How To Make A Computer Game

So you want to get started in making video games? Surprisingly, game creation hasn't changed much over the years. Believe it or not, programming a game of Pac-Man is almost as complicated as it gets because it has every single element a game needs.

You'll have to learn a programming language on your own, but nowadays it's extremely easy. But once you learn one, you'll already halfway there. The very first thing you should program is a game of Tetris. This is one of the simplest games to make because it has relatively very little going on. You need to make just some very basic shapes and work with a simple time-based system. Your collision detection need not be overly complicated, as some simple math will suffice. Your best bet is to actually try creating a full game, though. You'll want it to start, have an options menu, have working game play, and have a win situation. Actually completing a game will leave you feeling great.

After Tetris you should create either a pong sort of game or a breakout sort of game. This will introduce two new things. Level creation and physics. Now, when I say physics, I don't mean ragdolls and flying polygons. When you look at even a basic platformer game like Super Mario Bros., it has very simple physics. The game just wouldn't be the same if Mario didn't just the way he did. And programming a paddle to move back and forth to be able to reflect a ball around a screen will give you all the experience you need to be able to program a jump command for a character dressed in overalls wielding a pipe wrench.

Now you're going to start to feel very proud of yourself. You should take extra pride in completing something that you can show people and have them enjoy playing. Next up is artificial intelligence. You already know how to make a game, now add in some actual characters. Your best bet is something like Pac-Man. There were actually four different types of artificial intelligence in the original Pac-Man. Each of the baddies had its own way of trying to go after you. One would find the shortest distance, one would find all alternate routes, etcetera. By this point you should introduce an attract mode like in arcades.

You're on your way. Up next is a platformer. This shouldn't be too hard, but now you're going to have to deal with buffering and sprites. Your best bet is to create a level editor, complete with graphical user interface. Now you're set. You know all the basics. All that's left is to learn how a 3d api works and you can incorporate your next game in 3d. The programming concepts should be exactly the same.

Finally, you're going to want to protect your games. You're going to want to look into both copyrighting and you'll probably want to go through a software escrow service. Your work is potentially worth millions and you don't want to take any chances. Good luck, and get programming!