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[Chillers]

So I am thinking of learning a different language other than Java cause I don't wanna be a program maker, but a game programmer. I know there are companies what use Java, more famous is Mojang, but a lot of companies ask for a knowledge of C++. So should I learn C++ and just ditch Java? I have been stuck to think about this and I don't know what I wanna do. Also I am not to far into Java, beginner, I can make simple games in a short amount of time. Also I don't want languages such as DirectX and stuff cause I want to make games for PC. Hire people to do work for the console ^_^

[helloworld922]

DirectX isn't a language, it's an API, and for better or for worse it's basically become the standard go-to for Microsoft gaming (including Windows).

IMO, learn both. It makes you more flexible and attractive to companies.

[Chillers]

Do you mean like learn IMO?
Also I was looking at Valve and it said that they want coders who know C++/C and that you need to learn graphics and stuff.
I think Valve is a good example of what I want, but I can't move to Maryland in 7 years (when everything would be done) cause all my family is on the west coast, and well I don't need that much depression
I think I will learn C++

[Bob_Sadarka]

If you want to write games for mobile, you definitely need to learn Java (Java ME). For games on desktop PC, C/C++ is probably your option because it can leverage the powerful of hardware and the OS which is the most important thing for game programming, I think.

[KevinWorkman]

You're on a Java forum, so opinions might be biased, but there are a bunch of libraries out there that help you utilize lower-level stuff usually claimed by C/C++. But this isn't mutually exclusive. If you're learning how to use tools, you don't ask, "which should I learn how to use? The hammer or the saw?"

[Chillers]

If you want to write games for mobile, you definitely need to learn Java (Java ME). For games on desktop PC, C/C++ is probably your option because it can leverage the powerful of hardware and the OS which is the most important thing for game programming, I think.

Thanks I am going to go watch thenewboston on his C++ tutorials and make a program for each one of the things I learn.
I have spring break so I hope to finish learning the basics. Thanks for everything,
Chillers
Chill out

[helloworld922]

Do you mean like learn IMO?
Also I was looking at Valve and it said that they want coders who know C++/C and that you need to learn graphics and stuff.
I think Valve is a good example of what I want, but I can't move to Maryland in 7 years (when everything would be done) cause all my family is on the west coast, and well I don't need that much depression
I think I will learn C++

IMO is an abbreviation for "In my opinion". It's not a language (as far as I know). Sorry for the confusion.

A language is a tool. The more you know, the more tools you have available. I would strongly recommend against limiting yourself to only knowing how to use one tool.

[Tjstretch]

The first thing that showed up when I googled "Programming career requirements" included either Java or C++

Video Game Programmer Career Requirements

Searched video game programming requirements, did not list C++ / Java more important than the other

Video Game Programmer: Career Info for Becoming a Video Game Programmer

Note, I skipped the wikipedia articles

The point is, Java and C++ is going to be better than either, and C++ is not going to be somehow "better" than Java. Personally I think you would be better off with C# and Java, because they syntax is very similar, and C# all the benefits of being a C follow-up. Although, the more the better. Don't limit yourself to one language forever, what I have found is the popular way to go is after the first language one-language a year.

[Chillers]

Yeah also I think I am going to learn C++ in 3 years. Only cause I was playing cards and thought of an awesome Minecraft demake I could do which is going to be fun. I am doing the super simple graphics soon so I hope to post it in about a week.

[KevinWorkman]

Yeah also I think I am going to learn C++ in 3 years. Only cause I was playing cards and thought of an awesome Minecraft demake I could do which is going to be fun. I am doing the super simple graphics soon so I hope to post it in about a week.

I don't want to discourage you, but you're repeating an extremely common misconception that many new programmers have, especially lately. Start smaller. Don't set out to make the next minecraft, or you'll just end up getting frustrated when you aren't a millionaire in a few weeks or months, let alone in a week.

Like I said, I'm not trying to be mean, but if you actually want to make games, start with pong or tetris, not minecraft.

[Chillers]

I know what you mean, but I expand my learning by making demakes of games.

[KevinWorkman]

I know what you mean, but I expand my learning by making demakes of games.

I get that. But my point is that you don't start out learning how to work on cars by building a rocket ship. Start small. Remake pong or tetris or pacman and work your way up. This stuff is hard, or else we'd all be millionaire game developers. Your end goal might be to rip off minecraft, but you have to learn to walk before you can run.