Game Design and progamming

Maccd · 12-17-2010, 10:45 PM

Hello, My name is Maccd and I check this place out and have chose to sign up here. I am hoping to become a game designer (and maybe a progammer too) But I need to know a few things:

How do I learn C++ better. I am getting a hard time learning this. I have this book on my laptop call " Beginning C++ Game progamming." I tried to understand it ( and I did learn a bit) but I am still having problems with it. I also had game design class in high school and I get it a littie bit.

What program ( like gamemaker) I should use when learning game design( is free?)?

What is the difference bettween game design and game programmer? I think I know it but I'm not sure.I heard that game designer work on the gameplay right?

I think that it for now. It would be nice if I got some help.

yaustar · 12-18-2010, 04:03 AM

Beginning C++ Game programming is as basic as you get for a beginners book so it is an indication you are not ready to try learning C++ yet.

Since you already know about GameMaker, it has a scripting language called GML that you can use in the tool and that should satisfy both your design and programming needs at this time. Other programs you can look at are Unity and the UDK. For the moment, I do recommend you stick with GameMaker though.

As for the difference between roles:
http://www.skillset.org/games/careers/profiles/

Maccd · 12-19-2010, 03:53 PM

Okay thanks. Any way to learn C++ better?

yaustar · 12-19-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maccd

Okay thanks. Any way to learn C++ better?

Yes, as said in the previous post, learn how to program first in any other higher level language like GML and come back to C++ later. Alternative programs also include Scratch which teaches program flow in a decent GUI.

Alternatively, you can try another beginner's book and/or find someone that knows it really well to teach you in person.

C++ is NOT a beginner friendly language which is why many will recommend using it as your first.

Maccd · 12-20-2010, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaustar

Yes, as said in the previous post, learn how to program first in any other higher level language like GML and come back to C++ later. Alternative programs also include Scratch which teaches program flow in a decent GUI.

Alternatively, you can try another beginner's book and/or find someone that knows it really well to teach you in person.

C++ is NOT a beginner friendly language which is why many will recommend using it as your first.

Ok so which language should I learn or used first? How can I learn GML and what is it?

yaustar · 12-20-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maccd

How can I learn GML and what is it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaustar

Since you already know about GameMaker, it has a scripting language called GML

As mentioned in my very first post in this thread. Gamemaker has an extensive Wiki and tutorials section for using both the GUI and GML.

Maccd · 12-29-2010, 03:41 PM

Is it like Dev C++ ?

yaustar · 12-30-2010, 01:26 AM

No, GameMaker is not like Dev C++.

(And you shouldn't be using Dev C++ for C++ regardless: http://www.jasonbadams.net/20081218/...dnt-use-dev-c/)

ndimucci · 02-04-2011, 12:36 PM

Don't learn C++, not yet. Look into the Head First Programming book. Start there, and then try C++.

When you're ready for C++, I recommend C++Primer Plus by Stephen Prata. Steer away from books that attempt to teach programming basics through game programming.