Getting Started Is Hard

[rant]
Ok I know I want to learn DirectX and be able to write my own DirectX wrapper in a high level, like Plotting a point would be as simple as calling:

ClassName2d.PlotPoint(var,var,var);

Then use that to write a 3d game engine including physics, sound, input, networking, graphics etc.

Then use the engines to start making games.

Now I know that this will take a ton of time to be able to do this, especially for one programmer. Even if my goals are really out there, and probably un attainable for 1 person, I am still finding it VERY hard to get started.

I already have experience with making games in "Darkbasic" and using the "DarkGameSDK" which is a high level DX9 wrapper. I have experience in programming consol aps in C++ as well as WinAPI stuff in C++ so im not totally new to programming, I just need help on learning DirectX.

My biggest thing is, the docs on the DirectX sdk are not for the beginner. They are very incomplete as far as the tutorials go, unless you have knowledge of DirectX. Thats expected, after all, the docs are not a book, how ever I think the tutorials could be much better, more indepth and more for the beginner to DX.

Books: There arnt any really! I only found about 2 books that looked like they were worth buying covering 3d graphics in directX, but that only covers graphics, what about sound, input, etc. Also they are old (from 2003). All the online tuts are very poor, and are for the advanced user, and if I do happen to find a site that goes over everything, the code never compiles.

Its really agrivating!

Does anyone know of any books that go over making a game engine in C++ and dx9
Any sites atleast
And the books and sites must really cover everything!
For the total beginner, for that is what I am.

[/rant]

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Getting Started Is Hard

Jacky Yiu
For some tutorials on DirectX and starting game development let me put you on the right track.
1) Ask alot of questions and try and find out as much information as you can on what you want to accomplish and why you want to do it. This will give you the motivation you need if you don't have a bunch already.
2) Armed with the above mentioned you need something to get you started.
    General information on game development
    How do I get started with game development
    Starting game development on Gamedev.net
    DirectX Tutorials
    Pieter Germishuys's Managed DirectX Tutorials
    C-Unit's Managed DirectX Tutorials
    Drunken Hyena's Managed DirectX Tutorials
    Ramblings of a Hazy Mind's Managed DirectX Tutorials
    More Tutorial sites

3) You could also look at asking questions about specific topics.

I really hope you enjoy your road to having lots of fun and coding endless hours on end.
I hope this helps.
Take care.
SVijay
Thanks Ill take a look at those tomorrow.
Ive started working on my Game Engine already, just getting it outlines out, all the files and basic classes proto typed and started the windows stuff.

Ill post back here tomorrow with another response to those resources!
Getting Started Is Hard

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