OK. If you want to make a good game I would recommend learning C/C++ this is
how I learned and maybe I am being a bit biased, but it was pretty easy.
Secondly, I doubt that learning Linux would help you in game programming as
much as learning Windows Programming, since that will be most of your target
audience. Don't take out a loan yet, it's not really necessary for the time
being, and probably won't even be necessary until your game is done. If you
want to make High-End 3D Graphics, this will probably take some time. I
suggest you start off learning C/C++ like the back of your hand, don't even
worry about graphics until you have this down. Then, start learning about
DirectX 2D graphics programming. I suggest you get Andre' LaMothe's book
"Windows Game Programming For Dummies", as your first game programming book,
you can buy it at Borders or Barnes and Noble. And finally, always have
patience when programmming, if things start to become difficult, backtrack
and review what you've learned. I will also emphasize that VBA will not help
much in game programming. But, don't throw away your VBA books yet, because
they might help you understand programming and programming languages in
general.
I hope I was of help!
Kevin Meier <kevinmeier@cox.net> wrote in message
news:ec_La.347473$3n5.151164@news2.central.cox.net ...
> Tony Thank You for taking the time to get back with me.
>
> Yes it is a daunting task. As a side bar here, I have always wanted try
and
> build my own menus inside applications like Access and Word, and make the
> program more friendly towards my needs. So I purchased some books for
VBA.
> Within the next two months I will start doing that. I have some heavy
test
> coming up for my MCSA that I need to devote my whole attention to
currently,
> but as my Sister is anscious, I also need to start getting the supplies we
> need for our gaming exploits.
> I do have a few more questions... What is this .net framework, and I have
> also never heard of Darkbasic. I am asking this because I need to know
what
> type of software to purchase. Also I am dual booting between XP pro and
> 2000 pro. How hard is Linux to learn? At first when I tried it years ago
> it was more complicated that I needed at that time. I had so much going
on
> then. Now things are calming down and I have the time to learn it if
> necessary.
>
> Tony again, thank you for your time.
>
>
> "Tony Di Croce" <iaretony@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:a8d39d8b55f8919a126caee27241ffc9@TeraNews...
> >
> > "Kevin Meier" <kevinmeier@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:%iOLa.346207$3n5.25377@news2.central.cox.net. ..
> > > Hi, my name is Kevin and I could use some help from someone that knows
a
> > lot
> > > about programming for games.
> > >
> > > My Sister and I would like to develop games. We want to create a game
> for
> > > the gambling industry. You know the new type of slot machine, that
uses
> > > multi-row options and you can choose how many coins you want to bet,
as
> > well
> > > as the type that will take you to a new level that you can choose from
> > whats
> > > behind this door or that door type of things.
> >
> > Are you talking about a computer game or an embedded application (IE
> > actually running on real gambling hardware?) If you're talking about a
> > computer game, I reccomend you check out "DarkBasic". This is the
quickest
> > way to get you're game made.
> >
> > > Also another game, for systems like Playstation.
> >
> > For this you're going to need to become a master at C++. Seriousley, you
> > will spend probably the next 5 years MINNIMUM studying to get good
enough
> to
> > do what you want... Of course, along the way you'll make lots of things
> that
> > are not what you really want... 
> >
> > > I do know this is not an over-night learning process. That is all I
> know.
> > > I am very good with the tecnical sides of things and have my A+, MCP,
> and
> > > MOUS master certifications. I have gotten those certifications on my
> own
> > at
> > > home. And have been building my own computers for many years.
> >
> > I think most good programmers mostly teach themselves. You can learn a
lot
> > in college, but you definatley won't learn it all. In fact, you NEVER
> learn
> > it all.
> >
> > > But when it comes to programming I'm a newbie. I live in Las Vegas,
and
> > > when it comes to computer schools we are lacking. They are of the
mind
> > set
> > > to get you enrolled, teach you as fast as they can, try to get you
> > certified
> > > and out the door.
> > >
> > > I like to learn and absorb things, and as much on hands training as
> > > possible. Does anyone know of a good way to start.
> >
> > Build a fairly low end machine and install red-hat linux. It includes
G++,
> > which is the GNU C++ compiler. This is a good environment to learn on.
The
> > best graphics library for C++ on Linux (it's actually cross platform,
the
> > same code can be imported into Visual Studio and built for Windows) is
> SDL.
> >
> > > I did not know if we would need a program like 3D Studio Max for the
> > > animation, or anything, so I really could use some good information.
> >
> > Not for a long time. And that is a whole seperate skill that will take
> years
> > to master. Making games is NOT easy. Even making EASY games is hard.
> >
> > > We are going to have to get a loan to get started, but it is something
> we
> > > have wanted to do for sometime now and are not getting any younger. I
> > guess
> > > you could say this is our one chance at reaching for our dreams.
> >
> > I wouldn't get the loan. You guys are SOOOO far away from where you
wan't
> to
> > be, the loan is out of the question at this point... Unless of course
> you'd
> > use the loan to pay a programmer to do what you wan't... Even then
though,
> > you'd probably not be very good at evaluating the skills of a
programmer,
> > and might pick someone you shouldn't...
> >
> >
> > Tony
> >
> > >
> > > Please help if you can.
> > > Sincerely,
> > > Kevin
> >
> >
>
>