I have a degree (or two) in Computing, (and therefore some knowledge of C/C++) and a major passion for games that I have just decided to pursue. My Major''s concentration unfortunately did not put me on the games programming track and I frankly lack the financial resources to attend a school like DigiPen or Full Sail ... So I''m left with having to teach myself. I''m hoping any of you folks would help me out by suggesting any books the rawest of recruits into the ranks of game developers could get. In other words I''m asking for a little mentoring ... if that would be alright ... I guess exactly I''m the type of guy this "Beginners" forum is for ... Thanks a lot. MOH

I suppose I could be mean and just tell you to look at the links on the top of this page to "Articles & Resource" or "Books & Software"

But I won''t, for now anyway. If you want a book, I''d personally recommend Andre Lamothe''s Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus. This is for a number of reasons. First, it''s a pretty good intro to things anyway, but perhaps even more importantly it seems an incredible amount of people here are familiar with it, so that means you''ll probably have a broader range of people who can help you with any problems you have.

I can''t really give you any other links or titles though, without knowing what you want to get involved in: i.e., what platform, what API, or if you just need to learn basic programming, etc.

-Arek the Absoltue

Is it safe to assume you know C++?

One good way to start, is to toy around with Game Engine SDKs, like Half-Life.

Another good way, is to check out tutorials on SDL (for 2D) or OpenGL (for 3D).

Both of those APIs have sites hosted here:
SDL
http://cone3d.gamedev.net

OpenGL
http://nehe.gamedev.net

Good luck!

Game programming is mostly just about problem solving and programming skill. If you can do that, the rest is easy. (Actually, it''s damn hard work and takes a hell of a long time, but at least it''s possible .). Start small and work up. Clones of old games are usually pretty good things to start with.

Also, if you fancy getting started with GLUT and OpenGL, I have a couple of tutorials on my site.

____________________________________________________________
www.elf-stone.com

Thanks a lot.

This is the list of the books I''m going to get over the next few weeks (not necessarily in this order).

(1) Game Programming Gems
(2) Game Programming Gems II
(3) OpenGL Game Programming
(4) The Complete Reference C++ 3rd Edition
(5) Windows Game Programming for Dummies
(6) Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus
(7) Inside DirectX
(8) Game Architecture and Design
(9) Code Complete

What do you think?

i think u got alot of money to spend on books

Hold on! Before you go out and buy game programming gems understand that they will not help you if you are a beginner. The gems series (there are 3 out now) are for advanced game programmers for when they have a question or problem with their games. From what I understand you either fall under the beginner or midpoint between beginner and intermediate stage. I would recommend Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus or Game Programming All In One. I own "all in one" and rarely had any problems with it. But I don''t know what "Tricks" has to offer that differs it from mine.
Also unless you want to learn both OpenGL and DirectX for some special reason I advise DirectX over OpenGL because from my understanding it is more widely used now.

I would recommend this order:

(1) The Complete Reference C++ 3rd Edition
(2) Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus
(3-5) Game Architecture and Design
(3-5) Inside DirectX
(3-5) OpenGL Game Programming
(6) Code Complete
(7) Game Programming Gems
(8) Game Programming Gems II

(x) Windows Game Programming for Dummies

I may be wrong, but if you read and understand Tricks of th WGPG, then you would not need the Dummies one. I would recommend learning both OpenGL and DirectX, but as limosf said I think DirectX is more widely used. Code Complete will come in handy later on as your projects get bigger. I put the C++ book first because it is good to have a good reference handy.

---
Make it work.
Make it fast.

"I’m happy to share what I can, because I’m in it for the love of programming. The Ferraris are just gravy, honest!" --John Carmack: Forward to Graphics Programming Black Book

quote: Original post by limosf
Also unless you want to learn both OpenGL and DirectX for some special reason I advise DirectX over OpenGL because from my understanding it is more widely used now.

Please don't attempt to turn this thread into an OpenGL vs Direct3D flamewar. There are many developers using OpenGL very successfully, including (as I'm sure you're aware) id software in Doom 3. All the most successful FPS games in recent years have used OpenGL. The argument that DirectX (presumably by which you mean Direct3D) is more widely used is simply irrelevant. The fact is, OpenGL is a very capable API, and has better hardware support than ever before. Furthermore, with OpenGL 2.0, the future is looking bright.

There is absolutley no reason (except maybe personal preference) to choose one API over another, so please don't try and force your views on others.

____________________________________________________________
www.elf-stone.com

[edited by - benjamin bunny on August 8, 2002 5:15:48 PM]