Just a beginner

[Lord_Nocturnus]

Hey I'm looking to learn how to program games and I need a bit of help. Can anyone tell me what I need and how to do it? I've got a book that is teaching me with Blitz3D, but it seems to be full of bugs. Like when I wrtie code and i have it perfectly it says "need end of file" when it is right there and I mess with it but same response. So can anyone give me the beginners guide kinda thing?

[hylian_231]

You could learn some flash, make games in flash, thats always fun and easy.

But if your talking proper games like doom or whatever, you will need to learn C++, but its probably reccomended you start off in C or C# then go to C++.

I will advise you that this isnt easy.


And to fix your end of file thing. you may have forgotten to close the brackets.

[BadNoddy]

I'll agree with Hylan, start with somethink like flash (or even a bit of Java if you are experienced with that). To dive straight into the deep end would be a bad idea to be honest...

[/2 cents]

[Cosmo_1847]

Jesush++ recommned http://www.codeproject.com/ for C++. I've only had a quick look but I have been using guide from apple on how to make stuff with there Xcode program.

[niax]

it says "need end of file"

you sure, you MUST put a blank line after your last } for your code to compile in some languages

[Cosmo_1847]

@end

You mean something like this?

[Tom]

@end

You mean something like this?
I think blank means 'NULL', as in void, as in nothing. :)

[Clarksy]

There's another avenue to explore...

Create mods for games like Doom, Half-life or Unreal. These games are actually built on top engines and they allow you to produce your own games by writing you own code.

The great thing with this is you get all the technology of a leading games engine without having to do any work.

[Lord_Nocturnus]

Thanks guys, I'll get right on it. :)

[liadbacklad]

There's another avenue to explore...

Create mods for games like Doom, Half-life or Unreal. These games are actually built on top engines and they allow you to produce your own games by writing you own code.

The great thing with this is you get all the technology of a leading games engine without having to do any work.

This does sound like a good idea but wouldn't you need the programming knowledge to create the mod in the first place?, but i'm also in the same boat and i'm looking to do some beginner programming for games. i've found a course on ICS that does what i want but i'm not sure wether that qualification would carry any wheight or would it be rubbish,
Linky (http://www.icslearn.co.uk/it-technical-courses/programming-game-design/video-game-design/)

But it's about £1900 after getting the reccomended software and i can't fund something like that,

Would i be able to get by with one of those 'For Dummies...' books or do you think a structured course would be more beneficial?

[Clarksy]

This does sound like a good idea but wouldn't you need the programming knowledge to create the mod in the first place?
If you want to do any kind of programming you'll need to know your choice of language inside out.

Half Life / Unreal use a C++ style scripting langauge format. If you know C++ then you should get on with it quite well. These game platforms have class browsers and documentation built in. They also have online developer networks / support sites.

For example Unreal have http://udn.epicgames.com/Main/WebHome