   Game Development Questions
  I have lurked these forums for a while, rarely posting and simply focused on researching and learning from other peoples questions and answers. However, after spending so much time, their are specific questions I have concerning my purpose and intentions that are not answered here specifically.Background wise I spent a few years in my late teens developing a 2D MMORPG. It started with me experimenting in visual basics 5 and DX7 Direct Draw and over time as we worked on it more and more it become a functional game. These days however are long since past.1) From experience I am aware that Visual Basics with the right tools can handle a 2D game of any proportions. However, I would like to one day in the near future atleast to start progressing towards making a small time 3D online RPG. Using Visual Basics .NET and Dx9 would a 3D online RPG be possible? I am well aware that C++ would be the obvious route from a professional stand point, but say a game with maybe 2-4000 users online at a time, would VB .NET and DX be able to handle it without signifigant performance loss?2) I have started learning C++ for the purpose of game design. Is C# just as capable and easier to learn with somewhat less of a learning curve? Should I just stick with C++ or maybe learn C# first then take on the monster that is C++?3) I have always been against premade game engines because I felt that was someone elses work and would be the easy route to go. I am starting to realize this is simply the functions that every game needs in the form of a package and the actual game is still up to you to develop. Would it be better to find a good 3D game engine and work off of that learning what is needed along the way as opposed to starting from scratch like I did once?4) 3D worlds are something that I have never quite understood. In games such as World of Warcraft, Archlord, and hundreds of other MMORPGs, the worlds are seamless. Dungeons of course are accessed through portals, but how are worlds designed? Do game creators use pre existing world creators and load their own graphics and such and design the levels that way, then link them with code to appear seamless?I guess the main thing I am trying to figure out is can I use my pre existing knowledge of VB and DX and go to the next level and start working on a 3D game. Or for performance purposes should I find a good engine with the basics included, written in C++, and start that way?   
Quote:1) From experience I am aware that Visual Basics with the right tools can handle a 2D game of any proportions. However, I would like to one day in the near future atleast to start progressing towards making a small time 3D online RPG. Using Visual Basics .NET and Dx9 would a 3D online RPG be possible? I am well aware that C++ would be the obvious route from a professional stand point, but say a game with maybe 2-4000 users online at a time, would VB .NET and DX be able to handle it without signifigant performance loss?Sure. You're the bottleneck, not the language.Quote:I have started learning C++ for the purpose of game design. Is C# just as capable and easier to learn with somewhat less of a learning curve? Should I just stick with C++ or maybe learn C# first then take on the monster that is C++?There is no particular reason to use C++ unless you want to get a job as a professional programmer in the industry in the near future. Quote:3) I have always been against premade game engines because I felt that was someone elses work and would be the easy route to go. I am starting to realize this is simply the functions that every game needs in the form of a package and the actual game is still up to you to develop. Would it be better to find a good 3D game engine and work off of that learning what is needed along the way as opposed to starting from scratch like I did once?You want to write games, not engines, so leveraging existing technology is a great way to actually be productive instead of engaging in ego-stroking by writing your own Amazing Personal Engine Of Awesomeness +3 (which is likely actually less featured, less powerful, and overall "less good" than existing platforms).Quote:4) 3D worlds are something that I have never quite understood. In games such as World of Warcraft, Archlord, and hundreds of other MMORPGs, the worlds are seamless. Dungeons of course are accessed through portals, but how are worlds designed? Do game creators use pre existing world creators and load their own graphics and such and design the levels that way, then link them with code to appear seamless?The worlds are built with tools, which may or may not be domain specific, and connected via code, yes.Quote:I guess the main thing I am trying to figure out is can I use my pre existing knowledge of VB and DX and go to the next level and start working on a 3D game.Yes.Quote:Or for performance purposes should I find a good engine with the basics included, written in C++, and start that way?Performance is not an issue. Forget you ever heard of the term until you actually have a game, and it actually runs slow.   ;  In response to #3:When considering whether or not you should make you own engine also consider the following (even though I bet you have).  It "can" be a major waste of time to re-invent the wheel.  If you are simply avoiding other engines based solely on the grounds that it's someone else’s work I think this is a weak grounds to expel its use entirely.  Other good reason for making your own engine might be the learning experience, or specific features that no other engine will provide to you properly.  (Note: in the second case this is somewhat not the strongest statement given that many engines provide the source to their engines, so tinkering is very possible). Or you can’t find a good one for free!It is also good experience to go through the process of using someone else’s engine.  It is not a cake walk.  Should you work in the industry I bet there will come many a time where you will be using someone else’s engine.In Answering #2: If you have a strong programming background(or even moderate) and want to learn C++ I say go for it.  Yes C# is easier only given that there are no pointers and it's garbage collected.  I honestly don't see what else is so much more difficult about C++ as many seem to rant about.  I am always the type who will learn something out of necessity so.... maybe I’m just giving you bad advice from an academic point of view.  If you need it, go and learn it.  If not, leave it be.So overall, find out what you need. Ask yourself again why you are avoiding a pre made engine. Make sure you don't squander your precious time be that learning C#(or any language) when you didn't need it. Or making an engine when there was an engine out there(for Free! If you can't find a good free engine by all means make your own save yourself money! Unless you are short on time. Odds are though, there is an engine out there for you. devmaster.net try a look around and see)   