HOW DO I START GAME PROGRAMMING

[ayanda83]

Hi everyone, I need some advise. I've been studying C++ for almost 18 months now and I've just completed my Data Structures course. I'm interested in learning game programming. I have good knowledge base for C++ now, I just want to know what would be the next step towards learning game programming. thank you.

[Callum5042]

I would start with either learning DirectX or OpenGL. And learn the Windows API.

[Angeljruiz]

Allegro 5 is really good for 2D games, plus its easy to learn

[ayanda83]

I assume DirectX, OpenGL and Allegro are libraries for graphics.

[Callum5042]

Correct, however I haven't really looked much into Allegro, but DirectX supports: graphics, sounds, input and networking (Haven't used DirectX, so I only heard about them), but DirectX is Windows only. While OpenGL is only focused on graphics, it is portable, so could be used on other machines.

I suggest look through them both and decide what you think is suitable.

[ayanda83]

I will check them out. Thank you for the advise.

[Angeljruiz]

Allegro also supports input/output - keyboard input, joysticks, and sound. Plus its portable, theres even ports for ios and android

[ayanda83]

It sounds like Allegro is the one to go for. Can you suggest any learning source for Allegro?

[Callum5042]

This website I guess, http://alleg.sourceforge.net/

But I strongly suggest in the future moving into either DirectX or OpenGL for making more serious games, for now learning allegro should be fine.

[Angeljruiz]

Theres always the community page - http://www.allegro.cc/ - Its pretty well documented just search it up on there or google/youtube. Just make sure you are searching for version 5 of the library. Its really easy to learn :)

[martianxx]

This links to a collection of good videos that goes through making a simple space shooter. It should give you a good understanding of allegro as well as some of the ideas behind games programming. However as said it doesn't look at OOP which is a must for most games nowadays . However I wouldn't be surprised(considering 18 months c++) if after learning about how to use Allegro you can make your own game if you plan it properly.

http://fixbyproximity.com/2d-game-development-course/

[Duthomhas]

Just to be complete, there are also the SFML and SDL libraries.

[majidkamali1370]

SFML is extremely easy to learn and use.
written in C++ in an OO manner.