hello, im new to game developement (and these forums), and have a questions.
first, im only in highschool, and want to get into game programming. obviously i really dont have the expierience (or patience) to learn all those languages and databases, but i want to know a good place to start, since one day i want to be a pro. i have been messing around with flash and stuff but is that a good way to start, since when im an adult i want to be ready for the next gen systems what should i start learning first
getting started
Benoit Confait
Any tools that you use are good because you get involved in the subject. Since you’re still in school then you really want to concentrate on the maths and physics, a lot of the books you get on the subject will focus on these subjects which is a help in learning. Vector operations, matrix operations, etc, all play their parts in modelling 3D worlds which leads onto things like Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, etc. I would learn a language like C++ because you’re young and have time on your hands. C# is another nice language similar to C++ but a little bit easier to learn and you can get results quite quickly using it, plus at the moment you can use it to write apps for the Xbox360 using XNA.
CurtisDeHaven
Catalin Zima
thanks for the advise. but im still a little confused. how dose directx sdk work with visual studio c# do u develope the games in visual c# studio or do you use directx sdk
im just wondering what all i need to download
thanks
DineshB
i would advice u DirectX 101 and C# 2.0 too.they are very good friends and easy to learn than C++(in my opinion)...
Gabi M
Yes, there are many ways to start out learning DirectX.
Basically, it's a good idea just to jump in and start learning something, and then you can get your bearings.
You should download Visual C# 2005 Express and XNA Game Studio Express.
They can be found here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualcsharp/download/
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx FamilyId=A73A7E71-FF41-432D-A0EB-043E904A1905&displaylang=en
And then learn the basics of DirectX and XNA using a tutorial like this one:
http://www.riemers.net/eng/Tutorials/XNA/Csharp/series1.php
Enjoy! :)
MacksDaddy
C#, C++, VB, etc, are compilers, basically tools that you use to build your programs whether they’re executables or libraries. An SDK or Software Development Kit has libraries that contain varies methods to aid a developer in creating his product, this saves the developer time since he/she doesn’t have to keep reinventing the wheel. The DirectX SDK has all these components that you can use to aid you in developing your 3D graphics, sound, etc, all the fun stuff you’re after but you’ll need a compiler to turn all that into something usable.
Rolan
traderhen
What I mean with that statement is that you should start playing with anything that revolves around your topic of interest.
I suggest getting the latest DirectX SDK and start playing with it using Visual Studio C#
I suggest C#, which is why I referred you to the C# express product which is free
Search the net for a good bunch of tutorials
Google.com for Managed DirectX Tutorials, you will find a huge list of free tutorials to put you well on your way to making games.
Best of luck and remember to have fun
I hope this helps.
Take care.