Skills Needed to Make a Game? - RunUO

Macil · 07-22-2008, 10:41 AM

I realize games are made with multi-million dollar budgets and hundreds of people. But humor me, please.

Weather I modded another game design or started from scratch, what kinds of skills would I need along the lines of programming (which languages or what not) or schooling would I need if I were interested in such a thing?

I've always kind of had this crazy dream since I was little to make my own game, so like I said, just humor me. I'd really appreciate the input from you guys. =)

Anti-Basic · 07-22-2008, 10:55 AM

Jeff .

Macil · 07-22-2008, 10:56 AM

Annnnd, where might I obtain the skills of Jeff?

Anti-Basic · 07-22-2008, 11:01 AM

via sexual relations.

Macil · 07-22-2008, 11:18 AM

I'm so screwed.

Anti-Basic · 07-22-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macil

I'm so screwed.

Literally as Jeff is always the Butch

Tumeski · 07-22-2008, 12:09 PM

AB you should now that greatest innovations come from obsession to do it. You should hit your local library and rent some books about "Game programming". Read the basics about game creation and after that you can choose what you want to do.

C++ coders go with directx programs and its like the basic code that most of the stable good looking games are made with.

You can make games with everythign basically from C to VB (Visual Basic). Just read some books about game programing

Its real fun and i welcome you to our colorful bunch of game programmers. Plus! You get good salary if you decide to work as one someday. Good luck!

Sincerely, Tumeski!

Radwen · 07-22-2008, 12:12 PM

Tbh theres better websites about it.

**Jeff** · 07-22-2008, 01:35 PM

If you know C# or VB, you should try this XNA Creators Club Online - home XNA is easy to use and very fast and some very impressive hames have been made using it. C++ is the way to go if you have a huge budget, huge amounts of time, and want to make everything from scratch, otherwise XNA

Hammerhand · 07-22-2008, 01:41 PM

You also need an imagination... the more warped, the better.

Kitchen_ · 07-22-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff

If you know C# or VB, you should try this XNA Creators Club Online - home XNA is easy to use and very fast and some very impressive hames have been made using it. C++ is the way to go if you have a huge budget, huge amounts of time, and want to make everything from scratch, otherwise XNA

Yes, XNA is the best way to go to get almost instant results - but the only downside is redistributing a game that uses XNA is a pain.

Vorspire · 07-22-2008, 03:05 PM

This XNA has 0 games listed in the catalog under "Role Play".. there's a huge market gap right there... I think i'll fill it ;P

Macil · 07-22-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammerhand

You also need an imagination... the more warped, the better.

Heh, I've got that. As far as money and time go, they're not a huge issue. I've definitely got the dedication I believe, and in my mind that's the first step.

Also, as Tumeski has mentioned, I am interested in seeing what programming could be like as a career. I've played with it long enough to know its something I like, and I'm definitely in the market for a job a little more stable than working for my in-laws... (Biggest mistake you could ever make - work for in-laws heh).

At any rate. It sounds like C++ would be the way to go then? What kind of degree would that be? And how much should I expect to pay in schooling - assuming I want to do this for a career as well as a primary hobby of mine. Should I go for an associates, bachelor, masters, etc?

Thanks for the input thus far, its much appreciated guys!

Anti-Basic · 07-22-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitchen_

Yes, XNA is the best way to go to get almost instant results - but the only downside is redistributing a game that uses XNA is a pain.

ummm why? (and asking about PC, not xbox, not sure if xbox users have to do anything special, but for pc all I've had to do to play xna stuff is install the xna refresh and update directx)

**Jeff** · 07-22-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitchen_

Yes, XNA is the best way to go to get almost instant results - but the only downside is redistributing a game that uses XNA is a pain.

are you kidding me? its like a 2 mb download :/ plus xna is awesome cause its a direct port to xbox 360.

Quick Details
File Name: xnafx20_redist.msi
Version: 2.0
Date Published: 12/13/2007
Language: English
Download Size: 2.1 MB

Kitchen_ · 07-22-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anti-Basic

ummm why? (and asking about PC, not xbox, not sure if xbox users have to do anything special, but for pc all I've had to do to play xna stuff is install the xna refresh and update directx)

DirectX, XNA library, and .NET Framework makes it a pain to redistribute.

Also, I'm in no way saying that XNA is bad, I was just letting him know one of its downsides (I use it too !)

Anti-Basic · 07-22-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitchen_

DirectX, XNA library, and .NET Framework makes it a pain to redistribute.

Not at all. Especially since most people using it would be distributing it via the web, all they have to do is include hyper links to all of the above on the same page they have the game's download link. And .net is included in windows update now, though I think 3.0 is an optional one instead of one that pops up for express.

If you really want to baby them, you can incorporate them into the installer for the game (or if its illegal to include them, just have a dialog box that says "this requires XNA, would you like to download and install that now?" and if they click yes, open their browser to the download page for it.

**Jeff** · 07-22-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitchen_

DirectX, XNA library, and .NET Framework makes it a pain to redistribute.

Also, I'm in no way saying that XNA is bad, I was just letting him know one of its downsides (I use it too !)

you can include them all into the installer, so your point is unfortunately invalid

skull77 · 07-22-2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macil

I realize games are made with multi-million dollar budgets and hundreds of people. But humor me, please.

Weather I modded another game design or started from scratch, what kinds of skills would I need along the lines of programming (which languages or what not) or schooling would I need if I were interested in such a thing?

I've always kind of had this crazy dream since I was little to make my own game, so like I said, just humor me. I'd really appreciate the input from you guys. =)

Uhm....around 4 years of college for C programming, and 2-4 for graphic design.

Otherwise, use some noob engine and make a crap game.

**Jeff** · 07-22-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skull77

Uhm....around 4 years of college for C programming, and 2-4 for graphic design.

Otherwise, use some noob engine and make a crap game.

wow arent you encouraging... way to be a real downer

Pyro-Tech · 07-22-2008, 06:14 PM

Im looking into attending DeVry or Westwood college for their game programming programs in the fall or spring....

what i have been doing in the meantime (if your not close or ready to go to college for it) is picking up different things to keep you interested....for me it was RunUO and I have recently picked up RealmCrafter to have a way to apply some things to a 3D format.

With RunUO i started out looking through scripts and doing edits and seeing how others did their things....on top of that i found a book that i could read a couple chapters and understand.

with realm crafter, i have just the pass few months gotten it for the fact that next month or so they are FINALLY going to release their DX9 updated graphics engine.

just get your feet wet with stuff as a hobby, and when your ready either take a computer programming course from a university for the programming portion, multimedia design for art portion, or english major for the designer or business end....if you can afford it in any way, you can attend a tech school that actually has a program targeting the game industry....from what i have looked into, ITT and FullSail are two to stay away from though.

ITT is too new with their program and they had wanted $80,000 for the first year alone...and full sail is worse and when i went down there, they are more about getting you in and getting you out real quick...and talking to alot of other people in and out of the business it's just a rumor mill.

I had sent you a PM earlier and i can talk more in-depth with you if you like....anyways.....hope some of the advice helps.

**Jeff** · 07-22-2008, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyro-Tech

Im looking into attending DeVry or Westwood college for their game programming programs in the fall or spring....

what i have been doing in the meantime (if your not close or ready to go to college for it) is picking up different things to keep you interested....for me it was RunUO and I have recently picked up RealmCrafter to have a way to apply some things to a 3D format.

With RunUO i started out looking through scripts and doing edits and seeing how others did their things....on top of that i found a book that i could read a couple chapters and understand.

with realm crafter, i have just the pass few months gotten it for the fact that next month or so they are FINALLY going to release their DX9 updated graphics engine.

just get your feet wet with stuff as a hobby, and when your ready either take a computer programming course from a university for the programming portion, multimedia design for art portion, or english major for the designer or business end....if you can afford it in any way, you can attend a tech school that actually has a program targeting the game industry....from what i have looked into, ITT and FullSail are two to stay away from though.

ITT is too new with their program and they had wanted $80,000 for the first year alone...and full sail is worse and when i went down there, they are more about getting you in and getting you out real quick...and talking to alot of other people in and out of the business it's just a rumor mill.

I had sent you a PM earlier and i can talk more in-depth with you if you like....anyways.....hope some of the advice helps.

You spend all that money and any one of those schooles and you don't get a bachelor's degree... imo a waist.

Pyro-Tech · 07-22-2008, 07:37 PM

With ITT and Full sail...yes....DeVry im not sure....Westwood though it would actually say a bachelor degree in computer programming and I can't remember how it's phrased.

and going the standard university route i have seen alot of people once they get their bachelor's they end up working retail for fast food....some might be the area i live and they don't want to move.

I had one friend though a few years older than me and he wanted to do some game programming...he went to california and just moved back early this year....alot were saying that he didn't have what he needed...he did however get a job with a company doing their software development for their company.....so he wasn't completly screwed but....

from what i have experianced and what not, i think it will work out....i have gotten a few letters back from ones i sent out asking advice from companies and what not and they had commented on routes from going to standard universities to tech schools so....

Devry i think does have a bachelor degree....both them and westwood are acredited....ITT and FullSail are not.

@Jeff: Thank you for bringing that up however....you do want to make sure whatever school you go to if it is a tech school....make sure that it is acredited and that you will get an actual degree out of it.

Radwen · 07-22-2008, 08:14 PM

A bachelors is worth a lot more than what you learned from it tbh :-\.
Sadly the world works that way.

**Jeff** · 07-22-2008, 09:37 PM

A bachelor's degree goes a long way, I will use myself as an example. I know more about .Net than 90% of the idiots were interviewed for my current job that had bachelor degrees. I proved that I knew more, and I only had 3-4 years TOTAL programming experience and 70% of that from RunUO, the other 30% from small utility developing applications for data recovery at my last job. My boss and interviewer at the time said he was impressed at how fast I had learned programming and that he was even more impressed that I did it without any schooling. But the fact of the matter is, he almost didnt want to interview me because I didnt have a bachelors and at least 90% of the jobs i applied for denied me completely because I didnt have a bachelors. Now with this said, my friend who went to ITT tech(not for programming but for computer technicial/networking) cant get a decent paying job at all because he doesnt have a bachelors, a trade degree is shit in my book, and if i could persuade you in any way not to go i would. A bachelors degree shows that you have patients to sit and learn the thigns you need, a trade school teaches you the

07-22-2008, 10:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Macil Forum Novice Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Harper Woods, Michigan Age: 21 Posts: 815	Skills Needed to Make a Game? I realize games are made with multi-million dollar budgets and hundreds of people. But humor me, please. Weather I modded another game design or started from scratch, what kinds of skills would I need along the lines of programming (which languages or what not) or schooling would I need if I were interested in such a thing? I've always kind of had this crazy dream since I was little to make my own game, so like I said, just humor me. I'd really appreciate the input from you guys. =) Last edited by Macil; 07-22-2008 at 10:46 AM.

07-22-2008, 12:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
Radwen Master of the Internet Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 22 Posts: 11,653	Tbh theres better websites about it. __________________ -Socks are great. Ask Radwen. http://www.runuo.com/forums/starbucks-runuo-com/76473-ask-radwen.html

07-22-2008, 01:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jeff ConnectUO Creator Join Date: Jan 2004 Age: 28 Posts: 4,891	If you know C# or VB, you should try this XNA Creators Club Online - home XNA is easy to use and very fast and some very impressive hames have been made using it. C++ is the way to go if you have a huge budget, huge amounts of time, and want to make everything from scratch, otherwise XNA __________________ Jeff Boulanger ConnectUO - Core Developer Want to help make ConnectUO better? Click here to submit your ideas/requests Use your talent to compete against other community members in RunUO hosted coding competitions If you know XNA (even if its just a little) or are a good artist(2d or 3d) and are interested in making games for a hobby send me a pm or drop by #xna in irc.runuo.com. I'm looking to put together a small game development team. Please do not pm me for support. If you are having issues please post in the appropriate forum. Thanks for your continued support of both ConnectUO and RunUO

07-22-2008, 01:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
Hammerhand Forum Expert Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Look behind you.... Age: 44 Posts: 1,370	You also need an imagination... the more warped, the better. __________________ May you have the strength of eagles' wings, the faith and courage to fly to new heights, and the wisdom of the universe to carry you there.

07-22-2008, 03:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
Vorspire Forum Expert Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Newcastle, United Kingdom Age: 21 Posts: 2,298	This XNA has 0 games listed in the catalog under "Role Play".. there's a huge market gap right there... I think i'll fill it ;P __________________ WWW.RPK-UO.COM - The WoW-UO Cross-Over Shard

07-22-2008, 10:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
Macil Forum Novice Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Harper Woods, Michigan Age: 21 Posts: 815	Annnnd, where might I obtain the skills of Jeff?

07-22-2008, 11:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Macil Forum Novice Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Harper Woods, Michigan Age: 21 Posts: 815	I'm so screwed.

07-22-2008, 12:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tumeski Forum Novice Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Finland Age: 20 Posts: 201	AB you should now that greatest innovations come from obsession to do it. You should hit your local library and rent some books about "Game programming". Read the basics about game creation and after that you can choose what you want to do. C++ coders go with directx programs and its like the basic code that most of the stable good looking games are made with. You can make games with everythign basically from C to VB (Visual Basic). Just read some books about game programing Its real fun and i welcome you to our colorful bunch of game programmers. Plus! You get good salary if you decide to work as one someday. Good luck! Sincerely, Tumeski!

07-22-2008, 06:14 PM	#21 (permalink)
Pyro-Tech Forum Expert Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carbondale, IL Age: 24 Posts: 1,805	Im looking into attending DeVry or Westwood college for their game programming programs in the fall or spring.... what i have been doing in the meantime (if your not close or ready to go to college for it) is picking up different things to keep you interested....for me it was RunUO and I have recently picked up RealmCrafter to have a way to apply some things to a 3D format. With RunUO i started out looking through scripts and doing edits and seeing how others did their things....on top of that i found a book that i could read a couple chapters and understand. with realm crafter, i have just the pass few months gotten it for the fact that next month or so they are FINALLY going to release their DX9 updated graphics engine. just get your feet wet with stuff as a hobby, and when your ready either take a computer programming course from a university for the programming portion, multimedia design for art portion, or english major for the designer or business end....if you can afford it in any way, you can attend a tech school that actually has a program targeting the game industry....from what i have looked into, ITT and FullSail are two to stay away from though. ITT is too new with their program and they had wanted $80,000 for the first year alone...and full sail is worse and when i went down there, they are more about getting you in and getting you out real quick...and talking to alot of other people in and out of the business it's just a rumor mill. I had sent you a PM earlier and i can talk more in-depth with you if you like....anyways.....hope some of the advice helps. __________________

07-22-2008, 07:37 PM	#23 (permalink)
Pyro-Tech Forum Expert Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carbondale, IL Age: 24 Posts: 1,805	With ITT and Full sail...yes....DeVry im not sure....Westwood though it would actually say a bachelor degree in computer programming and I can't remember how it's phrased. and going the standard university route i have seen alot of people once they get their bachelor's they end up working retail for fast food....some might be the area i live and they don't want to move. I had one friend though a few years older than me and he wanted to do some game programming...he went to california and just moved back early this year....alot were saying that he didn't have what he needed...he did however get a job with a company doing their software development for their company.....so he wasn't completly screwed but.... from what i have experianced and what not, i think it will work out....i have gotten a few letters back from ones i sent out asking advice from companies and what not and they had commented on routes from going to standard universities to tech schools so.... Devry i think does have a bachelor degree....both them and westwood are acredited....ITT and FullSail are not. @Jeff: Thank you for bringing that up however....you do want to make sure whatever school you go to if it is a tech school....make sure that it is acredited and that you will get an actual degree out of it. __________________

07-22-2008, 08:14 PM	#24 (permalink)
Radwen Master of the Internet Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 22 Posts: 11,653	A bachelors is worth a lot more than what you learned from it tbh :-\. Sadly the world works that way. __________________ -Socks are great. Ask Radwen. http://www.runuo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76473