Armor Games

Hi, I've been looking into game design for as long as I can remember. I've been taking some basic computer class at a local community college, but all they really have is a basic scripting class.. and I believe something similar in programming. I've had a lot of trouble as well finding a university that is more based around this.

Is there anyone here at armor that has or is going to a school based around game design or anything of the sort?

Also I was wondering if there were free programs out there that would help me with the basics of programming and game design. I've read a lot on people using actionscript. Also what kind of languages are used in game design? All I've really heard of is C++.

Are there any design programs that would be useful that you have to pay for? I'd be willing to pay for a more defined understanding of everything involved.

I'd also really like to start working with flash and start out with games that are posted on the site and to have others try out and critique. What all would I really need to have a profound understanding in to be able to do this?

Forgive me if this may have been posted in the wrong forum, this seemed like the most geared towards what I was looking for.

Thank you for any help on the topic.

You know, most game makers software work the basic of programing, mostly working with "if"

Makers like Multimedia Fusion ( www.clickteam.com ) and Game Maker ( www.yoyogames.com ) are useful to get the idea

When it comes to C++, you're either programing with a game engine on PC, which there are a lot of free and paid ones, or you're programing for videogames, and then you have access to dev kits

I'd like to thank both dank and Captain_J_sheridan for the help. Digipen you said I will definitely look more into it. As far as what I'm looking into.. I wouldn't really call it casual, eventually I would like to be working mostly with console systems.. especially with the newer titles that are coming out. But I also like the advancement in computer systems and pushing the graphical boundaries like they always do.

I really enjoy rpg titles so I'm sure some of my first works will be with these types, also the more I play shooters and 3rd person action games I'm growing more fond of.

Sadly I have never even heard of OOP? I think the last time I used that I was playing DAoC and that meant out of power.

I was also thinking a little earlier about a game that recently came out that was rather impressive for being 2D and a hack and slash side scroller. I'm sure most everyone has heard of it but Castle Crashers you can play on XBLA. What kind of work needs to be done to bring something like that to life? I mean 2D graphics nothing that visually intense.

Thanks for all the help so far and I will definitely look into the sites that you both mentioned.

I'm sure you'll hear more from me in the near future, thanks again!

Sorry to crack your dreams, but professional game making has very little to do with games itself

First, you'd need to chose a specific area, graphics, coding, musics, you can learn all of it, but a game company will look for specific employees

I remember that there was a guy involved in the making of GTA, San Andreas or IV, I don't remember, and his job was to texturize like ten buildings, and that's about it

Most of them have big teams to handle every aspect of games, to a point where a single person doesn't even come close to making something like a game

Digipen looks really great, usually Nintendo call their students when they graduate to work with them

Thanks again for all the help, and I know its a long shot.. but its something I really enjoy doing and what to get more into. I know now a days with new titles that are winning awards before release are big teams working individually.. but I think just being a part of it would be a nice way to make a living.

I think I'd like to be a graphic designer, or possible someone who works on levels and the environment and what not. I've seen a little bit of coding but nothing major, and only a friend was showing me some of it.

Anyway thanks for the help, I'd do my best to put it to good use. and I'll be sure to post anything that I come up with in the near future :).

If you're a good level designer, get close with popular FPS and design amateur maps for it, there's a good amount of people who get hired doing this

wow seems like a harsh working environment, arent there laws against stuff like that?

lol Raistlin, not when your over the age of 18.. those kind of laws don't apply. I would also say it isn't as harsh as it seems because most people are doing it because they love to do it. Also its similar any kind of job with deadlines when you need to meet a ship date.

Would anyone be able to tell me some of the programs that I could use to get started? I'm working on some concept art atm, but mostly for level design and such. I plan on saving up some money and getting Flash sometime in the near future.

Thanks for any help once again.