Hello,

I have limited programming experience in C++, but have always had a passion for games.  Where do I start?  I have a rough idea of the type of game I want to develop and am ready to commit the time necessary to learn new languages.  Are mobile games too difficult to begin with? Should I begin learning the basics of keyboard controls before attempting touch screens?  I would appreciate any input or advice!

Thanks!
Nick1

First off, good on you for wanting to get into this! It's pretty daunting to get into game design for the first time.

As to answer your first question, I have always found it best to try and start with small projects to begin. Come up with something you want to create, and look up what you don't know along the way. This will help you build some experiences with how to program and get you familiar with the work flow and language. Then tackle larger and larger projects in this way.

Secondly, if you go into game design knowing the platform in which you want to develop for, this is a good place to start. Familiarize yourself with functionalities and mechanics that pertain to the platform you are developing for. Take for example mobile games, like you stated. Familiarize yourself with the functions necessary to take advantage of the touch screen, the gyroscope, and possibly the camera if you need it. These can then stem into ways to control your game. I would suggest, however, that unless you have found a good way to export your games quickly in order to test them on a mobile device, make everything subject to change during your testing process as far as controls, as when you test on a larger screen with a mouse and such, it may not translate well into the mobile arena.

Good luck to you, and I hope that I have been helpful to you in some way! Remember, its a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, and enjoy the process. Don't always be focused on what it will be like to be at the finish line, or you will not be able to focus on the steps it takes to get there.

8 hours ago, UnvenPixel said:

It's pretty daunting to get into game design for the first time.

Game design is not daunting. Game development, especially programming, is.

"Game design" is not a catch-all term encompassing the game development process. Sorry for the sidetrack, it just bothers me to see the term misused. 

15 hours ago, nick1 said:

I have limited programming experience in C++

Luckily, limit experience is more than enough.

If you know what a bool, int, float and string is and how to write a simple function; your ready. Your coding experience will grow as you develop games.

15 hours ago, nick1 said:

Where do I start?  I have a rough idea of the type of game I want to develop and am ready to commit the time necessary to learn new languages. 

Anywhere, there is no real starting point. The best is just to get to making the game.

Grab a engine if you want to get to the good parts fast. Coding a engine for the game is a good choice if it has special futures not offered by engines.

15 hours ago, nick1 said:

Are mobile games too difficult to begin with?

They are easier by design, especially when using a engine that is aimed at mobile.

Mobile games are small because if hardware limits and market limits. The only new thing to learn is how to make the game fit on any screen.

Have fun!

2 hours ago, Tom Sloper said:

Game design is not daunting. Game development, especially programming, is.

"Game design" is not a catch-all term encompassing the game development process. Sorry for the sidetrack, it just bothers me to see the term misused. 

good point. Thanks for the catch. was just on late last night posting that.