Its quite strange that whatever game forum i go to there is nothing about how games work or how to link the code with graphics. I am new to the gaming area and im very interested in it but i dunno where to start. I have some experience in C++ and im destined to become more experienced because im majoring in Computer Science but its still my first semester. Anyway i just wanted someone to tell me how games work and what programs i should start learning for simple graphics and how to link code to graphics (i.e. just the basics).

Well, if you want to code graphics for games, you would have to choose an "API" to do that with. The two biggest options are Direct3D from Microsoft, and OpenGL.

My personal opinion is that, if you aren't familiar with graphics programming yet, OpenGL would be a better choice, since it is easier to work with. GameDev has several good tutorials to start with, check nehe.gamedev.net for example.

However, the BEST thing you can do, is get a book. I would recommend OpenGL Game Programming, it learned me quite a bit. But there are many others books on the topic out there.

Good luck!

(edit: ARGH! I crashed the topic!!! Everyone: never forget the last " in your href )

[edited by - Ronin_54 on October 4, 2002 7:41:16 AM]

Thanx alot Ronin.

I think ill buy that book as soon as i get some cash.

quote: Original post by TheFifteenthPharoah
Its quite strange that whatever game forum i go to there is nothing about how games work or how to link the code with graphics. I am new to the gaming area and im very interested in it but i dunno where to start. I have some experience in C++ and im destined to become more experienced because im majoring in Computer Science but its still my first semester. Anyway i just wanted someone to tell me how games work and what programs i should start learning for simple graphics and how to link code to graphics (i.e. just the basics).

The forum is about details and questions. How games work, in detail and in general, psychology, design, what makes a game good, all those are in the articles section.

You might also NOT want to use D3D or OpenGL, but stick with Direct Draw, and make some simple(ish) 2D games first, to give you the general idea of how things work.
"Tricks of the Windows game programming gurus" is a brilliant book for all the basics, but it wont cover anything advanced.

It''''s nice to be important, but it''''s more important to be nice.