Game Design and Coding

[Tamu]

Can someone please advise on what programming languages are used to design and code MMORPGs and other PC games, such as WoW, Crysis, AoC, etc?

[Kedash00]

wow is C++ mixed with Lua, dunno about the others

i know AoC used xml for the gui but i'm not sure about the actual game mechanics

[Ughmahedhurtz]

FPS/MMO/RTS games, much like device drivers, are largely written in a real-time language like C/C++ with some assembly thrown in for the super-low-latency parts. While just-in-time languages like C# are easier to deal with since they handle a lot of the mundane stuff, by nature they will rarely have the level of latency-focused optimization that the RT languages do. So, I guess the answer is, how fast does your game need to be? :P

[note that I'm kinda talking out of my ass, having worked closely with devs as a QA guy but not actually doing the programming myself]

[Texic]

FPS/MMO/RTS games, much like device drivers, are largely written in a real-time language like C/C++ with some assembly thrown in for the super-low-latency parts. While just-in-time languages like C# are easier to deal with since they handle a lot of the mundane stuff, by nature they will rarely have the level of latency-focused optimization that the RT languages do. So, I guess the answer is, how fast does your game need to be? :P

[note that I'm kinda talking out of my ass, having worked closely with devs as a QA guy but not actually doing the programming myself]

You would be correct.

[Darcla]

Sorta correct. No games today (PC or console) are designed in assembly. C/C++ and other OBJECT ORIENTED LANGUAGES (OO) are the primary languages used in game design for both PC and Console games.

This may go a little further than your original question, but there are 2 phases of game design. Designing the game engine, and desigining the actual game. There are games engines out there that once built, you can use lua scripting or even just plan text files to build the games (XML/lua for AI Scripting or GUI placement).(very very top level). The engine though, is almost always written in C++ or a similiar OO language.

If you are interested in breaking into the field send me a PM. I have been designing/coding games both for companies and solo for almost 7 years now. I can at least point you in the right direction.

[Tamu]

Thank you for your responses.

What is a good way to learn to code for a game environment, rather than coding the more traditional "business application"? I'm not sure if there is a difference, as I'm not a programmer. I am curious about this after having a conversation with a co-worker about future career possibilities for his son. Is this type of career of being a game coder something on the level of being an professional NFL player? Is the supply exponentially higher than the demand and therefore makes it extremely difficult to be successful?

[Darcla]

Game programming is a strange career. Just a few things to know:

1) It is the MOST difficult software development career. To be a game programmer, you have to not only know how to program, but also physics and advanced geometry. In later levels of your career, you will be a focus (mine is AI development), which will require additional training. When I first started, everyone had simply computer science degrees and maybe a minor in math or physics. Now a days there are actual Game Programming degree programs. (Look up SMU game developer program for a reference)

2) It is the LEAST paying software development career. You go into games because you truly love the work. I love games, I love making games. I turned my hoppy into a career. That is basically why recruiters and companies can get new programmes at almost 10-15k less than normal software developers. Right out of college I was offered a job at TI for 55k a year (Dallas, Texas), I turned it down for another offer from a game studio (39k). If you want to develop games, you have to realize it will be awhile until you earn the big bucks.

3) Wanna be game develpers are a dime a dozen. ACTUAL Game developers are very rare. EVERYONE wants to be a game developer, but once they realize the work and effort required to make a game, they change their mind.

Best way to learn is to make a tetriz game. Funny I know, but tetriz has a lot of elements that ALL games need to have. It is easy to make and does not require a budget or fancy graphics. Grab a copy of VC 6.0 or better, open up MS paint make some blocks, and you are good to go. There are a ton of forums and free tutorials out there on teh web that will show you the robes of making this basic game.

After you make a tetriz game, make Pacman. Pacman has everything a big budget game has: Gameplay, Computer AI, scripting, level design, and even multiplayer.

After that, you are ready to try your hand at 3D game design

If you can make a tetriz and pacman game, you can make anything. The only difference is the details and the fancy graphics. The code is virtually the same.

[Ughmahedhurtz]

Heh, tell him about the work hours, Darcla. :P

[Zaelar]

5 days a week means 110 straight hours.

Weekends off means weekends off if you're on schedule which lasts for about 2 weeks into any given project.

Scheduled release date means 1 year to release. This may change to 10 years with Duke'm Nuke'm.

[Tamu]

Thanks again for the responses. This is exactly the information I'm looking for.