   Should I make a mod first?
  Ive been wanting to get into gamedev for some time now but I cant seem to make up my mind about should I make a hl2 mod or use a engine like irrlicht to make my game I have c++ programming experiance not alot but I know how to use vectors,files, functions and so on and I make simple programs with GUI's using a libary. My design doc for the game is complete its about 15 pages and has every single detail in it. So should I make a total conversion mod or make a stand alone game.   
  Modding Half-Life 2 has the advantage that you all ready have a full setup toolchain and fully working game to start with.  However the HL2 SDK Code is poorly documented, and just generally rather messy.  So as a inexperienced C++ programmer you may have a lot of trouble getting what you want done.  I reckon Irrlicht is the better option.  You'll need more work before you'll actually be able to produce levels/models etc and get them doing things, but you won't have 500'000 lines of undocumented C++ code that is a total mess to deal with.   ;  does irrlicht come with a map maker and stuff or will I have to code one for it   ;Quote:Original post by MonderModding Half-Life 2 has the advantage that you all ready have a full setup toolchain and fully working game to start with.  However the HL2 SDK Code is poorly documented, and just generally rather messy.  So as a inexperienced C++ programmer you may have a lot of trouble getting what you want done.  I reckon Irrlicht is the better option.  You'll need more work before you'll actually be able to produce levels/models etc and get them doing things, but you won't have 500'000 lines of undocumented C++ code that is a total mess to deal with.I agree.  The Half-Life 2 SDK is really messy and I do not like it one bit.  I wouldn't do this unless your not afraid of the horror of the undocumented code.  I have used Irrlicht myself and I like it.  I believe there is a 3D Map Editor out there for it, but don't quote me.Or, you could just go ahead and try the SDK out and see if you can deal with it.Chad;IrrEditI use Irrlicht and love it. I don't use IrrEdit though; I've become fond of 3d World Studio.   