How do I start?

Welcome to the "For Beginners" section

Do you have the CD that came with the ''Tricks'' book? There is a copy of Visual C++ learning edition and the DirectX Software Development Kit right there on the CD. There are instructions on how to install and use them right in the book.

Yes, I have installed the direct x sdk and the visual C++ Introductory compiler thing. I think i left stuff out in my question i actually meant to ask how should i begin the programing? Thanks for the replys though.

It''s a question that my friend asked me about a year ago when we decided making a game. We had been planning with stories, concept arts and everything but hadn''t started programming yet. I told him not to start yet because we need planning in programming to make the code looks nice and easy to debug. However, he wanted to start anyway, but he asked me "how do I start?"

Well, according to my experience, I''d like to start with the engine first. If you want to make a game, I believe you know what kind of games you''re making. Let''s suppose you''re making an arcade game (the simplest one) like Galaxian, Frogger, etc (2D not 3D).

I''d start writing the sprites engine, complete with transparency, animation, and everything I''m gonna need. Of course, the engine must be easy to use. This can be solved by using object oriented programming. For example:

CSprite block;
block.LoadImage("block.bmp");
block.Blit(10, 10);

Well, of course, things change if you make a 3D game.

After I''ve done that, I''ll go on with sounds and music. I''ll make sure I can play any sounds, any music in any time I want. If you don''t have a sound or music yet, just pick any sample sound.

For a simple game, sprite engine and sound engine are enough.
Now, I''ll start making the main menu using the engines I''ve made. Display the menu background complete with title, playing sound fx when user moves through the menu items. Then, I''ll start doing the actual game. Blitting all sprites, playing animation, music, sound fx, recording scores, etc.

Thanks and that was kinda what i was thinking about doing except with the graphics engine first(may be the same as the sprite engine). Which would just be something simple to load the terrain and then load in the sprites. I am using 2d so i think ti will be easier. Tell me what you think of this process.

Forgot one thing: the input device!

You must also make input engine before you start. You want to know when user presses left, right, up, down, and fire keys. Or probably you want the mouse (or joystick) as your primary input device.

Yes sounds good. oh and if anyone is wondering i am not at schoold cause i am sick today. When my friends gets home i think i will call him and get started. Thanks for the help nickp_tedja and keep it commin.

LOL
Dude,..this is the internet.We dont care if you dropped out of school or just didnt go cuz your smoking weed at home. (not that i'm saying thats a good thing.)...What i mean is,..relax
No one is going to tell your mum or your teachers

EDIT: and good luck with your project by the way.
If you havent coded a game before, then start simple instead of what you originally plan to make,...pong , brekaout, tetris,..and then you can move on to bigger things

[edited by - access on May 28, 2002 3:50:39 PM]

Thanks for the info. And i just had to say that because there may be some fbi agent reading the boards and then he''d come to my house. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make sure you''ve got your design written down. I used to just dive right in, and none of those projects ever got finished. If you write down your design doc (especially if you''re working with friends) you''ll (a) work consistenly and to a common goal, and (b) be able to see how much left there is to do.



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