   Where do I go now?
  I have completed a few console games like snake, and pong, only using characters as graphics... Now that I feel that I have good handle on programming games like this in C++, where do I go now? I thought maybe a 2D graphics API, should I? Which? DirectDraw looks apealing, because it would help me to learn Direct3D when I want to learn 3D programming... any advice?   
  Maybe some windows programming...if you dont allready know...im just asuming since you said "console"games...that you havnt done any windows programming....but i would recommend direct3D after you get comfortable with windows programming and C++....direct3D might be kinda rough at first trying to learn it, but it pays off later.   ;  depends on your goals.  if you want to learn graphics i would start with something like allegro or sdl.  if you want to learn OS concepts and graphics look into Win32 and GDI.   ;Quote:Original post by 00daveDirectDraw looks apealing, because it would help me to learn Direct3D when I want to learn 3D programming... any advice?I'd steer clear of DirectDraw.  It isn't supported by Microsoft anymore (however it's still in DX9 for backwards compatibility).  My advice is to jump straight in and learn Direct3D.  Even if you want to just make 2D games for now it will be your best option as you can still do everything you need in 2D using Direct3D, while making use of 3D hardware.  That is all you're 2D code will still run on the video card and you'll therefore get really good performance.   ;Quote:Original post by DoolwindQuote:Original post by 00daveDirectDraw looks apealing, because it would help me to learn Direct3D when I want to learn 3D programming... any advice?I'd steer clear of DirectDraw.  It isn't supported by Microsoft anymore (however it's still in DX9 for backwards compatibility).  My advice is to jump straight in and learn Direct3D.  Even if you want to just make 2D games for now it will be your best option as you can still do everything you need in 2D using Direct3D, while making use of 3D hardware.  That is all you're 2D code will still run on the video card and you'll therefore get really good performance.He is right, I am still doing 2D stuff, and im currently using Direct3D, and when you decide to go 3D, you will be familierized with Direct3D anyways so it will all work out good.   ;  if your really good with C++ you should first know some win32 programming Recomnded Books:1.Game Programming All in one ( this is really great it has a C++ crash course in the begining it will help you refresh you can skip it if you want then second part is about windows programming and the third hardcore game programming it will give great info about how to not only program your game but how to design it also really cool)2.Begining DirecX 3d game programming ( this is not for total beginners but its great if you already know C++ it has a lot of chapters it covers all the stuff from vectors & math to pixel shaders and vertex shaders )3. Tips & Tricks of the windows game programming gurus ( see reviews on Amazon.com )4. Game Programming Code Complete ( simply the best also on Amazon )Hope ive been helpful Good Luck :D   ;Quote:Original post by Black Aceif your really good with C++ you should first know some win32 programming Recomnded Books:1.Game Programming All in one ( this is really great it has a C++ crash course in the begining it will help you refresh you can skip it if you want then second part is about windows programming and the third hardcore game programming it will give great info about how to not only program your game but how to design it also really cool)2.Begining DirecX 3d game programming ( this is not for total beginners but its great if you already know C++ it has a lot of chapters it covers all the stuff from vectors & math to pixel shaders and vertex shaders )3. Tips & Tricks of the windows game programming gurus ( see reviews on Amazon.com )4. Game Programming Code Complete ( simply the best also on Amazon )Hope ive been helpful Good Luck :DNot to derail, but I have a question about number three on that list. I own the book, but it teaches DirectX 8.1 . Now, I've seen the book recommended many times, but I've also seen a few people say the book is outdated and that every reincarnation of DirectX is drastically different as far as function calls and the like are concerned. Can I still learn DirectX with relatively little hassle using this book, or should I instead purchase a more up to date volume on DirectX?;  I borrowed a book from a friend, called "Beginning Direct3D Game Programming" so i should probably start reading this, and make 2D games in DirectX?   