Where to begin? [closed]

Question

I'd like to start designing and creating games in either C or Java (as these are the primary languages I know). Is there a good book or online guide on where to begin development with these languages? I know the syntax and how to use the api libraries but not the best way to go about using them when designing games.

To give a sort of goal: I'd like to be able to create something of a similar sort to Mario(side scrolling) or Pokemon (isometric/top down world view) as a start before I move onto 3d design. In other words its more learning how to move sprites and create tile based worlds that move with the sprites.

Any help on getting me started would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Id start with finding out properly what different games are programmed in. i.e. one programming language might suit your needs for the game you'd like to create over others. Then my biggest suggestion is to start basic. Try a 2D game with a simple graphics engine that's easy to use, (Dark GDk, OpenSceneGraph, although i havent used these in a long time).

Start learning Collision Detection and Physics and get comfortable with what your creating no matter how fundamental.

In my opinion id start with C++ and a simple 2D engine. If you then go on to work with OpenSceneGraph it'll give you a nice background going on to working with DirectX and OpenGL.

With regards to online tutorials? Buy Books. I find they are much better.