Serious help.

[eXceL]

I have came to you guys for some help. I want to pursue my programming into game development. I know HTML/CSS and there are just way too many "web designers" today to make some cash as a 16 year old. My point of programming at 16 is to make money while I learn. I was watching you tube videos and was looking surfing games on Google that have made it HUGE. I came across "Runescape" (java) and saw that it's making it huge currently. My question to you is:
What language do you think is most effective for game development?

I have my eyes on either Java or C#/XNA.

Thank you so much in advance

[Dean440]

For the real deal, C and C++.

They're both very commonly used and they're both fast. Your chances of making money while you're learning C with APIs aren't very good.

But if you want to make games that people will play online and have a lot of fun doing it (without having to learn tons), Flash in conjunction with some web programming can deliver some fantastic results. I seem to see lots of people playing Flash games that they're "addicted to." Give people something they can get addicted to enough, and they'll be willing to pay for it.

Flash is a wise place to start anyway. It's an easy way to get you started with game programming itself. There's a lot to know about making your character run, jump, shoot fireballs, gain levels, attack enemies, and die from falling off tall ledges; not to mention the endless other concepts involved. It can get pretty complex.

Some advice about actual game programming if you're trying to pursue a career is to think twice about it. It's probably not at all like what you're thinking.

[eXceL]

I'm taking a Gaming/Programming class in school and I know what you mean with you don't know what it really is like. We've made a full scroll game already but with a WYSIWYG.

(ON TOPIC) So after just doing some research very fast. I see a lot of people are doing DARK DGK I believe it's called. What graphic engine should I use with c++

example: C#/XNA.

Also, I'm taking a web development class at school and were doing flash. I've already made a tower defense game. I don't see where people would pay for that type of game. How would you implant a "member" or "log-in"

[oracleguy]

C++ isn't a bad choice is used by a lot of big titles. C# with XNA is a popular choice for beginning game development. It is pretty easy since you get a lot of functionality out of the box. Plus you can easily then port it to the Xbox 360 if you so desire.

Regardless of which one you do, the programming concepts you'll learn apply to any language. Not to mention provide valuable experience in the challenges of making video games.

[BrickInTheWall]

For your purposes I would suggest C# or ActionScript 3.0 (Flash CS3/CS4). AS 3.0 is also an object oriented language, quite comfortable to learn, and flash games are always good to make money with. I used to team up with one or two people to make flash games and we'd get a little money here and there. You wont be making the big bucks, but then again flash games usually aren't very long.
Edit: As for getting payed for flash games, sites like newgrounds, armorgames, crazy monkey games, mofunzone etc. all sponsor games.

[eXceL]

For your purposes I would suggest C# or ActionScript 3.0 (Flash CS3/CS4). AS 3.0 is also an object oriented language, quite comfortable to learn, and flash games are always good to make money with. I used to team up with one or two people to make flash games and we'd get a little money here and there. You wont be making the big bucks, but then again flash games usually aren't very long.
Edit: As for getting payed for flash games, sites like newgrounds, armorgames, crazy monkey games, mofunzone etc. all sponsor games.

Ok I see where the money comes in. I think im going to do C# and XNA to advance in programming with engines. Than on the side work on flash.