Time consuming — 3 years ago
Not worth it!
I started this when I was younger in Basic A on the Apple ][e (at schoolduring lunch time – elementary school: at about the age of 11). Ultiamtely with a “Zork” style game. I progressed later on the IBM (skipping all the crappier systems liek the Vic 20) with Q Basic. Ultaitmely I spent the $100 bucks to get VB for Dos – I could now compile EXEs! My code, just by the new compiler, was about 4 times faster. I had the “Tricks of the Game Programming Guru” book for Dos. I neded up FINALY hitting C++ when I was about 17 or such, appiled the Game PRogramming Guru tricks, learned the basics – was impressing my friends (remember, I was only 17).
I’ve had a professional job with an independant company in Game Programming – was it worth it? NO! Because it consumes your life, your spirit – and your cool. There are much better “soft skill” crafts you can get into, like acting, or candle jumping. I would definetly pick a different path if I had the chance to do it all over again.
It’s like a drug, and now I’m adicted and trying to get otehrs to start for affirmation!
I’m also too afraid of loosing my personality in my code, so I’m way to selective on what I will work with – so I’m now only working on my own crap (3D engine).
AVOID THIS LIKE THE PLEAGUE! Go see “Pirates of Silicon Valley” – it’s worse than that!
