[Legendver2]

Hi fellow RVFers! I figured this is as good a place as any to ask for some advice in terms of where to start if I want to delve into video game development. I've been thinking of creating a small sidescroller adventurer, maybe even possibly put it on Steam if I feel confident about the product. I've done some google searches on where to find tutorials and classes and what not. So far everything involves paid classes, or the material is not basic enough for a beginner like me. I've always been under the impression taht the net is just full of free resources for all types of learning, and I would prefer something that's free, or doesn't cost TOO much. Any places you guys would recommend to start?

[Architekt]

Have you done any kind of programming at all before? YouTube is an excellent place to start searching

Searching "video game coding for beginners" turned up "About 67,200,000 results"

This looks good, and I like Java, so check out this series.

You'll come out at the end with a working game, and a bit of an idea what is actually happening behind the scenes. This is a great way to learn programming, as from there, you will know what you actually need to study, instead of just floundering around wondering where to even begin. If you choose to learn with Java, the JDK (optionally) comes with Netbeans, which is a more than adequate IDE to write your code in. Alternatively, most paid programs will have a free community edition or equivalent.

Programming is a great field because at no point are you required to pay for anything. There is a free alternative for anything you might possibly require, and even if it doesn't exist you can just code it yourself.

Game development is definitely the most interesting aspect of coding - you'll it encompasses a wider and wider range of topics within the programming field the deeper you delve into the development side. The great part is that you don't need to learn all of this if you don't need it, you can stick with simpler structures for simpler stuff and not even think about the other more complicated libraries that might exist for the same task if you don't want to.

[storm]

(07-21-2015 03:00 PM)Legendver2 Wrote:  

Hi fellow RVFers! I figured this is as good a place as any to ask for some advice in terms of where to start if I want to delve into video game development. I've been thinking of creating a small sidescroller adventurer, maybe even possibly put it on Steam if I feel confident about the product. I've done some google searches on where to find tutorials and classes and what not. So far everything involves paid classes, or the material is not basic enough for a beginner like me. I've always been under the impression taht the net is just full of free resources for all types of learning, and I would prefer something that's free, or doesn't cost TOO much. Any places you guys would recommend to start?

Get a job at a company which makes video games. It will be grueling. There you will acquire confidence in your skills, a killer team, a great idea, and learn how to raise funds. Thusly equipped, you will crush it in the market.

Alternatively, you can work your way up on odesk or similar, starting with small jobs. You will need to have lower living costs until you land some good clients. When your first 10k job rolls in, you can put up fliers at the local community college and raise a small team. In a few years you'll be a petty tyrant in some gaming niche.

Or I suppose you could read some internet tutorials on how to make indy sidescrollers to share with your hipster friends on voat.

[PolymathGuru]

There are some questions you need to answer before you go about selecting a programming language.

-What is your current programming skill level?
-Do you want ease of programming or do you want maximize hardware power?

This is important because your end goal is what you are looking for. Keep in mind you can program a game in ANY language. But each language has some advantages over others. I'll go over some languages that are popular today because you'll have a community to learn from. Keep in mind that there are over 5000 programming languages and most of them you aren't going to care about. Not too different from human languages, most of them you probably don't care about. It can be hard to get reliable information on a programming language because people have their bias discussing how one language is superior to another.

The only assumption I will make of you is that you are beginner.

C++
The only reason why I am bringing this up is because you mentioned you want to develop games for steam. Most of the tools for steam is written in C++. In order to to use them in another language, you will have to use a wrapper which valve will not provide for you. You'll need to get familiar with people in your communities if you use a different language.

There are some other advantages to using C++ outside of game programming.
-It can be used for programming hardware. So if you ever want to use create electrical device(USB drives, a computer printer, a robot), this would be an ideal language to learn. The only languages that would outperform in this area is C, assembly and and machine language.

-If you can learn C++, you can pick up just about any other language along the way. People who studied C++ before can easily pick up a language like javascript, java, C#, python and ect.

-It is a legacy language. You know whatever you build now will be able to run 20 years from now. One of the reasons why new languages get made is to "correct problems" in another language only to lead to other problems that. The C++ community understands that they want durability.

-The literature for C++ is better for learning. You can't be creating half-hearted attempts in implication. It requires a better deal of attention. The language is called expert friendly but punishing to those new to it.

There are disadvantages to C++
-Longer and steeper learning curve. If you just want to build a 2d game, you may need at least 1 years worth of practice before you can start building anything what you described.
-Generally requires more code to implement the same type of program
-You need to understand how to do memory management

Java
Advantages of Java
-No memory management required(done by the JVM)
-Very similar to C and C++ language(I was able to pick up C++ pretty quickly starting off with knowing Java first)
-Safer to use(C++ gives you access to the hardware, Java doesn't)
-Currently, the Android platform uses java to run software. If you want to port your software over, you should be able to no problem.

Disadvantages of Java
-Generally more memory intensive than most other languages
-Tends to be slower than other languages in performance


Python
-Very easy to learn. BASIC use to play the role of teaching beginning programming. Python has replaced this. It is so easy that 10 year old children are learning Python
-Python has a dedicated game development library called Pygame that will probably serve exactly what you want. Python should be good enough for 2d game development.
-Has a garbage collection
-Very fast to code in, sometimes require 1/10th of the code required by C++ and Java

Disadvantages
-Run by a benevolent dictator for life. This doesn't guarantee that legacy program will run. This ended up as a problem with Python at one time. Whereas many other programming languages usually have stronger ties to their community for input on implication of the language.
-Needs more memory and resources while still slower.

There are other languages to study but these ones are some of the most popular ones to learn and implement and suit what you are looking for. As for selecting a program language, you should always go with that suits your taste over anything else. You'll be much happier when doing your project.

[CleanSlate]

Great post above by PolymathGuru.

It's been over 10 years since I used C++, but because I've coded in C++ before I can easily pick up languages like C#, Java, Javascript, etc.

Also, Swift is the future for apps and gaming in iOS / OS X. Apple is wanting to replace Objective-C with Swift, though that will take a long while. I don't like Objective-C and I find Swift to be much cleaner, similar to C++ and it's derivative languages (except there's no need to manage memory or mess with hardware, etc).

[Travesty]

The video game industry as a laborer has always sounded horrendous to me, I have only known one 3 guys directs that worked in the industry, 1 as a developer for Command Conquer Red Alert and the others were in testing and customer service. All said everyone gets burned out quick.

If I were you I would make simple iOS games targeted at children in the 9-12 year old range and make them:

- Educational
- Extremely Addictive (Competitive and Materialistic to attract both genders)
- Plugged into social media or at the very least easy for friends to compete and communicate

The reasons for this are for kids to want to buy in-game items, levels etc..., you make it educational so the parents are willing to keep giving them money to keep buying more items and levels. Kids or parents with iPads and iPhones have more cash to burn.

Make the game very simple so you can program it by yourself or with maybe one or two or closely trusted developers so you can bring it to market quickly. If it fails you can take what you learned and pivot to new idea with your lessons learned.

I see this path in game development as the path with the most personal freedom and upside.

[PolymathGuru]

Also, you may need to look for multiple sources and reading material for teaching yourself a Programming language. If you decide to do C++, I would recommend Jumping into C++ by Alex Allain. At one time, he was the professor of Harvard's introductory programming classes. If you want to get a little more experience hinting at game design, you may want to buy Beginning C++ through Game Programming by Michael Dawson.

I can't give much advice on the other languages. Because Java was taught to me in High School and College, and I am familiar with the idea of what is going on with Python because it is a "Higher level Language".

[The Beast1]

Depending on what type of final product you want, you're going to need to either learn these extra skills or find other people to assist you.

How well are you in the following areas:

Graphic design (to make textures)
Sound design
Video editing
Writing ( got to have a story)

To me, a video game is the ultimate piece of art since it has to incorporate so much into a final product. Coding is just one small a part of the entire process.

*2 on what Travesty said. Video game development seems to be soul sucking unless you find the right studio. Even then most game studios die out or get absorbed into larger entities like EA.

Be careful and keep your head about yourself.

[Legendver2]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Yes I am a beginner, and at the moment I just want to create something like a simple side scroller, since I have a simple idea I've been working on, nothing too fancy yet, and see where it takes me. Haven't thought about getting a job at a game company, since you probably need experience to even get through the door. As of now, this is just a side project of sorts, if I'm able to learn all the necessary skills and even get this off the ground.

As far as additional skills, I am versed in graphic design and have some experience in video editing. Will probably have to learn skills in sound and audio mixing and editing as well. I guess right now, getting familiar with coding is my main concern. Will definitely check out the recommended books, and possibly look into Python as well.

[cibo]

(07-23-2015 09:08 AM)The Beast1 Wrote:  

Depending on what type of final product you want, you're going to need to either learn these extra skills or find other people to assist you.

How well are you in the following areas:

Graphic design (to make textures)
Sound design
Video editing
Writing ( got to have a story)

To me, a video game is the ultimate piece of art since it has to incorporate so much into a final product. Coding is just one small a part of the entire process.

*2 on what Travesty said. Video game development seems to be soul sucking unless you find the right studio. Even then most game studios die out or get absorbed into larger entities like EA.

Be careful and keep your head about yourself.

Due to the fact there are more programmers that want to work in game develop relative to most other industries, people tend to take a large discount to get in.

In general people in game industry work harder and get paid less than other industries (around 1/3rd less).

Building on your point about games being the ultimate piece of work, I just read an article about how many non-game companies go to E3 to try and hire game programmers such as SpaceX. Elon Musk is quoted saying that game programmers are some of the best programmers out there. And that programming space station docking procedures pales in difficulty compared to managing all the moving parts in an MMO.

So there might be some good exit opportunities if you get sick of being a game dev slave. This in addition, to the joy of working on stuff you want to.

[PolymathGuru]

(07-23-2015 02:55 PM)Legendver2 Wrote:  

Thanks for all the responses guys. Yes I am a beginner, and at the moment I just want to create something like a simple side scroller, since I have a simple idea I've been working on, nothing too fancy yet, and see where it takes me. Haven't thought about getting a job at a game company, since you probably need experience to even get through the door. As of now, this is just a side project of sorts, if I'm able to learn all the necessary skills and even get this off the ground.

As far as additional skills, I am versed in graphic design and have some experience in video editing. Will probably have to learn skills in sound and audio mixing and editing as well. I guess right now, getting familiar with coding is my main concern. Will definitely check out the recommended books, and possibly look into Python as well.

You should probably stick to python than. There are ways to use C++ code in python. For what you are doing, Python should be good enough.

[Praetor Lupus]

I recommend Derek Banas's channel on YT. He does hour-long videos teaching you the fundamentals of a range of different languages including Python, C and Lua. He keeps on adding to them, too.

[WhatTheFuck]

I recently started studying programming as well, although I am more focused on web development and software versus the video game industry.

If you are a complete beginner, I would check out Codecademy.com. They have a lot of free lessons in several different languages like Python, Ruby, Javascript, etc. Most of the courses have enough material to last you a few days, so you can get a decent idea of whether further study is something you are interested in.

Personally, I am doing a more intensive online coding bootcamp in ruby on rails with a different company, but I still use codecademy for supplementary lessons in the broad range of topics I've been exploring.

[storm]

The first thing you should do is reach out to find mentorship.

Try meetup.com. Failing that, sign up for a community college programming class and pester the daylights out of anyone on faculty who will listen.

[Huey]

Pick up this book. It's only $20 on Amazon.



You'll learn everything taught in a first year computer science course--more than enough to help you get your feet wet in game development.


Huey