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Guide to Game Development/Introduction/Where do I begin?

< Guide to Game Development | Introduction

To use this page, go the section which best describes your skill level.

Complete Beginner to programming

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When you've never done any sort of programming.

Select a beginner language to learn:

Windows/Microsoft only
Allows for creation of console applications, forms, Windows modern/metro apps and Windows Phone apps
Mac only
Console & Form design
Windows, Mac and Linux
Output streams, forms
Windows, Mac and Linux
Scripting language - Best suited for output stream only, but can have other capabilities.

Know basic programming, but have never made a game before

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You have a few options:

  • Learn C++, most games are made with this language
    • C++ can be used on all desktop platforms and most mobile platforms.
    • Can program on Windows, Mac and Linux!
    • Once you know C++, try integrating it with OpenGL
For this, I'd also recommend that you use Glut to help with you link the game to the OS (e.g. placing the graphics onto the form).

Made a game/simulation with a programming language, but not a game engine

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For this, I'd recommend that you try out using a game engine like the Unreal Development Kit (UDK).

Alternatively, if you wish to mix your knowledge of programming with a light-weight engine, then try out: Unity

Made a game/simulation with a game engine, but not a pure programming language

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For this, I'd recommend that you try making a game with programming language, if you don't know any programming languages, then see: Complete Beginner to programming

Else, if you know a programming language then see: Know basic programming, but have never made a game before

None of the above apply to me

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In which case you can either ask about what to do in the discussion, or just have a look around the book and see what interests you.

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