   Beginners Learning Team/Study group
  **EDIT** We now have a Google Group @ http://groups.google.com/group/the-dev-academyGreetings everyone. First off, I would like to thank everyone who provides helpful information or insight on this forum. These tips have helped me begin my long and arduous journey into programming and game dev. On behalf of all newbs of the arts, thank you for your time and patience.To approach the point of this thread, I would like to attempt to gather some of the beginner members of the forum into a team of sorts. The goal of this team is to provide a friendly and helpful place where new artists, writers, programmers, and composers can work together to improve there skills through actual projects. This team would also act as a sort of study group, where its members can share anything which they have learned or picked up along the way in a friendly, criticism-free environment. Any veterans of these areas who would volunteer even a fraction of there time would be rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing they have helped to lead beginners through the thick haze of newbiedom and onto the path leading to a functionable role on a team.I would also like to point out what this team WILL NOT be about. This team will NOT be attempting to pull a profit in any form. If you are looking to make some money then perhaps an established team is the place for you. If you however are looking to work on something as a hobby, learning platform, or mentor then you are more than welcome here. This team will NOT be attempting to make the next ground breaking nex-gen game. As stated before, this is a place for those who are new and want to start from square 1(or some place close to there).Requirements:-Friendly and co-operative-Desire to learn-Love of gamesA little about me: My name is Mitch and I am a 22 year old male from Ontario, Canada. I have always loved games of almost all genres. I have spent the last 3 years traveling and cooking for a living. Over the past few months I have decided to persue my love of games and there beautiful quirks. I will be studying Video game design and dev for 2 years starting in January, and I have been teaching myself C++ for roughly a month and a half. As stated previously, I am new to this and by no means expect to hold any command over this team, other than trying to organize people together so that we may learn and grow as future game developers in our respective areas.In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone for there time and interest in reading this post. I wish good luck to you all in your future endeavors and look forward to hearing from some of you. Take care everyone.*Responses may be posted on this thread or sent to me at Frogman980@hotmail.com*~Mitch[Edited by - Smitch on November 16, 2009 9:58:38 PM]
  Good idea! One thing you might want to do is see if you can get one or two experienced managers/developers/artists to act as mentors. This will help the project get moving and allow others to benefit from the mentors experience.EDIT: *cough* I should pay more attention *cough*Quote:Any veterans of these areas who would volunteer even a fraction of there time would be rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing they have helped to lead beginners through the thick haze of newbiedom and onto the path leading to a functionable role on a team.*blush*So anyway it's ahh still a good idea, good luck!   ;  Thanks for the input. I agree completely with your point of veterans giving a helping hand. I feel that this group could truely provide a useful place for many beginners in all aspect of game dev. I look forward and encourage anyone with any skills, ideas, criticisms, or feedback to get involved. Unfortunatly, the only payment which we can provide for veterans is gratitude and a sense that youve helped fellow peers of the industry in progressing easier through a very intimidating field.~Mitch   ;  I feel like going solo would be a better idea as a beginner.   ;  I'm really interested in becoming a game developer, although at the moment i have exams ( will be finished in a week ) i'll have a few months off to learn c++ pretty much full time.   ;  @dhulli: I understand your point of view and agree with you in a way. I think it comes down to the individual. There really isnt any reason a person couldnt learn on there own and also contribute to, or learn from, the team/group. Thank you though for your input.@Silph: Thanks for the interest. Your situation works just fine, as I expect it to take a week or so before we get everything organized. Right now im sending out the feelers and informing people of what we have planned. Me email is in the original post and if you would like more information or have questions feel free to send me a mail.~Mitch   ;  (Bump)   ;  Hey Smitch -I am relatively new to game programming (second year CS major, however) and may be interested in such a group. I am currently developing a EV-Nova type game in C++. I have coded a breakout clone before as well. The primary interests of a group like this for me would be able to learn more graphics/game programming and be able to bounce ideas around with competent programmers. I can see the advantage for me for a group like this, but what would be the goals of this group for say a more experienced member? Will you be creating a game? Thanks   ;  Excellent idea mate, where would one go to be a part of this?Will you put up a forum somewhere on the internet?Could it be done via msn?Let me know, thanks :);  Thank you for your interest o4b. Below are some details of the team goals which I have been sending to those who have mailed me. I hope this helps with any other question you or others may have. Your main interest in the group is exactly what will make this team successful. Most people who have shown interest have a desire to grow in various aspects of development and are willing to trade some tips and help here, for some tips and help there. Some members have expressed a willingness to act in a mentor role. The plan is to work on very small, entertaining, and quality games of differing genres which will be added to a mini-game pack. This doesn't mean that more experienced members wont be given the freedom to create more elaborate small games.**Before we begin in any sort of direction I would like to evaluate the needs, skills, and desires of those who show immediate interest in the project. Once we have a small group who can begin work we will discuss amongst ourselves the type of project we will work on. Much will depend on the initial interest and skill level. Because this is a beginner focused team, I would like our first project to be a very simple game. This game genre would be decided upon by the members of the team. If we experience large division between desired genres, then we could, if enough people show interest, work on 2 projects. I cannot stress enough how small and simple these games will be. Despite this, my ultimate goal is to use these small game projects which we work on together to combine into a sort of 'mini-game' pack which would hold small, entertaining games of various genres. This would give the whole team the opportunity to work on something they enjoy, while also learning a broader range of skills. As stated before, this final product would be freeware and used to gain experience, or as a portfolio item. I would like to add that these are the beginning guidelines and ideas. At no time will the creative ideas or ventures of the members go without consideration. This team is a place for people to learn, experiment, network, and create. I feel that there is a winning formula in this plan. It allows small goals to be set and achieved. This ensures that things don't bog down and gives people a sense of accomplishment. With the goal of the final project always in some minds, it gives motivation and somewhat removes the monotony of creating simple games. But for those who stop in for one project it gives them a taste of what they are interested in while still seeing a final product. Further enhancing the experience is the collaboration between peers who sit at (fairly) the same level. As stated in the original thread, the help of any veterans will inspire and greatly help all of us, and perhaps them.  Once again, thank you for your interest. If you are still interested I would love to hear any feedback, comments, criticisms, or ideas. I know that with some patience and dedication we can all bring this idea together and move forward. Thanks again and take care. **