tuxedo_in
asked on
what should i do to start in games programming...
hi all,
i am a graphic developer(area of work include 3d studio max, adobe photoshop, flash etc). i
have good knowledge of java programming as well.
with this background in mind where should i start go my way in to (3d) games programming
thanks in advance
happy gaming
i am a graphic developer(area of work include 3d studio max, adobe photoshop, flash etc). i
have good knowledge of java programming as well.
with this background in mind where should i start go my way in to (3d) games programming
thanks in advance
happy gaming
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Personally, I think books are the way to go, especially when you're just starting out. I hope it's safe to assume you haven't done much programming, so I'd say get a good book on C/C++.
Java is a great start, but if you want to do any serious game development (especially 3D, *eventually*), you should learn to love C (and it's flavours.. C++, C# etc.). 90% of commercial games are developed in some form of C (and yes, I made that figure up.. but it's probably close to the truth). There's simply more resources for C/C++ game dev than for any other language.
The reason I emphasized *eventually* is because you won't be able to jump right into 3D. It's a vast evolving subject that requires a good base knowledge of 2D graphic knowledge. Simply put, start with 2D. Once you've made a few small games, and you're comfortable with C/C++, graphics and whatnot, try your hand at learning a 3D API. I'm not going to state preference over which one, since they all do basically the same thing... but most people gravitate towards OpenGL for learning, since it's based on C, and seemingly less confusing than APIs like Direct3D (I learned DirectDraw first, and then moved to Direct3D without any serious issues). There are a plethora of other lesser-known/used APIs out there as well, but stick with one of the two big ones and you'll have an easier time finding help and documentation.
Finally, I must re-iterate the importance of BOOKS. Don't get me wrong, online tutorials are great, and free, but you'll spend countless hours reading poorly written tutorials, or having to peice together knowledge from multiple tutorials. Of course later, once you have the basics down, tutorials are great for updating your knowledge.
Remember, always be resourceful! Seek and ye shall find.
Java is a great start, but if you want to do any serious game development (especially 3D, *eventually*), you should learn to love C (and it's flavours.. C++, C# etc.). 90% of commercial games are developed in some form of C (and yes, I made that figure up.. but it's probably close to the truth). There's simply more resources for C/C++ game dev than for any other language.
The reason I emphasized *eventually* is because you won't be able to jump right into 3D. It's a vast evolving subject that requires a good base knowledge of 2D graphic knowledge. Simply put, start with 2D. Once you've made a few small games, and you're comfortable with C/C++, graphics and whatnot, try your hand at learning a 3D API. I'm not going to state preference over which one, since they all do basically the same thing... but most people gravitate towards OpenGL for learning, since it's based on C, and seemingly less confusing than APIs like Direct3D (I learned DirectDraw first, and then moved to Direct3D without any serious issues). There are a plethora of other lesser-known/used APIs out there as well, but stick with one of the two big ones and you'll have an easier time finding help and documentation.
Finally, I must re-iterate the importance of BOOKS. Don't get me wrong, online tutorials are great, and free, but you'll spend countless hours reading poorly written tutorials, or having to peice together knowledge from multiple tutorials. Of course later, once you have the basics down, tutorials are great for updating your knowledge.
Remember, always be resourceful! Seek and ye shall find.
Biased but I think my answer addressed the original poster's question and was, well, first.
Points to me.
-bcl
Points to me.
-bcl
You have good skill sets for a head start in game programming. If you would like to start programming the hard way and would like to start on your own, learn C++ quickly. It just is as easier as Java.
OpenGL is supposed to be an easier API which has excellent functions to manipulate 3D Data. But Direct X has a lot more features.
If you like to have cross platform compatibility go for Open GL. To learn 3D programming, start from the basics, program as much 2d games as possible as 3D is something similar to 2D with an extra axis. Normally programming 2d games is a very good foundation to start programming in 3D.
Let me provide you a web site where you can learn OpenGL from the ground up:
http://opengl.org/developers/index.html
You dont have to go deeper learning the 3D as both these APIs have well defined functions for your convenience.
www28.brinkster.com/svenka
Cheers.
Venkatesh.S