   Where to start
  Well, I played around with BASIC for about a week. And I've moved on to C++. I've been using it for a little while longer now. I've made a number of console apps, and I've also done a really, simple window, with a few buttons, etc.Now I'm kind of lost where to go next. Most tutorials are either really simple, or more complex/I have no idea what good it does me to learn from it.I know I'm getting too anxious to make progress. And I'm ages from being able to anything important. But I don't really want to want to just learn about STL or start finding out even more about standard libraries. I want a bigger project that I can learn things, but still hold my interest. I'm about ready to take a break, and I know myself. If I take some time off now, I'll never return to coding >_<I'm using Microsoft C++ 6.0And still don't have any experience in DirectX.I know its an open ended question, but I'm thinking maybe some tutorials that are a little more advanced, and more of a complete project. But not like 5k lines of code complete.Like, it does more than one thing, but not fifty things :)   
  My suggestion is to put C++ on the back-burner for a while. It's very intimidating to learn the intricacies and oddities of C++ in simultaneity with games programming.I recommend you get hold of Python and PyGame for your first few projects. This way, you can get to know the ropes of game programming principles without language gotchas or awkward syntax getting in the way. Once you feel that your tools are holding you back - which may happen when you feel ready to tackle the big wide world of 3D programming - you can progress to a more powerful language. Of course, you'll have to deal with the frustrating period of relearning existing concepts in a new and unfamiliar (and perhaps inferior) way, but that's half the fun.The second thing I suggest - and you should do this before touching C++ again - is to get rid of Visual Studio 6. It's a relative abomination in Visual Studio's history, and it doesn't even nearly cut the mustard in today's world of C++. A far better, free alternative is Visual C++ Express Edition. You can download it from Microsoft's site.Good luck in your travelsAdmiral   ;Quote:I'm using Microsoft C++ 6.0And still don't have any experience in DirectX.Well, who's fault is that?What I'm saying is.. get some experience in DirectX.Make a window.  Make a ball.  Make a ball and a window and a poor guy that has to run from that ball.  And call it Indiana DX.A bit of a joke there, but you should get the point.  Just make stuff!  Make stuff that you want to make!  And don't quit.. finish each thing, when you get stuck, refer to whatever helps you get unstuck.  Good luck.   ;Quote:Original post by Code_StrikeI'm about ready to take a break, and I know myself. If I take some time off now, I'll never return to codingThat's how many newcomers are unfortunately.First, if you are sticking to C++, steer away from MSVC++ 6.0, it's outdated. If you have no budget to work with, get Code::Blocks, if you can cough up some cash, get the newest MSVS.Try to buy a book on C++ if you haven't already. Tutorials are OK, but nothing compared to books.If you want to learn to do things with a graphical API, I suggest you don't start with DirectX yet. Try SDL or Allegro, both are good simple 2d APIs. I personally recommend SDL, but I have never tried Allegro.After you get decent at one of those APIs, try making a few 2d games like tetris or maybe pacman. Just get used to making games, and when you think you are advanced enough, move onto DirectX or OpenGl to work on some 3d things.Make sure you keep at it. Don't give up on something if you think it's what you want to do for the rest of your life.Oh, and when you say BASIC, I hope you don't mean the original BASIC? LoLGood Luck and happy coding!   