I'd like to create a video game, where do I start?

Noctosphere · Jan 23, 2019

First of all, I need to say it before you all tell me
I know I won't be able to create my dream video game alone and right now
I know I will make some small shitty game at first before making a real video game that will be small, not my dream, but still small...
I know all that, so please, if you want to tell me that, skip it... thanks

So, I have few knowledge in C++, I've followed a tutorial some time ago
But apparently, that tutorial is outdated, it's C++ from 2007 or something liek that... IDK
So, I'd like to continue it but with more updated form of C++
My knowledge so far is very limited and maybe outdated as I said
I know things such as condition, loops, tables, functions, such basic stuff...
I've small knowledge about object, but limited...

So, I'd like to continue my way in programming

I'd like to get a single website that allows me to get easily more knowledge in order
For example, I'd like to learn about 2D programming only once it's time
I've seen 2D programming but long long long time ago, I don't remember shit...

So yea, if you have such website, can you share it please?
As I said, I'd like it to be noob friendly, where they explain every details
Because ı got a couple of website where they were like :
"You want to do this? Here's the whole lane of code"
Without describing every single word of the code... that sucked a bit IMO

If you can help me, thanks

Deleted User · Jan 23, 2019

If you know C++, you could start out with a library like SDL or SFML, both of which have extensive tutorials and documentation.

You could also try learning to use Unity. While the engine is more designed with 3D in mind, lots of 2D games utilize the engine. Scripting is done in C#, however, which can be a bit different from C++ (albeit similar in many regards). Unity also has a lot of video tutorials, which may or may not be more helpful than the text tutorials you've seen in the past. If you do decide to go the Unity route, I recommend Brackeys' tutorials, give him a search on YouTube.

Noctosphere · Jan 23, 2019

B_E_P_I_S_M_A_N said:
If you know C++, you could start out with a library like SDL or SFML, both of which have extensive tutorials and documentation.

You could also try learning to use Unity. While the engine is more designed with 3D in mind, lots of 2D games utilize the engine. Scripting is done in C#, however, which can be a bit different from C++ (albeit similar in many regards). Unity also has a lot of video tutorials, which may or may not be more helpful than the text tutorials you've seen in the past. If you do decide to go the Unity route, I recommend Brackeys' tutorials, give him a search on YouTube.

thanks for the info
But I'd prefer to keep C++ as I already hav some knowledge about it
But if it's that much similar, I might give it a try...
Also, when I said I touched a bit to 2d app long time ago, I think it was SFML

As for video tutorial, I don't mind actually, I've already followed some for GML, must not be that much different, right?
Also, I bit of refreshing wouldn't hurt, does your guy, Brackeys, give tutorial about C++ in general? or is it only about SFML and such?

FAST6191 · Jan 23, 2019

Most tutorials covering such basic things will be OK for modern use, especially if old is 2007 (if it was the 80s or something then that would be different), and even if the syntax has subtly changed the underlying lessons will still be good.

Anyway can you do it via a mod to an existing game, using an existing game creator or existing game engine? If you already know basic programming constructs then look to see if the previously mentioned stuff has it as an option -- anything that does it probably good enough to do what you want (indeed we usually have the opposite problem of people not knowing that and picking something without it, or having to first learn that to start getting anywhere).

2d programming is not really a thing but I know you mean you don't want to have to mess with the graphics card as much as tell your sprites to dance around on the screen and what to do when they collide. You have UI coding, and there will be some libraries which handle more than that ( https://www.libsdl.org/ being a good start). For some this might be running before you can walk and instead people might suggest you do a text adventure of some form. There is some merit to this, though I will also stand by the mods, game creators and existing engine thing.

I would like a single website that does everything I want as well. It is not going to happen though. You are going to have to piece it together after you learn the basics, and frankly that is what most of coding entails (if you are solving problems then you are going to have to look at different sources of information, put it all together and build the program). I can give you some sites I like here, http://programming-motherfucker.com/ listing all sorts of very nice resources. Having all the various programming errors on lock ( https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~pattis/15-1XX/common/handouts/bugs.html is not my favourite but works for me here) is also worth doing.

Deleted User · Jan 23, 2019

Noctosphere said:
thanks for the info
But I'd prefer to keep C++ as I already hav some knowledge about it
But if it's that much similar, I might give it a try...
Also, when I said I touched a bit to 2d app long time ago, I think it was SFML

As for video tutorial, I don't mind actually, I've already followed some for GML, must not be that much different, right?
Also, I bit of refreshing wouldn't hurt, does your guy, Brackeys, give tutorial about C++ in general? or is it only about SFML and such?

Nah, Brackeys only does Unity tutorials, so he won't be of much help if you want to do C/C++. If you're more comfortable with C++ concepts, definitely go with SFML, as it actually supports hardware acceleration (as opposed to SDL, which, last time I checked, still renders everything in software).

Noctosphere · Jan 23, 2019

B_E_P_I_S_M_A_N said:
Nah, Brackeys only does Unity tutorials, so he won't be of much help if you want to do C/C++. If you're more comfortable with C++ concepts, definitely go with SFML, as it actually supports hardware acceleration (as opposed to SDL, which, last time I checked, still renders everything in software).

FAST6191 said:
Most tutorials covering such basic things will be OK for modern use, especially if old is 2007 (if it was the 80s or something then that would be different), and even if the syntax has subtly changed the underlying lessons will still be good.

Anyway can you do it via a mod to an existing game, using an existing game creator or existing game engine? If you already know basic programming constructs then look to see if the previously mentioned stuff has it as an option -- anything that does it probably good enough to do what you want (indeed we usually have the opposite problem of people not knowing that and picking something without it, or having to first learn that to start getting anywhere).

2d programming is not really a thing but I know you mean you don't want to have to mess with the graphics card as much as tell your sprites to dance around on the screen and what to do when they collide. You have UI coding, and there will be some libraries which handle more than that ( https://www.libsdl.org/ being a good start). For some this might be running before you can walk and instead people might suggest you do a text adventure of some form. There is some merit to this, though I will also stand by the mods, game creators and existing engine thing.

I would like a single website that does everything I want as well. It is not going to happen though. You are going to have to piece it together after you learn the basics, and frankly that is what most of coding entails (if you are solving problems then you are going to have to look at different sources of information, put it all together and build the program). I can give you some sites I like here, http://programming-motherfucker.com/ listing all sorts of very nice resources. Having all the various programming errors on lock ( https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~pattis/15-1XX/common/handouts/bugs.html is not my favourite but works for me here) is also worth doing.

thanks guys, I'll take that in consideration
But, do you have a website, or a youtube playlist, of c++ coding?
I mean, as I said, I touched loops, conditions, tables, a bit to object and function... I don't think I'm all ready for 2D, right?
I mean, I guess I need more knowledge about basic C++ before going with library, right?

jeffyTheHomebrewer · Jan 27, 2019

well, this is just my two cents, buuuut...
if you code the game using c or c++, then you can cross-compile for the Nintendo 3DS!

CMDreamer · Jan 27, 2019

Creating a game (a videogame that is), involves much more than just knowing programming on any language.

I'd start on the concept (story, graphics, style, chars, and so on).
Then I'd make an engine for the physics, graphics and sound, unless you'd decide to use one of the many already around.

Then I'd start coding the game itself, following the story and dividing it on stages/chapters/levels/rooms or however you'd like to call them.

I'm not a professional programmer, but I'd say I can code some things, end even so, I wouldn't say I can create a game (at least not as good as I'd like to).

But no matter what, if you don't start, you'll never learn what to do.

If you want some criticism (good and bad), please keep us informed.

Noctosphere · Jan 27, 2019

CMDreamer said:
Creating a game (a videogame that is), involves much more than just knowing programming on any language.

I'd start on the concept (story, graphics, style, chars, and so on).
Then I'd make an engine for the physics, graphics and sound, unless you'd decide to use one of the many already around.

Then I'd start coding the game itself, following the story and dividing it on stages/chapters/levels/rooms or however you'd like to call them.

I'm not a professional programmer, but I'd say I can code some things, end even so, I wouldn't say I can create a game (at least not as good as I'd like to).

But no matter what, if you don't start, you'll never learn what to do.

If you want some criticism (good and bad), please keep us informed.

Well, first of all, i said it in op introduction
Im very aware i wont make a great videogame on my first shot
Also, as for game engine and all, im still far from that step
I.guess ill learn in due time
And for graphics, i planned to use the alpha version concept
Very very basic graphics thatll be changed for the real game (beta or such)

CMDreamer · Jan 27, 2019

Noctosphere said:
Well, first of all, i said it in op introduction
Im very aware i wont make a great videogame on my first shot
Also, as for game engine and all, im still far from that step
I.guess ill learn in due time
And for graphics, i planned to use the alpha version concept
Very very basic graphics thatll be changed for the real game (beta or such)

Yep, that's the way to go.

Please, keep us informed on development.

FAST6191 · Jan 27, 2019

I don't know. There is every reason you could make a plenty playable game essentially from the start if you are already familiar with programming. It will not be a crazy 3d affair (unity is nice but not that nice) or 90 hour scripted RPG but something eminently playable.

General thought exercise. There are still plenty of games from the 8 and 16 bit eras that are just fine to play today. To recreate one of those with a modern framework is usually not so bad. You would stand no chance of doing it on the original hardware but nobody cares as it is so far out of date at this point that anything still vaguely suited for modern use will run it. Indeed such games are often among the usual first more than hello world tests for homebrew on a new device.

Sure you might do well to read stuff like https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iNSQIyNpVGHeak6isbP6AHdHD50gs8MNXF1GCf08efg/pub?embedded=true and have some understanding of game design (I can not recommend https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/characteristics-games highly enough), to say nothing of spending an hour or three contemplating why https://www.dragonflycave.com/mechanics/gen-i-capturing works the way it does and how similar such things apply to many games. I know I said no 3d but http://hciweb.usask.ca/uploads/332-aim-assist-cameraReady-v8-final.pdf and stuff like machine navigation are good, and while I am at it https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/duels-planeswalkers-all-about-ai-2014-02-13 and possibly a quite note on the nature of levels as far as playing ROM hacker go (mainly how and why platforms, items, enemies and adjustable things might be split) but a basic framework of those is not so hard to generate.

Your my first game version of tetris will probably not https://tetris.fandom.com/wiki/SRS at the beating heart of it but it will be a thing that allows you to drop and clear lines.

leon315 · Jan 27, 2019

B_E_P_I_S_M_A_N said:
If you know C++, you could start out with a library like SDL or SFML, both of which have extensive tutorials and documentation.

You could also try learning to use Unity. While the engine is more designed with 3D in mind, lots of 2D games utilize the engine. Scripting is done in C#, however, which can be a bit different from C++ (albeit similar in many regards). Unity also has a lot of video tutorials, which may or may not be more helpful than the text tutorials you've seen in the past. If you do decide to go the Unity route, I recommend Brackeys' tutorials, give him a search on YouTube.

but isn't more simple to start creating some flash game? maybe they are outdated but u can play them on internet browser.

Noctosphere · Jan 27, 2019

Hi again
I'd like to have your though guys about GML
I have good knowledge of its UI and some about coding in GML
But I remember, years ago, that it wasn't a very optimised language
I'd like to know firstly if it has gotten better today
and two, if it's worth it for 2D games...
I mean, would it be easier for me to create a 2d game in c++ or in GML?

And thirdly, if I want to improve my skills in GML further more, can I make good 3d games with it?

thanks

PS : I already own a liscence of Game Maker, but I don't know if I can get latest version with it...

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

oops, my Yoyogames account has been deleted, maybe because I haven'T logged in for several years
Anyway, I don't own a GM liscence anymore...
Might buy one back if I'm pushed to here
it's only 40$, not so expansive for me

The Real Jdbye · Jan 27, 2019

Noctosphere said:
Hi again
I'd like to have your though guys about GML
I have good knowledge of its UI and some about coding in GML
But I remember, years ago, that it wasn't a very optimised language
I'd like to know firstly if it has gotten better today
and two, if it's worth it for 2D games...
I mean, would it be easier for me to create a 2d game in c++ or in GML?

And thirdly, if I want to improve my skills in GML further more, can I make good 3d games with it?

thanks

PS : I already own a liscence of Game Maker, but I don't know if I can get latest version with it...

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

oops, my Yoyogames account has been deleted, maybe because I haven'T logged in for several years
Anyway, I don't own a GM liscence anymore...
Might buy one back if I'm pushed to here
it's only 40$, not so expansive for me

GML is waaaay easier. With SDL and similar you have to manage everything yourself (objects and their movement, collision detection and other events)
You can make 3D games in Game Maker but Unity is much more optimized for that. GM is just too slow for anything more than very basic 3D graphics, at least last time I checked.
Learning Unity would probably be a good idea. It's pretty much the defacto standard for indie games these days and you can do a lot with it. It won't be easy though, as it's very different from GM. Still, it's easier than trying to manage everything yourself in SDL, and saves time and effort compared to that.

Your account might have been disabled/deleted due to new GDPR regulations, I had some of my accounts disabled/deleted because I didn't accept the updated ToS in time. But your GM license should still exist, have you tried emailing support and asking them to sort it out for you?

Noctosphere · Jan 27, 2019

The Real Jdbye said:
GML is waaaay easier. With SDL and similar you have to manage everything yourself (objects and their movement, collision detection and other events)
You can make 3D games in Game Maker but Unity is much more optimized for that. GM is just too slow for anything more than very basic 3D graphics, at least last time I checked.
Learning Unity would probably be a good idea. It's pretty much the defacto standard for indie games these days and you can do a lot with it. It won't be easy though, as it's very different from GM. Still, it's easier than trying to manage everything yourself in SDL, and saves time and effort compared to that.

Your account might have been disabled/deleted due to new GDPR regulations, I had some of my accounts disabled/deleted because I didn't accept the updated ToS in time. But your GM license should still exist, have you tried emailing support and asking them to sort it out for you?

Well, if you tell me Unity is better for basic creator like me
I might try to learn it... What does it look like?
Is it a bit like GML? Like that many option are Drag&Drop?
Or is it more like C++? Everything is pure coding?
Also, is it very hard to learn? Is there good tutorial online?

Last question about Unity:
Price? Website? Forum?
Thanks

Ev1lbl0w · Jan 27, 2019

You can watch TheChernoProject's new Game Engine series. He's a person that makes very interesting videos mainly in C++.

Other than that I recommend you patience: it may take you a lot of time and effort until you're able to make full-fledged games. Just never give up

The Real Jdbye · Jan 27, 2019

Noctosphere said:
Well, if you tell me Unity is better for basic creator like me
I might try to learn it... What does it look like?
Is it a bit like GML? Like that many option are Drag&Drop?
Or is it more like C++? Everything is pure coding?
Also, is it very hard to learn? Is there good tutorial online?

Last question about Unity:
Price? Website? Forum?
Thanks

I'm not very familiar with Unity but AFAIK it's somewhere inbetween Game Maker and pure coding.
I believe there's a free version of it, and there should be plenty of tutorials.

jeffyTheHomebrewer · Jan 27, 2019

leon315 said:
but isn't more simple to start creating some flash game? maybe they are outdated but u can play them on internet browser.

Why not just start from Scratch?

Mama Looigi · Jan 27, 2019

jeffyTheHomebrewer said:
Why not just start from Scratch?

Is that a pun I smell? But really, Scratch is intended to teach younger people what coding can do.

jeffyTheHomebrewer · Jan 27, 2019

Majora2005 said:
Is that a pun I smell? But really, Scratch is intended to teach younger people what coding can do.

Yeah, I know, but it could be used to make some really impressive stuff! Exhibit A:

I'd like to create a video game, where do I start?

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