I'm interested in creating a game inspired by the classic Doom and Wolfenstein titles. I don't have much programming experience, so I'm looking for guidance on where to start learning the necessary skills to make a game that captures that retro aesthetic. Any tips or resources to help me get going?
5 Answers
Just a heads up, making a game like Doom is way more complex than it seems! It’s a classic example of various computer science concepts. Those games were developed in C, but if you're new, I'd recommend C++ or maybe even Rust. You'll also want to learn about graphics APIs like SDL that can help you manage pixel rendering. Just be prepared; making a game from scratch involves a lot of foundational knowledge in computer science and math, like understanding raycasting. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey, for sure!
Make sure to start with the basics in any programming language; it doesn't matter too much as the core concepts are similar across languages. In a few months, you might want to pick a game engine like Godot or Unity. Just keep in mind that learning to code can be frustrating at times, so be prepared for that! You could also explore modding existing games, which might ease you into game development more gently.
You're aiming high! If you're really interested in graphics programming, check out this awesome YouTube playlist focused on older hardware graphics. It's a great resource for understanding the fundamentals that underpin modern graphics. Trust me, this knowledge is essential, and it’s where I started my career in graphics programming.
It really depends on whether you want to just replicate the gameplay or go deeper into game development. If you’re just after a Doom-like experience, focusing on learning a game engine is the way to go. Otherwise, you'll be getting into some pretty serious programming to do it the old-fashioned way.
You've got two main paths here: 1) Go the easier route and use a modern game engine like Godot or Unity, which can help you achieve that Doom feel without diving deep into coding. There are tons of tutorials for both, which is a big plus! 2) If you're up for a real challenge, you can learn C and OpenGL to build something closer to the original mechanics of Doom. Just a heads up though, that’s a tall order without prior programming experience. I'd recommend starting with the first option!
Definitely! OpenGL is quite different from the original game rendering methods. If you're looking to replicate that classic Doom style, you'll be working at a low level, plotting pixels directly rather than using modern graphics workflows.
Totally agree! The original Doom had some impressive engineering behind it. The way they optimized their code to make it work on the hardware of that time is really fascinating!