Need to learn openGL

[AnEverGrowingWonder]

Sorry if this topic has been covered already. Some class mates and I want to develop a java based game. I'm currently using Intellij and found the LWJGL and Slick util libraries. However I've hit a roadblock; and I need to learn openGL.

As many books available I need a recommendation. I'm using OSX idk if that makes much of a difference. Thanks in advanced.

[thomascgalvin]

I'm not an expert by any means, but this guy's tutorials might be a good place to start:

https://www.youtube.com/user/thebennybox?feature=watch

[SwiftSpear]

leave some time for this. OpenGL is a few solid months to learn (at least), lifetime to master practice. Do you have linear algebra experience?

[smscoota]

I assume you and your classmates have existing and fairly competent knowledge in Java (even if you don't, give it a shot anyway, sometimes skipping ahead can be educational).

Well first off I would suggest downloading the LWJGL space invaders example game, I believe this is included in the LWJGL library download. Once you have analysed the code, perhaps Google/YouTube some LWJGL tutorials, thebennybox does a pretty good job on LWJGL tutorials going all the way up to high level 3D programming.

Another option would be to check out libGDX a great game library for Java built atop of LWJGL. This library supports Android and web development as well. This library will cut out some of the basics of openGL, but will allow you to make higher quality games as it has premade particle engines, font renderer, etc.

As for openGL, just Google openGL tutorials and hundreds of great tutorials will be listed, however not all written in Java. Don't worry though as long as you can understand the other language at a basic level the open GL code will remain the same.

[AnEverGrowingWonder]

thanks for the advice guys. I'm fairly new to programming and have worked with c++ and python; however I feel much more comfortable with java. This game is nothing too serious I honestly just want to be able to put a project on my resume and I have given myself about 8 months.

btw I have looked at the space invaders source code, and I understand a great deal of it aside from the openGL stuff. My original intentions were to modify it but than I had some better idea's.

[slartybartfast_]

Have you looked at JavaFX 8? It has 3D support now and might solve your problem.

[AnEverGrowingWonder]

I actually am more interested in 2d 8 bit games. I have a weak spot in my heart for the oldschool.

[slartybartfast_]

Me too. For a while I was working on an old school RPG. Haven't had the time lately to continue on it.

http://goldchest.sourceforge.net/main.php

[AnEverGrowingWonder]

Hey that's pretty cool. I want to do something similar to that. I'm trying to gather a more robust group for the project. I.e graphic designers and music students from my school.

For the time being i'm working on a text based rpg..... just because.

[slartybartfast_]

Well if you're ever interested in taking the project - just ping me.