Game Programming for Teens

The game is over and the book is done. I've had a lot of fun traveling down this path with you, and I hope that what I have taught you will help you reach new limits in game programming and in life. I know this sounds clich d, but really, I want you to use your new knowledge to make some new games !

Let's talk about the future of game programmingnamely, yours. If you enjoyed what we have done with this book, you should know that there is a heck of a lot more out there to learn. Take a look at some of the sites listed in Appendix B to see what else you can learn. Play around with the compiler and the Blitz Basic language, and create your own games. Believe me, the best way to get better is to practice.

Blitz Basic is an excellent language for learning programming. Now that you have the necessary programming skills, you will understand a lot more if you choose to move on to other languages. Some concepts, such as loops and functions, have been hammered into your head in this book, and it won't be nearly as hard to understand them when you're doing the same in a different language.

Once you have reached the limits of Blitz Basic, there are two paths you might consider. The first might be to move on to three-dimensional game programming using Blitz3d. This language is made by the same people who brought you Blitz Basic. It's a tough language, but the things you can do with Blitz3d are simply amazing. You can create entire game worlds , with people and houses and the like. Amazing.

The other choice is to leave the Blitz language altogether. There is a language called C (and its successor, C++) that is the most common language for producing and actually publishing games. The reason C is used over Blitz is because C is a much more powerful language; it can reach into the hardware to perform functions, and it is faster as well. You might think about picking up a book on C or C++ and studying the language. (C was the first language I ever taught myself .)

As you well know, life is simply a maze of paths, and each choice you make leads you down a path you have to follow. Choose to continue programming, choose to continue making games, choose to enjoy what you are doing, or don't. It's that simple.

Anyway, my tirade is over. I want to hear from you, however! I will gladly help with any games or programs that you make and want me to see or help you on. Simply e-mail me the program at:

maneesh@sikhtemple.org

I would love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to e-mail me. Heck, just e-mail me and say hi, if you'd like.

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. And like that, *whoosh*, he's gone."

That's it from me. Maneesh Sethi, signing out.