I want to learn how to make a game...?

Question

Mostly a platformer, RPG, or adventure game. My dream is to become a game designer when I grow up, and I'd like to get some practice in now. If anyone could recommend some simple programming languages that are compatible with a Macintosh, please let me know.

Answer 1

you need a broad math background to program... if you do, follow these steps.

first, install the developer package that came on your install disk. this will give you X-Code, as well as several other useful tools.

then, start with applescript. it will help you get familiar with the main parts of programming.

http://www.fischer-bayern.de/as/as4as/AS4AS_e.pdf

thats a good tutorial to get you started.


when you get that down, try Objective-C. the Cocoa framework uses this, and its a very versatile language.

http://www.cocoalab.com/BecomeAnXcoder.pdf

this tutorial will get you started with X-Code, and give you an introduction to the Obj-C found in the Cocoa frameworks.

http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/ObjectiveC/ObjC.pdf

this (^) is probably the hardest part in the learning curve. Apple wrote this document for people with already moderate programming abilities. make sure you retain all that stuff you learned before, and experiment by implementing the new stuff into programs you write.

look at this, too:

http://developer.apple.com/games/


If you have some money, here are some books you might want to look at too:

http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Objective-C-Stephen-Kochan/dp/0672325861/ref=pd_sim_b_2/104-4205323-8753531

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Through-Game-Programming-Second/dp/1598633600/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/104-2974018-4940727?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174514467&sr=1-3

(you might be able to order these from your library for free, but don't expect to get them anytime soon, if at all)


I hope this will help you to fulfill your dreams.


cheers,

-lpod

Answer 2

Well, "game designer" and "game programmer" are two different fields, completely. LoL. But that's okay. I don't expect any newcomers to know that. =)

But C++ is a cross-platform language, and I believe it is also compatible with Mac. All you need is a C++ compiler, and an IDE, as it's MUCH more clean and efficient to develop a large application, like a game, with an IDE.

You'll need to start out small, not going in thinking, "Hey, I want to write a RPG or MMORPG-like game." You'll be very disappointed. LoL. =) I made that mistake myself.

And you'll need to learn quite a bit of math, whether you're going 2D OR 3D. There's a lot of algebra, geometry, basic math, and, if 3D, trig., physics, calculus, etc.

But you can develop your skills as you continue. I did. =) A few resources are listed in the "Sources" section. Check them out. GameDev.net is probably the leading software/game development community. And the people are great.

You will want to start out learning the language, in this case C++. You want to MAKE SURE you understand the language, and don't skip over ANYTHING. Tutorials are available at CProgramming.com, listed in the sources.

Then, you'll need to get a graphics library compatible with C++, and supported by a Mac. In that case, it's probably going to be SDL or OpenGL, but I recommend OpenGL.

But before you just into OGL, as it's 3D, I recommend going with SDL. You can use SDL to develop an OpenGL application, too. But it's much easier when you're just starting out.

Start with Tic-Tac-Toe, then move on to something like a simple Tetris clone, or a simple Pac-Man clone. That's the best, and really ONLY, way to do it.

Do check out the resources given by the other users, but I think I've given the most informative information. =) But that's okay. I think we all will help.

C++ is the leading programming language of choice in the commercial game development field, as well as general software development. But I couldn't say too much more, because I use Windows 2000 Pro and XP Pro. But C++, I'm 95% sure, is compatible with Mac. =)

Good luck, and if you need any programming help, just e-mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

Generally you cannot design a game by yourself. It require a team of many people.

It also depends what part you want to play.

3D Graphics Design
Programming
Concept Design
Story Line
etc.

Take a look at the credits for one of your favorite games, and see what role the designers made. Look them up on google, and see which interests you most.

Thank you, Signed,
Jerrad Johnson.
Admin - www.ruger22c.com

Answer 4

Here's the best source for Mac game programming:

http://developer.apple.com/games/

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Okay, he wins. :-)