3D Libraries for a Budding Game Programmer?

Orome asks: "From the point of view of someone who wants to learn 3D Graphics programming, specifically for games, it is currently daunting to see the number of options available. Should I first learn OpenGL to understand the rudiments of 3D graphics programming, or should I try and understand the Direct3D API (which has more to offer but is less easier to understand)? With the DX9.0 SDK available, would it be advisable to jump to the next level and learn how to use the high level shading language? Since shading languages are supposed to be THE next thing in 3D programming would Cg be a better tool to learn since it is cross platform." OpenGL and DirectX are always options, but might there be something a little less daunting for those just starting out?

Comments

You didn't mention

[ObviousGuy]

But you'll likely want to invest in some books about game programming in general.

The way a bunch of us went about learning game programming was to come up with some game idea and implement it from there.

One guy invented Stick Fighter (a bad Street fighter clone), another wrote a Risk clone, and my own idea never panned out but was eventually made into a claymation movie which went on to make millions of dollars of which I will never see a dime. :-(

But the point is to start with an idea and build from there. You can learn as you go.

Then again, if you are really thinking of becoming a game developer you probably haven't thought much beyond how cool it would be to be one. Reality is a harsh mistress.

Less daunting?

[pong]

OpenGL is very simple to use, so you are not gonna need something "less daunting". The principles of 3D rendering are the most important and you will need to grasp these things no matter which API you choose to work with, so get some good books.

"Real-Time Rendering" by Thomas Möller will get you up to speed quickly. "Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice" By Foley, van Dam, Feiner and Hughes is *the* classic reference - get it too, if you want to understand the basics to the core.

Good luck - 3D real-time rendering is a fascinating and fast moving field :-)

Build a rasterizer in software first

[xagon7]

And I recommend doing it with the SDL lib. I would bet this would give you MUCH more of an understanding to all of the vector math needed to write you own engine.

After that you could easily port your software engine to hardware using OpenGL.

All while being cross platform.

Go with OpenGL

[Tuxinatorium]

Since DirectX and OpenGL are the only widely supported standards for PC game programming, there's no point in learning any other standard if that's your goal. I would go with OpenGL because it's less bloated and simpler than DirectX. But then again, it would probably be more useful to know DirectX if you want to get a job in the industry.

Beginners

[MadocGwyn]

If your looking for game programming in general I highly recommend "Tricks of the Game programming Guru's" its 2d, dx6 stuff so outdated, but its a good base line with a lot of 'e-books' on the cd about 3d software rastorizing. The site by the guy who wrote it "andre lamothe" is also very helpful (if the musics annoying) wwww.xgames3d.com If you want to jump right into 3d I found these handy: www.flipcode.com (all) www.andypike.com (directx) www.gamasutra.com (all) www.two-kings.com (directx) Basically pick what you want and google for "Tutorial direct x" or "tutorial OpenGL" Theres THOUSANDS of pagees of stuff out there. AS for DirectX which sdk, go with 9, they cleaned up the tutorials a lot, gave you a nice interface for working with them and reading with them and expanded them to include some pretty advanced effects (even tagging them 'begginner''advanced' etc) DirectX is not as hard as its reputation makes it sound, its a standandard set of components once you get used to it its actually very very nice to work with

OpenGL

[EvilMal]

I started with DirectX, and I will never use a Microsoft API again. I still have nightmares about it's obscure documentation and techniques. OpenGL is far simpler. If you value your sanity, you will use OpenGL. :]

You can try CrystalSpace

[aWalrus]

If you want to try out a full featured game engine library, you should give Crystal Space a test drive. It's really nice and there are currently some games being developed with it, including the very cool Planeshift project.