I read the article (on this site) by Geoff Howland this evening: "How do I make games? A path to game development." http://www.gamedev.net/reference/design/features/makegames/ It got me thinking.. First, it''s a great article for what it says. Second, I consider myself a pretty good programmer & writing games is (let''s face it) about the best kind of programming you can do. I have a great idea for a game; but I want to get my feet a little more than damp before running off and designing something as in-depth as I have in mind. Because of that, and before I read the article above, I starting writing a DirectX game of Pong; complete with Title screen, menu''s and gameplay. I expect to have it polished off by this weekend. After reading Geoff''s article, I decided to walk the path he suggests. I think it''s a GREAT path to walk; because if you can do it, you''ve certainly accomplished something. If you _don''t want to_, I would ask myself why. In brief, you have to just WRITE A GAME. First an easy one, then a little harder, etc. This is what he suggests: (1) A Tetris game (2) A Breakout game (3) A Pac-Man game (4) A Super-mario game I started writing a souped-up "modern" version of PONG because it was an easy game to implement (game theory wise) and allows me to really get my feet wet with issues like designing the title screen, menu''s, pausing, etc.. These are issues that will come into play with any game you design; so doing it early with a game like PONG let''s you experiment (with a lesser amount recoding) and figure out the best way (for you or me) to accomplish it. THEN I THOUGHT... So.. After reading his article, I thought to myself that other people want to write games, too. Lots of people here. I got the idea in my head that I could design a web site (or sub-site here) for game programmers ''in training''. I think it''s a great idea. Anyone can join, and a user list would be available along with the projects they''ve completed. And a running vote available for the best game of each category (Pong, Tetris, Breakout, Pac-Man, Mario Bros, Galaga/Galaxian) A "Level" could be assigned each member based on how many projects they''ve completed & submitted. (Source code would be optional.) Maybe call it "Game Developers Guild" or something. New members with nothing submitted would be "Newbies", one project = "Apprentice", etc.. So what do YOU people think? I''m _definitely_ game! I plan on making my programs available anyhow; I think a central place where lots of people can do the same thing would also help a lot of other people get motivated. So many people get lofty game goals right from the start - before they''ve developed anything... and they end up developing nothing because it''s too large a project. Would love to hear your ideas & feedback on this one. // CHRIS (win32mfc) http://net-toys.8k.com

The idea sounds great, imo. Generally, I find it easier to work if there are small but set goals along the way. Anything to encourage helps.

A polar bear is a rectangular bear after a coordinate transform.

Well, it sounds like it might be a good idea. I wonder
what the possibilities are for having such a forum hosted
here on GameDev.net Would be nice! I would be willing to moderate & keep the section up-to-date. If enough people like the idea, I''ll try and find the right admin person to pitch the idea to. Otherwise, I''ll set up a seperate web site for the whole thing; but I would much rather make it a part of GameDev.net -- this is such a great place to begin with!

Cheers!
// CHRIS

A great idea!!! But why keep it just to programing?? Why not Artists and designers?? Programing is just part of making games.


Thorn

I think its a good idea. I am trying to do something
like that myself, but with smaller pieces to work on.
Im not getting much of a response though, but check
it out and tell me if its the same direction you wanted
to go:
http://home.earthlink.net/~uubp/gameco.htm

- Brad Pickering