by Brandon Whitton

Created on: January 03, 2008

With the increasing popularity of computer games many people are becoming interested in the possibility of actually making a game. For many, this will remain an unfulfilled dream because they lack the knowledge of where to start. In this article I will examine the range of options that are available to the beginning game maker.

Games were traditionally created using a programming language. One of the earliest first person shooters (FPS), Wolfenstein 3D, was coded with the programming language C. Most games that have been produced since then have been written in either C or C++. These programming languages have traditionally been used for games because they are able to produce code that executes quickly. Speed of execution was an issue of concern in the past because older computers were slow and less powerful than the computers we use today. Now that this is not such a concern it is possible to write high quality computer games in programming languages other than C or C++.

Learning a programming language is not a trivial task. Most people spend months if not years using a language before they are capable of programming a game. However, there are a number of programming languages that are specifically designed for programming games. Using one of these will significantly reduce the learning curve for game production. The two main games programming languages are; Blitz Basic (www.blitzbasic.com), and DarkBASIC (www.thegamecreators.com). Both of these programming languages are based on Beginners All purpose Symbolic Instruction Code (BASIC). BASIC was originally conceived as an easy to learn programming language for beginners. Despite the origins of BASIC as a Beginners' programming language you should not think that Blitz Basic or DarkBASIC lacks power. Both are powerful programming languages suitable for making a range of games. Whether you wish to make a scrolling platform game or a 3D FPS both languages are more than capable of the job. Both products are reasonably priced. Blitz Basic sells for $60 - $100 (USD), whilst DarkBASIC sells for $39.99 - $69.99 (USD). So for a minimal outlay and a modest investment of time anyone can learn to produce their own computer games.

If you have no inclination to learn a programming language there are still options for creating your own game. If you wish to create platform games, top down racing games, or scrolling shooter games etc, then there are a number of products that will meet your needs. Two of the best of these are;

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