   little lost
  Ok, to start out with yes im 13 almost 14 ,but I tend to catch on fast and this has always been my dream. Ive learnt HTML and most of Java Script. Ive made two games a type of Pong and a type of Snake,the game on most cell phones, using Java. I want to program games as a career ,but im not sure what classes in High School should be or what college to go to, or what cources to take in college.   I  would also like to make some more advance games ,but im a little low on money ,but christmas and my b-day is coming up. So what software should i buy and what books. Also is there anyway I can start making games realativly soon ,because im itching to get started.   I heard C++ was a good program. But at wally world (wal-mart) all there was was Flash Animation. Can i use that animation for games? Also i want to use a Windows Compiler ,I heard Microsoft Visual is good, is it? Also sorry if i got any tearmanology wrong or if i spelt something wrong. So can anyone help me out? AND PLEASE DON'T TREAT ME DIFFERENT BECAUSE IM A KID!!! I CAN HANDLE IT!    
  Well, first let's clear something up to start with: C++ is a specification for a programming language, not one specific "program."I'm curious, why do you specifically want to use a MS compiler? Yes, Microsoft Visual C++ is considered one of the best (just don't get v6.0), but I'm just curious.Anyway as for classes: CS classes definitely would help (basics, algorithms, data structures, etc) and math is always good, particularly things involving vectors, matrix theory and calculus.  Anyway, as for languages, I personally like Python, which is pretty easy to get started with, powerful and your programs will work on multiple OSes (assuming you don't use a platform specific module, like the DirectX Python binding).  I also like Haskell, but it might be a bit harder to get started with than Python.  By the way, I'm also 14 and I really don't notice anyone treating me differently because of it (for the most part, anyway).It's probably worth mentioning that you will have to work a little while at learning the language you are going to use before you can use it to make games (a few months at the least, most likely).   ;  I just heard of that compiler ,only reason. For the classes got it and for calculus ill take that in High School. Im ahead in Math. Do i still need to take it in College.Python is that a bought thing or do i learn it and type it on notepad like HTMl or Java? and the rest you TOTALLY lost me. My computer is 5 years old and is fairly slow. Will that effect the game or what things I should use.   ;  Hey, I've been programming since i was 8 or 9 and I have never been criticized because of my age.  I think that the best way to start is get a good book on C++ (if that's what you decided to use and is a good language to use, in my opinion) and then when you have read through and tried it, maybe go on to higher level books including graphics.  Also I think that Visual C++ is a good IDE (Integrated Developer/Developing? Enviorment) and Microsoft is offering the express editions of all of their languages for free right now, so go and grap a copy. Click here for a link to the download site.   ;  I also have been programming since I was 8 or 9. I started out with QBasic, and then got JBuilder 4, didn't like it and then jumped into C++. I'm 16 now, and been programming C++ for about 3 years, on and off.   ;Quote:Original post by Gamer4life50I just heard of that compiler ,only reason. For the classes got it and for calculus ill take that in High School. Im ahead in Math. Do i still need to take it in College.Python is that a bought thing or do i learn it and type it on notepad like HTMl or Java? and the rest you TOTALLY lost me. My computer is 5 years old and is fairly slow. Will that effect the game or what things I should use.The Python interpreter which is nearly exclusively used (which also happens to be the "official" one) is free.  You can type it in on any editor you want, although I'd recommend you get an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) which will help you with various things (the Windows distribution of Python comes with an IDE called IDLE).  The age of the computer might effect the game a bit, although your first few games will almost certainly not require a fast computer.  What part did I lose you? The part about the DirectX bindings? If so, you can ignore that.  You probably won't learn about that for a while (after you learn the language enough).   ;  As Roboguy said take all the computer science and mathmatics classes you can, especially the algebras, discreet math, advanced math, trig, ect. Also to be well-rounded, take courses like physics(for the physics side of game development) and maybe chemistry(good math practice).Read all the books, tutorials, demos, examples, articles you can find. Good sources are here, Flipcode, and Google. They are your best friends.As for posting in the forum, make sure you write your  posts as grammatically correct as you can, as that's often a way people judge intelligence and maturity (also avoid "1337sp33k"). And try not to get into flame wars, those can ruin your creditability. Maybe try not to say your age too much, as that's also a way people judge. And if you do, make sure your posts sound mature. That can help you gain respect.Just stick to that advice, practice, read, prectice, practice, and you should be fine.Good luck to ya.   ;  Ok for the Free link thing. My dad said i cant our computer probley cant take big of a download. Ill probley look at Python and C++ and see which one is less confusing to me. But I can still do it ,but it'll be harder ,right? Should i copy other games and start from there or just jump right in on my own and what kind of games should I make? Ill probley get a new computer at the end of the year and then ill get a IDN. Is that ok? Thanks for all the help by the way.   ;  Well the free Express versions of Visual Studio are quite hefty installs. If you're looking to get into C++(industry standard), there are Code::Blocks and more specifically Dev-C++ which are good environments for beginners.EDIT: Wait, I think I answered the wrong question.   ;Quote:Original post by Gamer4life50Ok for the Free link thing. My dad said i cant our computer probley cant take big of a download. Ill probley look at Python and C++ and see which one is less confusing to me. But I can still do it ,but it'll be harder ,right?Not sure what you mean here. Can you still do what?Quote:Should i copy other games and start from there or just jump right in on my own and what kind of games should I make? Ill probley get a new computer at the end of the year and then ill get a IDN. Is that ok? Thanks for all the help by the way.What do you mean by "IDN?"Anyway, Pong and Tetris are a good place to start.  Although, as I said, keep in mind that you will not start making games immediately.  It will take a few months to a year to sufficiently learn the programming language (Python, C++, etc) that you will be using.  After you make those, you might want to start looking into 3D or more advanced games like strategy games.Also, most people do find Python easier than C++ (it's higher-level, which means you don't have to worry as much about the internal stuff the computer is doing, just the task you are trying to do), but that of course, is an opinion so you still might want to look at both.   