Frecklefoot

"Brian Z" <brianzimmer@cox.net> wrote in message news:<78dsb.14820$Cj1.5678@fed1read07>...
> I am a high school student who is interested in game programming and fairly
> new to the field. Could any of you give me some advice on what I should be
> doing right now to start off?
>
> I have a little bit of programming knowledge right now, but not much. I have
> used my graphing calculator (TI-83) to make programs for my math class and
> a few simple games (a spacefighter-type game and snake). I have also used
> Java to some extent, and have used it to create snake and I am currently
> working on Cannons (I'm almost done with the terrain generator). I am in
> Calculus right now, so I'm pretty sure I would be able to understand most of
> the math that I would encounter.

Well, it sounds like you're off to a good start--you've already
programmed two games! At this point, scope isn't really an issue. The
fact that you _finished_ the games speaks volumes.

Experience with Java is good and I'd just say stick with it for now if
you're comfortable with it. Right now you're in your learning phase
and learning to program. Once you know how to program (really well),
switching languages is easier. Java is OO, so going to something like
C++ will be fairly easy.

As far as graphics go, 3D is the current rage. Java can do 3D (JOGL I
think?), but professional game programmers use C++. If you want to
learn the 3D stuff, pick OpenGL or Direct3D. OpenGL is cross-platform,
but Direct3D gets revved more often--take your pick. Both are free and
the DirectX SDK comes with some tutorials to get you up and running.

If you want to do the C++ thing (like I said, Java is fine for now,
but if you want to do this professionally, you'll have to learn C++
eventually), you'll need a good IDE. I prefer MS Visual Studio .NET
2003, but some here will swear MS is evil and you'll burn in flames
for using any of their products. Whatever. VStudio is pricey, but you
can probably get it with a big educational discount.

Finally, keep taking as much math as possible. Physics is good too.
You'll want to be good at linear algebra and other math topics. Right
now, with 3D, the more math you have, the better. Advanced math is
also helpful in other areas of game development such as AI and
physics.

HTH. Good luck! :^)