New with some questions for experienced programmers <3

[SpartanMk]

(Sigh - Title says for experienced programmers rather than 'from')

Hi everybody,


I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself, these forums look quite helpful and active and I decided I'll be using them for queries and research.

I don't need any specific programming questions but I have a few general ones where I'd appreciate some 'catered responses.' Yes I have done plenty of reading on the internet, seen plenty of forum queries, etc but would like to ask my own now.

So my situation is I am 21 and currently work as a Product Specialist for Ingram Micro. I did programming in school and loved it, I was 1st in my class with absolute ease. I had a realisation recently that I should chase what I love and game / game development is it. So I figured, it can't hurt to learn C++ on the side and try and develop my own small simple programs right? Who knows I might get a lucky break like Notch? (I also am considering moving to a company like EA Games as a Product Manager at some point anyway)

So I suppose my questions are, in my situation what are the absolutes that I need to know, is it to late for me to consider a career in gaming? Keep in mind the fact I don't want to take a major financial setback at this point as I want to get married in the next few years. Will I be able to design my own games soon if I am a very quick learner? What do you recommend as things I need to learn on the side? I have heard a variety of opinions, from other languages, to maths courses. Any specific books I HAVE to read?
Any other general advice for my situation?

I know these questions can be tiring to answer and I this is a small text wall so I'll understand if I get no responses :)


Peace !

[coder777]

is it to late for me to consider a career in gaming?

Nope.
It all depends on what do you're willing to invest (time). You might consider to attend some online courses.

I somewhat doubt that they will take someone without any degree. But if you show them that you're actually able to do what they want...

So I figured, it can't hurt to learn C++ on the side and try and develop my own small simple programs right?

More than that. You certainly need practice

[Tresky]

Will I be able to design my own games soon if I am a very quick learner? What do you recommend as things I need to learn on the side?

Well it me about a year and a half to teach myself C++ and I still don't know all of the little ins and outs that I probably should. If you want to design your own games I would recommend learning the entire language first and then moving on to 2D graphics. Two great API's for 2D graphics are SFML and SDL. I use SFML and it is great. After you have 2D down then you should move on to 3D wth OpenGL.

It only makes sense to work your way up the ladder. Skipping rungs will only hurt you in the end.

This is my 2 cents on those two questions. Make of it what you will.
I have no idea about the others because I have not entered life yet, for I am only 15, but that being said, that doesn't make my answer that I just gave any less credible. Haha. Good luck to you, mate.

[LB]

I learned C++ in two weeks, and have been learning the 'little ins and outs' by reading stuff on these forums. If you're a quick learner you should have no problem.

[ascii]

I don't think anyone can ever say they have "learned" C++. As for the OP, if you want to be a professional game developer you'd probably want to be a CS major, companies will be hesitant to take someone without a degree as coder77 pointed out. After you've learned the basics of C++ (I would say up to and through inheritance and the STL), you should start playing around with SFML over SDL. Allegro is also an easy option but is lacking in some of the features of the aforementioned libraries. Once you're comfortable with 2D graphics I would move on to OpenGL.

Also, is it just me or does almost every single new programmer want to make games? I never understood why that was why almost everyone got into the field...

[Tresky]

you should start playing around with SFML over SDL.

Once you're comfortable with 2D graphics I would move on to OpenGL.

Called it. :P

@ascii: I have also noticed that. Sure, games are fun and I agree that games are fun to make, but I like to get creative with what I make. :P

[helios]

As someone with a couple of friends in the game development industry, let me just say that when it comes to getting a job having a portfolio with interesting stuff you've done is much, much more important than any degree you can get. For example, one of those friends of mine has written several professional-level 3D engines, and while he's a brilliant programmer, he never studied any of the computer-related sciences or careers.

I have heard a variety of opinions, from other languages, to maths courses. Any specific books I HAVE to read?

If you just want to design games, ignore all of the following. You can be a great game designer while remaining in total ignorance of all things mathematical. I assume you want to write your own game engines (which is, IMO, the most fun part).
From my own research into this area, these are a couple of things that won't hurt to know if you want to get into game programming, and generally computer graphics: trigonometry, linear algebra, differential geometry.
Trigonometry is basic in any form of game development. You should definitely know your way around it if you want to get anything done in either 2D or 3D.
Linear algebra is VITAL in 3D graphics, and can also help a lot in 2D.
Differential geometry is used to implement certain effects in 3D environments, such as bump mapping. It requires knowledge of calculus, as well, since it's an extension of its concepts into higher dimensions.
I only listed the mathematical topics because that's what I imagine the average person would have the most difficulty with. Plus, graphics programming probably takes up that largest chunk of complexity in an engine, and it's where most of the math is in.

[Intrexa]

tresky wrote:

Also, is it just me or does almost every single new programmer want to make games? I never understood why that was why almost everyone got into the field...

What 12 year old says they want to practice corporate mergers? Same thing, games are fun, easy, excellent learning tools, encompass almost every aspect of programming, you can practice anything you want, and importantly, you can show off to your friends.

[ascii]

12 year old's that are game programmers have friends...? Anyhow I think my friends would be much more impressed if I showed off a Kernel I made instead of some crappy 2d game, but I'm also not 12 xD Anyhow I like to play around with SFML every now and then, game programming can be fun at times :-)

[Nohbdy]

Game programming is probably one of the best technology advancers even/especially unintentionally by the programmers without specifically choosing a path for advancing.
I mean, you're probably inventing something unique for any kind of program, but I feel games "push" technology advancement in many ways for many reasons.

I'm pretty sure the impact from bank software != impact from game software. Even if a revolutionary new method for banking software came out, games seem to create revolutionary new methods all the time(in fact that almost seems to be the "goal" of most companies making games). Also, if you feel the monetary system we have shouldn't even exist, like how I feel, then bank software "really" feels unimportant. Actually, if there are any programmers here with a job similar to that, I think I disrespect you for supporting that system. :P Ily though.

[Tresky]

@Intrexa: Why does your quote say that I said that? Ascii said that. Lol.

[Mathhead200]

SpartanMk wrote:

Sigh - Title says for experienced programmers rather than 'from'

Don't worry, we all need help...