You Can Be A Video Game Designer!

#21 @ Lonnie
Dont go to school for it, its a waste of money, I went to fullsail for Game Design, and I could have saved thousands and time if I just learned it myself, I'll reccomend you some good books.

1) C++ for Dummies, Windows Game Programming for Dummies
2) C++ Primer Plus (like the fatass holy bible of C++)
3) The Zen of Direct3d and Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus
4) The OpenGL Superbible (I may be partial because I'm friends with the writer though)

I wouldnt go out and get any generic looking "Game Design" books, because although I have a nice library of game design books, the ones about programming games, deal with all ends of the spectrum, and cover a good base of knowledge, while the design specific ones are usually 300 pages of complete bullshit. Let me stress this, I actually just read a book on "game design fundamentals" even though I figured I'd already know all the stuff in it, alas, I come to find out that the entire book is written by someone that has no idea what game design is, he's some scriptwriter, that is excellent at coming up with nonsense fluff, and 100 pages of scattered interviews with non-informational stories to tell. The point I'm trying to get at, is there are a lot of good books out there that deal with game production and design and programming, but I'd go towards the ones I discussed and more *Videogame Programming* and *Video Game Algorithm and Theory* books because that's where you're going to get your money and time's worth. C++ primer plus, Direct3d, and WIndows programming gurus, are all dog eared because I've used them extensively, while the dummies books are great for beginners. You should definitely also check out www.gamedev.net (they have GREAT resources). There are programmers out there looking to join an indie game team, but I guess you just have to know where to look. Try finding communities of FullSail grads in the game design department, and other online communities with game programming grads in your area. Hope I helped.

<3 Paul

#22 @Gary

It's definately a real ad. I've seen commercials for Westwood here in Chicago.

#23 I have several books including two of them, i really need the structure of the class more for motivation, dont get me wrong i have been learning 3d studiomax, and torque on my own, But its like trying to drink from a fire hose. there is so much out there. I will try the primer plus book, i have the for dummies one, i really havent been able to accomplish too much with it. partially because im using visuall C++ and i could never get the programs on the disk to work.

Does anyone know of any good online sites for learning C++ for free...

I have been long a member sponcer at 3dbuzz.com and i reccomend it for anyone who wants to learn 3d they have a very limited C++ section however.