hey guys .. I have a lot of interest on making games but I need some help on how to start. I''m a beginner and I don''t know if I should start by buying a book that teaches all the basics about making games or if should try doing anything else that could also teach me all what I need to learn to make these kind of games. Also, I''m still young so I want to start learning how to make these games because this is what I want to do in my future. I hope someone could try to help me. THANKS ohhh yeah... if someone has MSN--- my email is ibi_3@hotmail.com

You should first of all start with learning basic programming before picking up a book on game development. I haven''t read many such books, but I assume that they assume you have basic programming knowledge.

So:

1. Get a compiler: Dev-C++ (free) or MS Visual C++ (expensive).
   
2. Get a book (physical or online) that teaches basic programming in C/C++. I can''t recommend any specific one.
   
3. Learn and play until you feel you have solid understanding of programming.
   
4. Pick up a complete C++ book, so you get a complete picture of the language. I recommend Bruce Eckel''s Thinking in C++ (download for free).
   
5. Pick up a game programming book, or return here and read all the great articles.
   
6. Code, code and code, and then code some more. Programming is not as much about knowledge as it is about experience.
   

Don''t forget to go here!

thank you CWizard!!
I will try to buy one of thos books that you suggested me to buy cause I really want to learn how to make games.

and yes xaxa I did go over START HERE but thanks anyways!!

I dunno about other''s experiences, but I found that the online vesion of Sams 21 Day C++ book was invaluable, in teaching me the very basic stuff. Not graphics or anything, of course, but enough to make some small text games.

I downloaded Dev-C++ .... I already have it installed in my pc but the thing is that I don''t know how to start working on it. I click on New Project and then this screen comes up

#include <iostream>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{

system("PAUSE");
return 0;
}

and I don''t really know what to do next.

I would say the next step is to get a book or read a tutorial like the posts before me said. Try www.cplusplus.com, www.cprogramming.com, or www.gametutorials.com for some good online tutorials. As far as books go I''ve found that www.accu.org has been a invaluable resource.

THANK YOU shenron!!
I''m about to go and check those sites..
thanks again

quote: Original post by irv_05
and I don't really know what to do next.

You need to compile the source code, and turn it into an executable application (.exe). (click the button that looks like a square with 4-colors)

The left pane in DevC++ (version 5) is your project window. A project usually consist of several source files (.cpp). If you have created any source files related to your project, then add/insert it here so that the compiler will make use of your source files.

The right pane is your source code window. Should be self-explanatory.

Before you begin with a game programming book, it's better to have one solely on programming. A strong grasp on the language details will safe you lots of trouble.

[EDIT] further elaboration
[EDIT] If you have any doubts, you could MSN me (if i'm available)... just added you to my contact.

[edited by - DerekSaw on December 30, 2002 7:53:22 PM]

[edited by - DerekSaw on December 30, 2002 7:55:04 PM]