What to use for Programming a gaming engine?

L06@N · 12-15-2003, 08:32 PM

I was wondering what they best client (Microsoft, Borland, Bloodshed, etc.) w/ plug-ins to use for programming a gaming engine in C/C++? What are some good books that I can rent/buy to help me do this. I know how the basic of C/C++ but am looking to expand into making some "Do for fun" projects w/ some basic games and stuff (probably using DirectX and 3D characters).
Also what is a good 3D modeler that will work with making a gaming engine (like Moray/POV-Ray, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, Bryce, etc.)?

Sorry that I might seem un-enlighten or dumb. Or that I shouldn't be trying to do this if I have to ask this much, but I usually just teach myself and avoid schooling...so I gotta ask somewhere.

Thank you all for you help, in advance! I hope everyone have a Merry Holidays! :-)

sde · 12-16-2003, 07:01 AM

i think c/c++ is probably the best core languages to know. then you can go the directx or opengl route.

i've done a little work with directx, but not much. it's pretty intense.

microsoft came out with managed directx which you can program in .NET, but for high-end games, you'll probably want to stick with a lower level programming language.

i wish we had some game programmers here to shed a little light on the subject.

Valmont · 12-16-2003, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by L06@N
I was wondering what they best client (Microsoft, Borland, Bloodshed, etc.) w/ plug-ins to use for programming a gaming engine in C/C++? What are some good books that I can rent/buy to help me do this. I know how the basic of C/C++ but am looking to expand into making some "Do for fun" projects w/ some basic games and stuff (probably using DirectX and 3D characters).
Also what is a good 3D modeler that will work with making a gaming engine (like Moray/POV-Ray, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, Bryce, etc.)?

Sorry that I might seem un-enlighten or dumb. Or that I shouldn't be trying to do this if I have to ask this much, but I usually just teach myself and avoid schooling...so I gotta ask somewhere.

Thank you all for you help, in advance! I hope everyone have a Merry Holidays! :-)

You ask for the best client. But if you think you can choose between Microsoft, Borland or Bloodshed's DevC++, then why not just stick to MS?
But if you don't have anything, then you can easely do DevC++. For example the gaming-programming school here in the Netherlands use DevC++. The students do at least.

Then you ask about a 3D modeler. The answer is simple: use whatever you got. Be glad WHEN it is your time to use and program 3D assets. Because you will have quite a 2D-learning-time before you can switch to 3D.

You also ask about books. I assume books for gaming programming.
Here is one book that isn't considered bad. I have no clue on how good it is.
NetWarriors in C++; Programming 3D Multiplayer Games by J Gradecki. I am not the right person for this. I merely thrive upon conversations with colleages.

Good luck.

L06@N · 12-16-2003, 05:15 PM

Well, I have been using DevC++ (bloodshed) so far, and I know it has a DirectX plug-in for it. So I guess if that will work just as good as MS or Borland then I'll stick with what I know and what is free (I always like supporting/using freeware - beer/speech - more if I can).

Also, I understand I'll have to go from 2D to 3D, but as long as I know of good modeler I can use. I have (tinker around with stills) POV-Ray with the Moray Modeler already, so if it will work just as good as Lightwave for doing 3D games I'll also stick with it there, unless I end up requiring something Lightwave does easier or offers that I don't have currently.
So if you said I should tackle 2D first I can just about use any file-type I want, right? I will be using GIMP 1.3.23 to make the imaging, so I am limited only by restriction of GIMP on what kinda file types I can make them.

Ya, I was mainly just wondering about compatibility with the 1st couple questions as I have never dove into the gaming part of programming. I like C/C++ and am comfortable with it, and I know of a few friends (haven't seen/talked with them in years though) that use C/C++ to make DirectX toys (like a dude who walks around the screen).

Thanks for the names of the books, I'll look into them, and if you know of any other tutorials on the web, books, examples with comments, etc I would love to see them. I am wanting to program an engine from the ground up (I know it will take a long time), but I don't care to piece together others code...so as you can guess I already know this will take me a long time to complete (and like I said it's a just-for-fun kinda thing).

Valmont · 12-17-2003, 12:42 AM

To get started three things are important in your case:
1) C++ coding skills.
You said you are just beyond beginnger. In that case you will still struggle between conceptual game-programminging-errors and C++ errors. Just a heads up.
2) Compatibility: (GIMP/DevC++/DirectX). That I don't know. You can adress the DevC++ forum or a DirectX support center or a gaming forum to find out.
3) Google is your friend as usual. Search for "Dirext programming tutorial" and "OpenGl programming tutuorial" etc. etc.
I you will stumble on sites with tons of know-how!

Good luck!

L06@N · 12-17-2003, 06:51 AM

I'll go ahead and do so, but thanks a lot for all the info:-)
Unless someone knows of any good DirectX (maybe OpenGL, too) forums off the top of there head otherwise I am gonna googlize it tonight.

sde · 12-17-2003, 07:32 AM

/me needs to work on reading comprehension

L06@N · 12-17-2003, 03:55 PM

Thanks for all the info, and keep it coming if you find/have anymore.

L06@N · 12-22-2003, 10:25 PM

Was just wondering...what do you guys think the best way to go is (and why): OpenGL or DirectX?

Valmont · 12-23-2003, 06:27 AM

Whatever you like mate.
Pick one, and go for it.

L06@N · 12-23-2003, 09:09 AM

Alright, ya I was gonna read into both and decide from there, but was just wanting to see what everyone else had to say

Pizzaman · 12-25-2003, 09:45 PM

I would use Microsoft Visual C++. It's useful for keeping track of its stuff and I heard it has a powerful debugger (although I never figured out how to use it)

I would suggest buying the following books

"Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus Second Edition"
by Andre LaMothe <== teaches you DirectX game programming

"Programming Windows Fifth Edition" by Charles Petzold.

I am currently learning to program in DirectX. Never done OpenGL. DirectX is pretty easy to set up.

-Pizzaman

L06@N · 12-25-2003, 09:49 PM

Cool, so you are also learning DirectX, eh? Ya, that is the way I was going, but for a while I think I might stick with Dev-C++ unless anyone can give complaints against it (atleast until I get more $$ to buy something like MS).
Would you suggest anything for the modeling half (making the 2D or 3D rendering's)?

L06@N · 12-26-2003, 11:50 AM

Hmm, looks like Amazon has good prices on them also...what do you think of "Tricks of the 3D Game Programming Gurus-Advanced 3D Graphics and Rasterization?"

L06@N · 12-28-2003, 04:05 PM

Well, I am getting ready to grab some books from Amazon (no good local book stores). So if anyone else has some good C/C++ programming books that I should look into buying, please let me know!