How easy is it to make a game

[vectorclub]

First, having images of cars and animal s in books does not mean you can use them. Be careful about copyright issues. Those images can be used as a reference, but not used as you find them in the books.

Making video games can be if you want to make something simple. Some flash games are made in an hour or so.

If you have dreams if making the next Halo or Final Fantasy you will need a big roll of cash, talent, attention to detail and years of training or the ability hire great programmers.

Complex games require large groups and usually large sums of cash. There are some open source game groups, but they may not have the level of quality you are looking for. Here is a URL for some open source games.

http://dmoz.org/Games/Video_Games/Strategy/Freeware/

The first thing I would do is start with game mods. See if you can get good at doing game mods, then move onto working with GUI programs like Flash. There are some other programs to help you build games with out much programming knowledge.

If you live near any game companies, see if you can get a game tester job, customer service, or internship.

Most schools offer some sort of programming classes. You might find some websites with basic programming language lessons.

My brother is a programmer and has learned some programs via books, but school seems to be wear most people get their foundation in programming.

The major games have become so complex that specialists are needed. This includes some positions where programming skills would not be a must. Fore example, producer, director, writers, music composers, graphic artists, and so on.

If you can master algorithms and other complex math, you might be able to design game engines and other key programs. This is where you can make some good money.

Read as much as you can on the gaming industry and trends in technology. The industry is growing, but you maybe surprised at low starting wages are for programmers. This includes starting pay with major companies like EA.

Good luck.