Computer programming help

[dannyboy65]

So recently I found a course in the local university that I never knew was there, if I did I would have already signed up for it. Well I found a course video gamer programmer. I am really excited to jump into this field. I've only done a little programming before though and am a little nervous. I know I probably won't get into the course till a year or so, but I would like something to practice on. Currently I found a free program called Sploder which is very basic video game creating. I decided since I'm very new in this field that would be a good first step. Is there any other tips or programs I can use to practice if so can you please share. I would love some advice

 

[Bronson99]

So recently I found a course in the local university that I never knew was there, if I did I would have already signed up for it. Well I found a course video gamer programmer. I am really excited to jump into this field. I've only done a little programming before though and am a little nervous. I know I probably won't get into the course till a year or so, but I would like something to practice on. Currently I found a free program called Sploder which is very basic video game creating. I decided since I'm very new in this field that would be a good first step. Is there any other tips or programs I can use to practice if so can you please share. I would love some advice

I would say GameMaker is a good one for just learning how to implement the basics of game design, but I don't know if it would be good programming experience. But it is good for making simple to semi-complex games.

Flash is good too, and Unity is a good one if you want to use 3D without complex programming.

 

[SCP-087-1]

I would suggest modding games. It can be good practice and will help you understand how other games work before you try making one of your own

 

[SpaceTime]

If you are clear on the course you want to join then take a look at their syllabus (or contact the uni department) and see which programming languages they teach and target those. Then when you join the course you will have a head start.

Probably the most common language in mainstream gaming is C++. This is not an easy language to learn as a beginner but I say go for it if you are serious about game development. You'll find lots of online video tuition, eg youtube/udemy etc. Some would say learn an easier language to start with (eg C) and then progress to C++. My own experience is that the more languages one learns the easier it is to get muddled between them so if I had my time over I would learn fewer.

C++ would give you a very marketable skill regardless of whether you stayed with games. I started in games (a long time ago) but moved into more 'serious' programming after a year or two simply so that I could earn better money. Games programming isn't necessarily very well paid unless you make the grade as a top game designer.