What Would I need to know to learn the basics of C++ language, such as game design?

Answer 1

This is a confused question. So I am going to answer, “What would I need to know to program/design windows games as a career?”

First, C++. Thank you, you may rate my answer a five now. Seriously though. C++ isn’t something you are going to pick up over night. Why? Well you can’t just learning C++, you are learning programming paradigms like OOP and/or structured programming, and many computer science concepts and skills at the same time. So you need a lot of knowledge, and it will be slow going, even in a formal environment. C++ also requires you to know what libraries do what. As opposed to what us lazy programmers who use Java do, which is just looks it up on the Java API site. Even if you already know programming and OOAD and what not, it can still be a problem. I tired getting into C++ a while back and wasn't willing to invest the time to learn it. It isn't user friendly and idiot proof like Java.

Windows uses the WIN32 APIs, MFC APIS and .NET. Those APIs, and .NET, let you access windows functionality needed to do things like, bring a window. .NET is by far the highest level and WIN32 is the lowest. Big games like World of Warcraft/ Counter Strike / Half-Life 2 will access the WIN32 APIs, you probably don’t need to worry about that for a long time. For now, as I understand, .NET will provide you with the accesses mechanisms you need, or maybe MFC.

Which one depends on what you are making. If you are making bejewled for IE, you would want .NET. If you are making minesweeper you would need MFC. If you are making World of Warcraft you need WIN32 (Or whatever the 64 bit version is, I don’t know). Most hard game programming isn’t going to lie in your knowledge of C++, but in your knowledge of vector algebra. But, if your just doing design then you might need to know that. But if you want to do anything 3D then it’s off to the world of math.

So what do you need to know to design games:

C++, not just a little, or the basics. Every last god damn thing. Sorry, but there are no short cuts there.

OOAD, not something that makes a lot of sense until you get some experience, so time is the biggest factor on this one.

APIs, which ever they may be. But, you will need to read a book or something to learn what they are. And be smart enough to know how to use them.

Vector Algebra, hit the books now, I hear this is hard.

Server hardware, or PC, but load balancing and resource usage is going to be an issue and you will need to know how to handle it.

That probably sounds discouraging, but keep in mind you can learn a little at a time and apply new skills to what you are doing. You can start simple, you wouldn’t need that much knowledge to make something like minesweeper. And you can probably think of an even simpler game to start with. Also, don’t tie yourself to C++ in the beginning. VB might be a better place to start, at least to work out the game logic. Then worry about MFC or whatever to get your graphics going.

Answer 2

Game designing is not basic programming.
C++ is a high level general purpose programming language.
There are many higher level game designing languages many of which are written in C++.
Most good ones are probably proprietary. i.e. you have to pay for them.
Do learn the fundamentals like bit, byte, word, object code, structure, field, Boolean algebra, compiler, interpreter, looping etc.
This is easier in Visual BASIC or JAVA.
The language "C" is the procedural foundation of the C++ language. Learn it first.
GOOGLE or Yahoo "game programming" to start.

Answer 3

In general games are some of the harder things to write unless you're doing very simple stuff. I would head down to the bookstore and see what books on C looked good. Read a bit and see how you feel about them.