What does it take to become a game programmer?


What does it take to become a game programmer, I’m sure it takes some C/C++ knowledge, but that’s all I can think of..
another thing, how can I get into a school, online school something to learn it. I got pulled out of High school at age 17, which is at the beginning of 11th grade. Wasn’t my choice my dad decided he didn’t like Florida’s school system. But what secondary choices I can make in order to become a game programmer with decent pay.

4 Responses to “What does it take to become a game programmer?”

  • XoaX.net:

    This will help you get going. You can start learning C++ with these video tutorials:
    http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/index.php

    They are perfect for beginners. This one can get you started by showing you how to install a free compiler:
    http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson0.php

    Here are some simple games with code downloads that you can use to get some ideas:
    http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson9.php
    http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson23.php
    http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson29.php

    These tutorials can get you started with graphics programming in OpenGL:
    http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/opengl/index.php
    http://xoax.net/comp/alg/graphics/graphics3D/index.php

    You can go through the tutorials and if you have questions on them or anything else in C++, please post to me here:
    http://xoax.net/forum/

    Enjoy!

  • The Day Walker:

    Well, I’m not so old but I don’t know what it takes, you could take some institutions in Dubai or anywhere you want, because in Dubai there’s high pay for everything, small jobs or big jobs, so taking institutions in FL might also be a good idea…

  • whomeare:

    C/C++ is not the only choice. You can do it in Java, C# and even Flash with ActionScript. What I want to say here is about your possibility. I mean if you want to learn C/C++, you have to go to college or online, which you have to pay for. However, if you want to learn Flash and ActionScript, you can learn it by yourself by watching Video tutorials (You can download it from torrents LOL). It is easier in term of possibility and the software itself.

    With Flash CS3 and ActionScript 3, you can make thousands of different games. Now it supports OOP, XML, Network etc. So you can make online game easily. It is not so bad, isn’t it?

    After you know it well, you can go to C/C++ with DirectX or OpenGL to make 3D Game.

    After all, you can learn it by yourself without going to a college and your wish comes true. How is that sound? Go for it.

  • Mansouri:

    Well, I’d suggest C++ tutorials here:
    http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html

    Also, just for starters, I heard that Visual Basic or Visual C++ makes it easier to get Graphical User Interfaces. You can use that after learning a bit with just making Console example programs. After you learn how to program using C++, and a little on how to create GUI’s then I would suggest you try to create Tetris(falling objects thing). Classical games like where you move this bar to bounce a ball off and hit hits blocks and destroy them are a good to go for aswell.

    Practice makes perfect. You’re going to need some time for this. A couple of weeks won’t cut it.

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