel, and then greater complicated issues. then you definately will study approximately libraries which permit the code to coach your computing gadget to do greater complicated issues like exhibiting a pixel or making a window. interest programming is amazingly annoying and that i've got been getting to grasp considering that i became into 14 (what a coincedence :D) Even now i save on with 2d interest to greater effectual grasp function yet my ultimate area is purposes. i like development strategies that permit customers of elementary computing gadget know-how to do issues no longer normaly meant, little bit of a rule breaker i'm. All i will say is that in case you like my life then: study 24/7 Spend 14 hours an afternoon typing code into your editor Rip your hair out alot over bugs and incompatibility And be in for an surprising occupation making an *** load of money warning, that is going to turn you into particularly a nerd ( on the interior coarse ) good success my pal, btw, in case you arent into it for all times, in basic terms considering which you have the want to make a interest, then supply up no longer, its alot of paintings, thinking and discomfort in the ***, being a developer aint elementary

Answer 4

If you want to learn gaming for ipad or iphone you need to use Apple's SDK, which is a version of C.

Answer 5

When I was young it was C+. I've moved on to animation now so I'm not sure. Good luck .