Newbie help

ArkIsALegend · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:03 pm Post subject: Newbie help

I know nothing about programming. I would like to learn how to make games. What programming language would you advise a newb to learn to get started? What software and hardware would you recommend to get started?
Thanks.

Also, out of interest, how do they convert old super nintendo games in to emulations? Is the data somehow transfered from the cartridge to a computer or do they re-do everything?
Thanks.

Flamez · Thu Dec 02, 2010 12:43 am

ArkIsALegend wrote:I know nothing about programming. I would like to learn how to make games. What programming language would you advise a newb to learn to get started? What software and hardware would you recommend to get started?
Thanks.

Also, out of interest, how do they convert old super nintendo games in to emulations? Is the data somehow transfered from the cartridge to a computer or do they re-do everything?
Thanks.

Learning programming is no easy feat; Iv been at it for two years, and I can only make the most basic of games. I started with Java as it is very "noob" friendly, and have since moved to C++ (The most commonly used language for most applications and games). Software wise all you need is a text editor (I advise notepad++ for programming) and a compiler (I use cygwin when on a windows machine), a compiler is what reads the code and makes it a working program... presuming you programmed it correctly.

People made adapters that enabled them to copy all the information from a snes game onto a computer as a single file, this is rather easy if you have the equipment (which 99% of us dont). Emulators are programs designed to trick the snes game file into thinking its in an actual SNES. In the simplest term Emulators pretend to be the required Console; the better programmed the emulator the more games will run on it.

That being said if you want to make an RPG, there is a simple to use RPG making tool called RPGMaker that you can use.

EverPhoenix · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 2:37 am Post subject:

adding to what Flamez said, RPGMaker is a nice noob-friendly tool.

for pure programming, i would use C#. it is pretty much java (friendly, compared to others such as the evil C++). I would use Visual Studio as a platform, it makes everything so easy. C# is becoming the new standard, and it is a LOT easier than C++. Visual studio does everything - text editing, auto-complete methods, argument prompts, and compiling/running.

if you are a student, you can download it for free at Dreamspark. [clarification for the staff, this is an official microsoft download, nothing dodgy]

as for the emulation issue, the ROM is just a direct copy of the information on the cartridge. Identical. They get a reader which connects the cartridge to the computer, and copy it over directly into a rom file.

The emulator just interprets it the exact same way a SNES does, except without the hardware connection.

SoulBlazerFan · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 7:16 am Post subject:

Here you go: speak to Jason Tandro. He was actually helping several members learn how to program and makes video games. Send him a PM, he might be able to help you.

Jason Tandro · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:41 am Post subject:

Yeah I've been training Freedan in the arts of RPG Maker VX (also taught Valerie Valens for a bit).

RPG Maker is perfect for learning the basics of programming and programming theory, but it's not really coding, per se. All you're doing is basically drag and drop.

I'd be glad to train you, but if you want to learn an actual programming language, the most practical and user friendly would either be C or Java.

ArkIsALegend · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:09 pm Post subject:

Hey, thanks alot for your help fellas. Jason, I'm sure I'll take you up on that offer once I get started, thanks.
I really just want to be able to make games. RPG Maker looks good and I might give it a try, but I want to be able to make something completely original, directly from my brain to programming language. RPG Maker looks like it would be really restrictive and not very unique. Like, if everyone is playing with sand their final products are going to be very similar no matter how different they are.

Jason Tandro · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:59 pm Post subject:

ArkIsALegend wrote:Hey, thanks alot for your help fellas. Jason, I'm sure I'll take you up on that offer once I get started, thanks.
I really just want to be able to make games. RPG Maker looks good and I might give it a try, but I want to be able to make something completely original, directly from my brain to programming language. RPG Maker looks like it would be really restrictive and not very unique. Like, if everyone is playing with sand their final products are going to be very similar no matter how different they are.

Very perceptive! the good news is that with rpg maker vx you can edit the source code with the script editor. Its coded in Ruby so if you work with it you can learn that language too.

ArkIsALegend · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 8:38 pm Post subject:

Oh, great. Yeah, Ruby sounds beneficial. I'll give RPG Maker a go.
Cheers.

EverPhoenix · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 3:33 am Post subject:

programming a game from the ground up is VERY hard work. takes a very long time. there is always a lot more stuff going on than people imagine. and not to mention all the crazy formulas involved.

before tackling anything big, id suggest having a good look at modular programming.

Jason Tandro · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 8:31 am Post subject:

Jeez that brings me back to my QBASIC days... Course that was all linear programming.

ArkIsALegend · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 6:24 pm Post subject:

EverPhoenix wrote:programming a game from the ground up is VERY hard work. takes a very long time. there is always a lot more stuff going on than people imagine. and not to mention all the crazy formulas involved.

before tackling anything big, id suggest having a good look at modular programming.

Yeah I know it's gonna be hard and time consuming but it will also be worth it.

Newbie help

Newbie help

Re: Newbie help