Determined to make a game

flyinsolo11 · 10-03-2008, 12:56 AM

Hey guys,

Been hanging around the forum for a few days now- enjoying it.

I know a little about computers, and can navigate with them very comfortably. When it comes to 'code' and all that jargon, I am completely lost. I would like to learn how to make a game and eventually one for Zune. What programs do you guys suggest I go about learning, and are there sites/ books that you would recommend?

As far as I can gather- I should get skills in C# as well as XNA. Do you guys know of any tutorials for these? For C# I found this, but have yet to really get into it: C# Practical Learning

Thank you for your time,

Solo

SoFresh · 10-03-2008, 04:20 AM

I am also good with computers and such, but for me the whole coding things is a bit much at the moment. But I plan on learning it as well.
If I find anything that helps me on learning it, I will post it up for you to use. If you find anything that is useful, that would be great if you would share as well.

Update on your progress too! Let us all know how your coding journey is going.

flyinsolo11 · 10-03-2008, 10:57 AM

Will do sofresh, but like I said, I am not quite sure where to begin. I eagerly await some recommendations from our veteran staff...

flyinsolo11 · 10-04-2008, 12:46 AM

I hate to bump this guys, but I would really like some tips.

Thanks

JulianDave · 10-06-2008, 09:49 AM

I'm new to programming for the Zune as well, but I have done programming in the past and am working on learning c# now. I'm reading through the ebook found here: CSharpBook - Programmer's Heaven

I don't have any experience with Object Oriented Programming, and so those sections are quite a challenge.

One way to learn is to look at the code of a (simple) game or application and see how it works. Instead of coming up with a completely new game to begin with, try changing someones game a little. Add a different graphic, change the scoring, etc. Little tweeks at first, then check to see if it still works.

My first mini project was to take the game Life (not really a game, it simulates growing cells) and add to it so that one side of the screen wraps around to the other side. I finally got it working. Baby steps.

Dave

flyinsolo11 · 10-06-2008, 10:00 AM

Awesome- thank you for the tips. I didnt think about that. I will give it a shot- tweaking parts of the game.

Thanks

BaboonOfTheYard · 10-15-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulianDave

One way to learn is to look at the code of a (simple) game or application and see how it works. Instead of coming up with a completely new game to begin with, try changing someones game a little. Add a different graphic, change the scoring, etc. Little tweeks at first, then check to see if it still works.

Thanks for that tip, I think I'll try that. My problem is that I can't actually find any code... I guess my problem is that I can't navigate C# very well

Artemisgoldfish · 10-21-2008, 03:29 AM

Might just be me talking out of my bum, but maybe you should try getting the basics of C++ down first, since it's ANSI-standardized and all. Plus if you know C++, you can program for darn near anything!

SoFresh · 10-21-2008, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artemisgoldfish

Might just be me talking out of my bum, but maybe you should try getting the basics of C++ down first, since it's ANSI-standardized and all. Plus if you know C++, you can program for darn near anything!

Knowledge of C++ will help you learn C#, but it is a different language. As far as I know, C# is almost a combination of C++ and Java, I think one other thing but I dont remember.

Looking through other peoples' games is a good way to help you understand the coding. I've been doing the same, adding new graphics and such, not much but it is a start.
I need to find a nice book to help me along the way. But I will start with some ebooks for now.

flyinsolo11 · 10-21-2008, 07:13 AM

Thanks guys for your thoughts.

So fresh- can you post links of sources you are using to learn? I am currently in the beginning of this pretty good site- I am learning a lot: C# Practical Learning

I have been trying to pick apart other people's games, but it is still a bit too early for me...

SoFresh · 10-22-2008, 03:51 AM

Right now I am looking through the link posted by JulianDave.CSharpBook - Programmer's Heaven

It is alright so far, pretty long. It has a bit on Object Oriented Programing, which is mainly what we will need to know, along with looping and others.
I have been able to modify some code if games a little bit so far. But nothing too great just yet.
I wish we could find an ebook that explains the process specifically for game development.

flyinsolo11 · 10-22-2008, 07:33 AM

Awesome site and thanks for sharing. I will take a look at that as well.

Thanks!

Dogfaceoen1 · 10-22-2008, 07:08 PM

You guys should check out Riemer's tutorials here. This is where I first learned to program in XNA. I know it is all in XNA 2.0 but it is not much different than 3.0 so you shouldn't have any problems there. The shooter game tutorial is what I based Cannon Game off of. I found the best way to learn a new coding language is to just make a very simple game from scratch after going though a tutorial like Riemers 2D shooter tutorial. After you have the basics of 2D XNA programing porting it to the Zune is fairly easy. The biggest thing tough is just to keep trying it does take a long long time most of the time. Feel free to hit me up if you have any question I'd be glad to help.

SoFresh · 10-23-2008, 03:52 AM

Thanks for the suggestion and link Dogfaceoen1! I will try that out for sure.

I will let you know how it goes, or if I have any troubles.

10-03-2008, 12:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
flyinsolo11 Zuner Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 68 Reputation: 10	Determined to make a game Hey guys, Been hanging around the forum for a few days now- enjoying it. I know a little about computers, and can navigate with them very comfortably. When it comes to 'code' and all that jargon, I am completely lost. I would like to learn how to make a game and eventually one for Zune. What programs do you guys suggest I go about learning, and are there sites/ books that you would recommend? As far as I can gather- I should get skills in C# as well as XNA. Do you guys know of any tutorials for these? For C# I found this, but have yet to really get into it: C# Practical Learning Thank you for your time, Solo

10-06-2008, 09:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
JulianDave Jr. Zuner Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Julian, CA Posts: 39 Reputation: 15	I'm new to programming for the Zune as well, but I have done programming in the past and am working on learning c# now. I'm reading through the ebook found here: CSharpBook - Programmer's Heaven I don't have any experience with Object Oriented Programming, and so those sections are quite a challenge. One way to learn is to look at the code of a (simple) game or application and see how it works. Instead of coming up with a completely new game to begin with, try changing someones game a little. Add a different graphic, change the scoring, etc. Little tweeks at first, then check to see if it still works. My first mini project was to take the game Life (not really a game, it simulates growing cells) and add to it so that one side of the screen wraps around to the other side. I finally got it working. Baby steps. Dave __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-06-2008, 10:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
flyinsolo11 Zuner Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 68 Reputation: 10	Awesome- thank you for the tips. I didnt think about that. I will give it a shot- tweaking parts of the game. Thanks Last edited by flyinsolo11 : 10-15-2008 at 04:23 PM.

10-21-2008, 03:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
Artemisgoldfish Squirt Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 16 Reputation: 12	Might just be me talking out of my bum, but maybe you should try getting the basics of C++ down first, since it's ANSI-standardized and all. Plus if you know C++, you can program for darn near anything! __________________ I was so pleasantly surprised with the Zune 8GB, I got a blue one for my mom To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. XBOX Gamertag: Artemisgoldfish Steam ID: johnhlwhite

10-22-2008, 03:51 AM	#11 (permalink)
SoFresh Experienced Zuner Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 192 Reputation: 46	Right now I am looking through the link posted by JulianDave.CSharpBook - Programmer's Heaven It is alright so far, pretty long. It has a bit on Object Oriented Programing, which is mainly what we will need to know, along with looping and others. I have been able to modify some code if games a little bit so far. But nothing too great just yet. I wish we could find an ebook that explains the process specifically for game development. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. <--- Use it! +Rep anyone that has helped you.

10-03-2008, 04:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
SoFresh Experienced Zuner Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 192 Reputation: 46	I am also good with computers and such, but for me the whole coding things is a bit much at the moment. But I plan on learning it as well. If I find anything that helps me on learning it, I will post it up for you to use. If you find anything that is useful, that would be great if you would share as well. Update on your progress too! Let us all know how your coding journey is going.

10-03-2008, 10:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
flyinsolo11 Zuner Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 68 Reputation: 10	Will do sofresh, but like I said, I am not quite sure where to begin. I eagerly await some recommendations from our veteran staff...

10-04-2008, 12:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
flyinsolo11 Zuner Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 68 Reputation: 10	I hate to bump this guys, but I would really like some tips. Thanks

10-21-2008, 07:13 AM	#10 (permalink)
flyinsolo11 Zuner Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 68 Reputation: 10	Thanks guys for your thoughts. So fresh- can you post links of sources you are using to learn? I am currently in the beginning of this pretty good site- I am learning a lot: C# Practical Learning I have been trying to pick apart other people's games, but it is still a bit too early for me...

10-22-2008, 07:33 AM	#12 (permalink)
flyinsolo11 Zuner Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 68 Reputation: 10	Awesome site and thanks for sharing. I will take a look at that as well. Thanks!

10-22-2008, 07:08 PM	#13 (permalink)
Dogfaceoen1 Squirt Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: California Posts: 24 Reputation: 13	You guys should check out Riemer's tutorials here. This is where I first learned to program in XNA. I know it is all in XNA 2.0 but it is not much different than 3.0 so you shouldn't have any problems there. The shooter game tutorial is what I based Cannon Game off of. I found the best way to learn a new coding language is to just make a very simple game from scratch after going though a tutorial like Riemers 2D shooter tutorial. After you have the basics of 2D XNA programing porting it to the Zune is fairly easy. The biggest thing tough is just to keep trying it does take a long long time most of the time. Feel free to hit me up if you have any question I'd be glad to help. __________________ Games made so far: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Future Projects: Space Quest Zune id: Dogfaceone1 "Don't be surprised people die, be surprised your alive" To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-23-2008, 03:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
SoFresh Experienced Zuner Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 192 Reputation: 46	Thanks for the suggestion and link Dogfaceoen1! I will try that out for sure. I will let you know how it goes, or if I have any troubles. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. <--- Use it! +Rep anyone that has helped you.

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