Q: My son is interesting in developing videogames, possibly as a career, and is now getting into the world of programming. We’re not sure why we would choose one programming language over another. Any tips? A: There are many options, depending upon what his and your objectives and preferences are. Another entry, Choosing a Development… Read more »
Posts Tagged Getting Started
2 Audio Interviews, Plus Slides from Last Year’s GDC Microtalk
Aug 30, 2011OurMedia Interview (20 min.) – a bit about my earlier background, answering various questions about beginning game development. Slides from my GDC Microtalk last year (PPT slides) – about the value of technical constraints and resource limitations on creative end-results. Notes below each slide capture my points during the presentation. “Making Your Own Game” podcast… Read more »
Clone Videogames to Learn Real-Time Videogame Design
Jun 29, 2011Is there a videogame you enjoy that uses simple graphics, relies more on action or puzzles than high fidelity art/audio atmosphere, and can get by with straightforward level structures and (if applicable) AI? Clone it. By cloning a game that you already like, you will… …be pulled into studying the concrete ins and outs of… Read more »
Choosing a Development Platform
Apr 29, 2011The smallest, simplest videogame projects, the type of videogames we make to learn about videogame making – Pong, Breakout, Tetris, Atari Combat – still involve displaying graphics, playing sounds, and taking keyboard/mouse input. Unfortunately, many programming books don’t cover those seemingly fundamental operations. The reasons for that absence are simple: (1.) with a good framework,… Read more »
Open Response: How Do You Come Up With Ideas?
Mar 14, 2011Q: I’ve been mulling around a few ideas but nothing is ever good enough that I want to take my time to build it. How/where do you get your inspiration? How does someone come up with a decent idea? A: Set a deadline, suitable for your experience and comfort with the technology. Pick an end-date… Read more »