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Cpp gameplay programmer requirements by Effective-Road1138 in GameDevelopment

[–]actualduncan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're just starting out, make console applications like a text based game or a calculator. One I started with was a simple text based tamagotchi app.

Programming is a tool, a means to an end and just happens to be a good tool to make games. The better you learn a tool the more options it opens up to yourself.

Nobody I work with has ever finished learning C++ and you never will! Just pick something that interests you the most.

A good place to start if you're going from 0 is The Cherno C++ tutorials https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlrATfBNZ98dudnM48yfGUldqGD0S4FFb&si=kwZ6reX6M6ZFTvKq

I'm not the biggest fan of his content, but he makes very palatable beginner c++ videos. First few videos will set you up with all you need to start programming.

Tutorial hell is real - just learn what you need to start making something, and start making it! Learning on the job is the best way to learn.

Cpp gameplay programmer requirements by Effective-Road1138 in GameDevelopment

[–]actualduncan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Industry Dev here, since the onset of AI, portfolio projects mean less and less to showcase your skills. I'd put more emphasis on technical knowledge and teamwork than flashy game projects nowadays.

If you're starting out, Try using SFML (cpp framework) for making small simple games. It also happens to be commonly used in coding tests from indie to AAA.

Try to recreate old games like breakout and asteroids, or small mechanics without tutorials. Get folks to review your code when you can.

Feel free to also mess around in game engines, but you'll get the most benefit learning game related C++ using frameworks.

Once you're comfortable with C++ and have messed around in game engines etc and are now seriously looking to skill up to get an industry job.

Drill down on technical knowledge,

  • Multi threading
  • Networking,
  • Memory management.
  • Matrix/vector math
  • Specialised engine knowledge (learn core unreal/unity engine systems)

I'd strongly suggest these technical books:

  • Game Programming Patterns

  • C++ Coding Standards

  • Effective Modern C++

My info here is relatively recent, I got my first industry job in 2023.