Learn C++ Game Development – For Free Course Udemy

C++ game development course for beginners.

Summary

The “C++ Game Development Course for Beginners” is designed for individuals who are already familiar with programming but are new to game development. This comprehensive course, taught through a series of video tutorials, focuses on using the Simple and Fast Multimedia Library (SFML) with C++ to create 2D games. The course is methodically structured to guide learners through the essentials of game development, from setting up the development environment to implementing game mechanics and rendering graphics.

Course Content and Structure

The course is divided into nine sections with a total of 54 lectures, spanning approximately 6 hours and 13 minutes. Each section builds on the previous one, gradually introducing more complex concepts and techniques.

1. Introduction and Environment Setup: The course begins with an introductory video explaining the course structure, objectives, and necessary tools. It includes detailed instructions for setting up the development environment, specifically using Visual Studio and SFML. An updated video addresses compatibility issues with newer versions of Visual Studio and SFML, guiding learners on how to configure these tools properly.
2. Basic Game Window and Game Loop: Learners are taught how to create a basic game window and understand the game loop’s fundamentals. These are critical first steps in game development, establishing the framework for the game’s main functions.
3. Handling Events: This section covers how to manage keyboard and mouse events. Videos explain how to capture and process user inputs, such as key presses and mouse movements, which are essential for interactive gameplay.
4. Drawing and Rendering: Participants learn how to draw basic shapes, load and render images, and display text on the screen. These tutorials include working with graphics, fonts, and images, using tools like GIMP and resources from OpenClipArt.
5. Audio Integration: The course teaches how to add sound effects and music to the game. It covers setting up the project for audio, loading, and playing sound files, thus enhancing the game’s immersive experience.
6. Implementing Game Logic: Learners are introduced to simple game logic, movement mechanics, and collision detection. These are foundational elements for creating dynamic and interactive game environments.
7. Project-Based Learning – Pong Game: The course culminates in the creation of a basic Pong game, broken down into several parts:
   • Resources and Shapes: Setting up resources and displaying shapes.
   • Movement: Implementing movement for the paddles and the ball.
   • AI and Collision: Adding a simple AI for the second paddle and collision detection for the ball.
   • Finishing Touches: Finalizing the game, ensuring all components work together seamlessly.
8. Additional Content and Updates: Additional videos provide updates on setting up the environment on different platforms, like Windows and Linux, and address any changes due to updates in the tools used.

Practical Approach and Exercises

The course emphasizes practical learning, with numerous downloadable project files at various stages, allowing learners to follow along and compare their progress. It includes exercises to test understanding and apply concepts learned, with solutions provided for reference.

Warnings and Considerations

A critical note in the course description is its age; the content was published over two years ago, and technology evolves rapidly. Learners might encounter compatibility issues with newer versions of the tools used, specifically Visual Studio and SFML. The course advises using older versions for a smoother experience.

Conclusion

By the end of the course, learners will have a solid foundation in 2D game development using C++ and SFML. They will be equipped with the skills to create their own games, having learned how to manage graphics, events, sounds, and basic game logic through a structured and hands-on approach.

What You’ll Learn

Description