Original Post
This seems like a question that is very commonly asked, but unfortunately the answer is always in flux from day to day and person to person (due to changing technology and the diversity of goals and backgrounds). Hence, I make my own thread asking for advice about where to start when it comes to game programming. Some info.
-Previous programming experience: none. Like a modern driver who can't even change his own oil, I am an avid gamer who doesn't know anything about how games are programmed or even much about how my computer works.The only knowledge I have about programming is what I learned from GEB, which is very theoretical and not all that practical.
-Goal: eventually work up to programming my own mod for a Source game.* Intermediate goals: a Flash game?
-Time commitment: during school I have time for like an hour of work on this hobby every weeknight and maybe 4-5 hours per day on weekends. Come winter break I will have 10+ hours free per day, though I doubt I would want to spend all that time on programming. In other words, I have a substantial amount of time available to improve this skill, should I find it enjoyable once I get started.
So with that in mind, what would you guys recommend? If my ultimate goal is to program a Source mod, which languages should I start with, and can you point me to a good tutorial (preferable available for free online) that would be great as well.
* I love to play all the really clever hl2 mods like Trouble in Terrorist Town and Zombie Panic and stuff. This seems like the best way to implement my original gameplay ideas without assembling a team for an original game. Intermediate goals
-Previous programming experience: none. Like a modern driver who can't even change his own oil, I am an avid gamer who doesn't know anything about how games are programmed or even much about how my computer works.The only knowledge I have about programming is what I learned from GEB, which is very theoretical and not all that practical.
-Goal: eventually work up to programming my own mod for a Source game.* Intermediate goals: a Flash game?
-Time commitment: during school I have time for like an hour of work on this hobby every weeknight and maybe 4-5 hours per day on weekends. Come winter break I will have 10+ hours free per day, though I doubt I would want to spend all that time on programming. In other words, I have a substantial amount of time available to improve this skill, should I find it enjoyable once I get started.
So with that in mind, what would you guys recommend? If my ultimate goal is to program a Source mod, which languages should I start with, and can you point me to a good tutorial (preferable available for free online) that would be great as well.
* I love to play all the really clever hl2 mods like Trouble in Terrorist Town and Zombie Panic and stuff. This seems like the best way to implement my original gameplay ideas without assembling a team for an original game. Intermediate goals