[gameprogrammer] Re: 2D to 3D

Hi Azeem,
DirectX is the group of libraries that covers networking, sound, graphics and input. So each of those subjects covers a different library. If you're interested in 3d graphics the one that you should look at learning is Direct3D. As for which (OpenGL or DirectX) is more marketable, I think that unless you are going to try to get employment as an engine programmer most of the time you will be using the company's own higher level 3d engine so neither is. Experience in either will give you a good understanding of how things work, but it isn't necessary to get a job, knowledge of some 3d engine is even if its something just something like Ogre, or modding one of the commercial games. Maya and 3d Max are 3d modeling tools which artists use to create 3d models to be used in games (among other things), they aren't necessary to know to create 3d games if you have access to someone who can model. I can't answer for companies in America as I live in Australia, but I have just got a job at a games company as a skilled trainee, coming from the ranks of a game specific school (AIE in Melbourne, Australia). I had over 10 years hobby programming experience, and 1 and a half years of training at AIE, but no degree. University degrees will give you a good rounded knowledge of the theory of programming, but not the specific skill in making games. What games companies seem to want is FINISHED examples of your work. Not half done games. Even if its only 1 or two levels, but gameplay complete. 
  Good luck
Dominic McDonnell

Azeem Zaheer wrote:

Thank you, Alan.
But is it only DirectX I need to learn?
Secondly, I was once searching a few books of directx.
It contained chapters naming DirectDraw,Play,Direct(something,something)?What is all that? 
And where does Maya or 3dmax stand in this process?
And the last qs further modified.
Right now, i am in new york, brooklyn.I have nothing to do and I want to join some game programming group .how can I find such folks and would they include me in their work.(assuming that I am perfect in simple 
 2D programming).
I will be deeply obliged if someone answer these half-dozen qs.
Thanks in advance.

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Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:00:00 -0700
From: alan.wolfe@xxxxxxxxx
To: gameprogrammer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [gameprogrammer] Re: 2D to 3D


Hey Azeem,
For 3d you probably want to check out DirectX or OpenGL and start learning about those. DirectX is probably more marketable than OpenGL (which is kind of unfortunate!) but either one is a must know for 3d graphics.
I myself don't have a degree and got into game programming professionally, but i had to spend 6 years as a non-game programmer before they took me seriously (and had about 10 years hobbyist experience on top of it). 

Your mileage may vary (:
In the end, yes, you can still get into game programming without a degree, but a degree certainly does help!
There are also gaming schools like digipen in washington state where you can get a degree in making games, you might want to check a place like that out too.
On Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 7:49 PM, Azeem Zaheer <azeem_841@xxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:azeem_841@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote: 

    hi friends
    i wanted to have your opinion about something.I have learnt C++
    (almost).I use Allegro to
    program my games (which are 2 or 3 in number).They are all 2D.Now
    I want to make 3D games.From where should I start?I know a little
    bit about maya and I am sure this is going to help in 3D game
    programming.So,I also want to know how maya can be used in
    character animation or something like that.Time is not a problem.I
    just want to know the whole procedure.And there is one more qs.Do
    game companies in america hire people who dont have a degree?
    Thanks in advance.
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