How to Make a Video Game: Programming, SDKs, and GDKs

One of the most challenging parts about making a game is the software you will use. Determining which language to use, and learning to code the game in that language. Some people may find it reasonably easy to simply grab some C++ Libraries and start coding right out of Notepad, but for some of us we need to get our feet wet first.

How to make a game, The programming Language.

The first thing you should consider is, how efficient you are at learning to program. If you like many are capable only of taking in a little at a time, and working as you go. Then some SDKs(Software Development Kits) may be in order.

How To Make A Game, The SDKs.

The best place to start, 'I've been told' is Python scripting. However, I found that the easiest place to start was in Game Maker. You can download a free version and build a template of your game inside Game Maker. Once you have scripted in Game Maker for a while, and made a few little games you can graduate to Game Studio.

How To Make A Game, Game Studio.

Game studio operates on a variation of the C programming language called lite C. This programming language was intended to make the transition easier for the novice programmer. After a few scripts in Game Maker, you should be ready to graduate to the Lite C programming language. Though it's difficult at first, through the source codes provided you can quickly learn the basics.

How To Make A Game, From 2D to 3D.

If you are just moving up from Game Maker to Game Studio, then you may have noticed that Game Studio has many more variables. This is because it enables you to use X,Y,Z coordinates. Meaning height, width, and depth, all 3 dimensions. This can be confusing at first, but the scripting is much like it is in Game Maker.

How To Make A Game, Using Game Studio.

Game Studio provides you with a simple level editor, much like game maker does. The difference being you now use 3D pre-rendered models, and have 3 dimensions to concern yourself with. Start off by placing an object into the room in the level designer, then attach that object to an empty, or non existent script.

How To Make A Game, Writing a script.

Now that you have an object attached to a script, you need to write the script. In this aspect Lite C is almost Identical to C. The order of every C program is always as follows.

1.) Include - This is where you will attach any external resources and headers you need.

2.) Global variables - Here is where you will set the variables you will need access to from all of the functions. Placing a global variable inside of a function makes it local, and only accessible by that function.

3.) Main Loop - Here is where all of your consistently running code will go, this is an endless loop which runs every clock cycle.

4.) Other Functions - These functions will not run until, they are called to run from the main loop. For instance, a character image may be created in the main loop, but every cycle the main loop will call the function 'get_key'. The function 'get_key' will return a value to the main loop. This value specifying which keys had been pressed, and allowing movement of that character which was created in the main loop.

How To Make A Game, Closing.

This should have given you all the basics you need to take that first step. Download some game development kits, or GDKs, or SDKs, and play with them a little bit. Get your feet wet and then go through some of the more advanced instructions which are available for each kit. Tomorrow I may just write a detailed article on how to create a top down or side scrolling shooter in about 15 minutes in Game Maker. Good Luck, and be creative.

How To Make A Game, Resources.

http://www.conitec.com/english/gstudio/

http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/