Where to start for learning game design?

Question

Having self-taught myself about html, c, c++, and basic graphic design, I'm looking to stretch my wings farther. I've got experience doing quite a few websites for friends and local organizations. I've designed and built two mud games (one from the ground up using SocketMud - barebones code).

I'm hoping to learn more about 3d graphics and visual game design. I can't afford to go back to school for another year or two. In the mean time, if I could get a little self-taught learning in and maybe even build up a portfolio it would help.

Any advice on what programs I should download or websites I can read up about game design, graphical game programming ect?

(Should mention for those that don't know, MUDs are text-based games that require quite a bit of coding to create).

Answer 1

3D Games are about "models" and "lighting" and most are written by teams of programmers who are very specialized. You'll have the "modelling" guy or team, the "sound" guy or team, artists, artificial intelligence guys - the list can go on for a while.

The code for "Quake II" is available for download online for free, and might be a good place to start looking at examples of other people's work.

Blender is a very good "modeller" if you're looking to get some experience in that area. It lets you build 3D objects, shade them, light them, animate them, etc. It is also free.

Anim8or is a free 3D modeller and movie maker.

I was the "character movement" guy on Sierra's "Return to Krondor" and also "scripted" a couple of the chapters. I was the "Sound Driver" programmer (one of 2) on "Turok 4:Evolution," "Vexx," "Legends of Wrestling II" and "NBA JAM 2004" by Acclaim.

Answer 2

jbtascam has good advice. I will add that you can get a complete video training series on game development using the Unreal Tournament engine from the link below. So awesome my 9yr old was able to create 3d worlds in a few days.

The difference between using UT, and QUAKE is that you can sell QUAKE without paying royalties. The UT development system is $100K or more PLUS royalties. YIKES!

Although you can play with the UT system for free. UT and NVIDIA used to run competitions paying out $1 million dollars!

Answer 3

I'm not familiar with the programs but if you start getting involved with mods it is apparently very good for getting in. Check out Black Messa, they might still be looking for people.