How to create a simple First Person Dungeon Crawler

Question

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How do I get started in game development?

I am an amateur programmer trying to make my first game. I've been trying to create an 'old-school' first person dungeon crawler in the spirit of Dungeon Master, Ultima and all the early AD&D games like Curse of the Azure Bonds. I loved all of those games! I even looked up the 1st FPS called Maze Wars (how about that!) created in 1974 which would be an ideal first project that I could expand upon.

I am learning to program in Python, but I do not have a Comp Sci. degree. I would like to know the actual math (Linear Algebra?) and techniques that you have to use in order to create the above games, specifically the simple 3d first person perspective. Any books or websites to recommend?

Answer 1

You might find Game Programming With Python, Lua and Ruby instructive. Since this is your first go, you might want to skip the graphics and go really old school by doing the first iteration in text. If you do, PAWS (Python Adventure Writing System) is a fun way to start.

Answer 2

It always seems to be the answer to this type of question, but do check out GameDev.net. There is a lot of really useful information there; definitely a good starting point.

Then get pygame and see where you can go from there.

Answer 3

You don't need any linear algebra for the old-style RPGs. Your viewpoint is typically fixed in one of 4 directions and the position of the walls and obstacles are also fixed upon a grid. On top of that, the vanishing point of the 3d perspective is in the middle of the viewport. So you just have to create a basic set of wall graphics at 45 degree angles, and then draw each visible wall from back to front in the game.