[Solved] Making video games and learning programming

Ok so i want to learn programming and making video games and i want to teach myself but I dont know where to start, I was looking for game creation software and found a bunch of sites but I don't want to download anything that's not safe so I'm looking for some help. Any starter websites for new programmers or video game designers or Modding software?

game creation software is very limiting. often forcing you into making something your less than happy with... best off just start to learn a language and join a dev forum.
c++ is probably the most useful but will take a few years to get your head around it properly (yes its quite a commitment of time and effort along with a lot of frustration).
i have learned 3 languages over the years... ms basic (or atari stephenson basic). amos(on the amiga), then visual basic, and im entry level on assembler... none of which are relevant today. although they did allow me to write cheats for any game i chose, my own art package, and database software for my local archeology dept.

i wish i had learned c++ when i was younger but couldnt get my hands on the relevant tutorials... today you have the web which means theres much more in the way of learning resorces than there was in the 80's and 90's... so thats where i would start... C++...

if your not absolutely sure you have the brain for c++ then visual basic is also a good starting point although the language itself can be a little on the pedantic side...
i found it frustrating because of my dyslexia but it did help with some aspects of it. in that i learned to stop swapping letters although i still occasionally do it, its nowhere near as bad as it was...

anyways enough of my ramblings...

C++ and visual basic are in my opinion the 2 most usefull followed by java.

for the first year to 18 months you will be lost but as i say you will start putting things together... in year 2... like i say its a long process learning any language...

so all of you just stick with it and 1 day it will all make sense

Hey, I happened to stumble on your Thread. I'm a programmer and I've worked in the video game industry. There's just a few rules I want to make clear before I give you more of an insight on this...

1 - Playing videogames and programming videogames are completely two different things!!!

2 - Programming isn't what people might picture...

I’ll divide a game studio in 3 levels (even though there are a lot more).

Programmers: They program the engine but don't design the game itself. They’re usually really good at Math and problem solving, not creating beautiful landscapes and designing characters!

Artists: They draw characters, levels, environment, etc. These guys create the feel of the game. They put down on paper what the game should look like.

Designers: Their task is to familiarize themselves with the engine (to master the engine) and create the characters, levels, etc. They’re main task is to put whatever the artists drew on paper into the game (using the engine).

Everyone else in the studio more-less make sure there are good translations between all 3 groups. Make sense?

I’ve posted a more elaborate answer in this forum (if you’re interested).
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] w=0&nojs=0

All that said, I’d recommend your start with a mod tool for a specific game. I’m currently using Skyrim’s Mod tool (for the game Skyrim). Bethesda provided video tutorials for those interested in learning how to mod the game. This might be an excellent opportunity for you (if you have/like the game: Skyrim).

If you’re not into Skyrim, then there’s Valve’s Source Engine which also provides a Mod Tool. The CryEngine (for the Crysis games) were very well done as well. Each mod tool has its own forum where you can get assistance.

Hope this helps.

Good luck?

Alex

Best answer selected by johndud.

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey