Advice Please

[Falco Girgis]

Questions like this are so open-ended. Most people on this forum really don't realize that (because they're only in it for the game development aspect), but coming from a background in academia really shows you how vast the field of computing is.

Who says that the progression of your learning is one of the following linear paths:
C# -> XNA
C++ -> SDL -> OpenGL
C++ -> DIrectX -> Direct3D

There is an entire gigantic world of computing open to you depending on what you're interested in. Do you like operating systems? Do you like embedded platforms? Do you like networking? Do you like working with graphics and GPUs? Are you interested in AI? You interested in physics? Do you want to try GUI development? Maybe you like developing math and collision detection routines?

Finding your own subinterests and niches within the gigantic umbrella of computer science/engineering is also what will motivate you for game development. I have so many other interests that aren't directly related to video games, that I literally get off on applying them to the field. When I learn something new in architecture class or operating systems, the fact that I can run off to my own game development endeavors and put them to good use is orgasmic...

Find what you're interested in. Learn it. Get good at it. Apply it elsewhere.

[N64vSNES]

but if you are seriouse about using OpenGL itself I'd suggest using SDL with it.

This is an INCREDIBLY biased statement. Whether or not you're "serious" about it should have absolutely no bearing on which API you choose. Both have their pros and cons.

Very true, but the reason I suggest SDL is because its a matter of a passing a flag when initializing and then he can pretty much just focuse on OpenGL instead of getting side-tracked with the windows API

Find what you're interested in. Learn it. Get good at it. Apply it elsewhere.

Amen!

[xiphirx]

Questions like this are so open-ended. Most people on this forum really don't realize that (because they're only in it for the game development aspect), but coming from a background in academia really shows you how vast the field of computing is.

I agree.

Who says that the progression of your learning is one of the following linear paths:
C# -> XNA
C++ -> SDL -> OpenGL
C++ -> DIrectX -> Direct3D

I just felt that its a "common" road to success... I see amazing things being done with OpenGL and wish I could be able to do that :P

There is an entire gigantic world of computing open to you depending on what you're interested in. Do you like operating systems? Do you like embedded platforms? Do you like networking? Do you like working with graphics and GPUs? Are you interested in AI? You interested in physics? Do you want to try GUI development? Maybe you like developing math and collision detection routines?

I'll have to lean more towards graphics and GPUs here, but I just want to be able to make a game engine on my own, or just finish a game for that matter... lol I usually hit roadblocks with either my programming capabilities or just the library I'm using.

I've also been interested in doing OS stuff, although it looks like I'll need a whole other career path after looking at Linux and Unix source code :S

Finding your own subinterests and niches within the gigantic umbrella of computer science/engineering is also what will motivate you for game development. I have so many other interests that aren't directly related to video games, that I literally get off on applying them to the field. When I learn something new in architecture class or operating systems, the fact that I can run off to my own game development endeavors and put them to good use is orgasmic...

Find what you're interested in. Learn it. Get good at it. Apply it elsewhere.

Good advice, I usually just like adding special effects, etc, and the design aspect of games...

Thanks for the posts guys.

[cypher1554R]

The point is that making a game is much more rewarding and motivating. Furthermore, you can show the finished product to hot chicks (they will still think you're a nerd though).

Haha :D
But they are at least going to respect you for it. lol

..probably not. :P

Questions like this are so open-ended. Most people on this forum really don't realize that (because they're only in it for the game development aspect), but coming from a background in academia really shows you how vast the field of computing is.

[/Falco waving his academic cock on you] Since he's almost done with it. Now is the right time to tell y'all that you're officialy worth less

Hahaha. Just kidding. No offense. ;P

[adikid89]

There is an entire gigantic world of computing open to you depending on what you're interested in. Do you like operating systems? Do you like embedded platforms? Do you like networking? Do you like working with graphics and GPUs? Are you interested in AI? You interested in physics? Do you want to try GUI development? Maybe you like developing math and collision detection routines?

Ah shit... I like none of these in particular... yet I like programming in general and mostly game programming. Am I screwed ? ...I think I failed