Looking into game programming

[mmcfadye]

Hi,
I am a third year B.Sc. Computing Science student. I have experience with C++, Java, and a little Python. I have worked with openGL a little as well. What I haven't done is create any video games other than some text-based adventure games. I'm interested in getting involved in the industry at the end of my degree.

What I am wondering is where to start.
1)Do I make a game using middleware like ogre or torque?
2)Should I start with just openGL or maybe directX?
3)Do I start with the XNA framework?

basically I am just wondering how the professionals out there started making games?

Thanks for any replies

[ndimucci]

In before http://sloperama.com/advice.html

Make a portfolio via programming games any way you want on any platform. Even if you program classic 80s arcade clones.

Attend industry events and local IGDA chapter events to network with developers.

It's a lot harder than it sounds. Also, are you aware of the realities of working in the industry? Just be prepared for LONG hours (depending on company, but usually 60-80 hour work weeks are the norm in most cases), but like Warren Spector has said "You have to burn to succeed". Also expect lower pay then if you worked for X company writing mundane software, a lot lower. Not trying to scare you, just want to make sure you're informed.

[tsloper]

Hi M McF, you wrote:

>a) I have experience with C++, Java, and a little Python.
>b) What I am wondering is where to start.
>1)Do I make a game using middleware like ogre or torque?
>2)Should I start with just openGL or maybe directX?
>3)Do I start with the XNA framework?
>c) basically I am just wondering how the professionals out there started making games?

a. Read http://www.igda.org/games-game-october-2006
b. Anywhere you want or are able.
c. Anywhere they wanted or were able or chanced upon. If you ask a dozen guys, one will say he started with Ogre, one will say Torque, one will say OpenGL, one will say DirectX, one will say XNA, one will say RPGMaker, one will say C++, one will say Turtle, one will say AppleBasic, one will say PeachBasic, one will say GrapeBasic, one will say Twelve Lords A-Leaping.

[DTR]

With DirectX / OpenGL you are bound to make a framework of some sort to build anything bigger than a rotating cube.

How are you supposed to know how to intelligently build anything meaningful without knowing how stuff has been done in the past. The best way to find this out is by either buying a book on topic or just getting friendly with an existing engine.

While using it you will find out what is good and nice and what is bad and annoying. Without that perspective on how things are done, it will be very hard to build a meaningful piece of software with any low level graphics API.