Ok, so basically im studying C++ at GCSE level in England, I'm in my first year (year 10) and have been learning C++ only since september. In school we program in VIM on ubuntu. I am achieving A* but we have only been using iostream library so i'm still fairly n00b at C++, LOL.
My goal is to start programming a game engine, starting with either a 2D/2.5D topdown MMORPG (client based) (ill also need help building the client) or a single player 3D RPG for windows. I don't care how long this takes as long as it's no more than 2 years.
Also I would like to start seeing a playable alpha quite quickly (3 weeks)
if it isn't possible to make the alpha in that time i understand. However i also understand that the time it takes depends on how much effort you put into the development. << ill be putting quite alot in xD
If anyone can help me i would muchly appreciate it xD. Thanks
P.S. Also, I need to find a compiler for windows as ubuntu isn't working on my system (g++)
Firstly you aren't going to be able to make a a successful MMORPG with in 2 years on your own or without professional help. Secondly the experience you have will limit your game and only stress you out as you will not be able to implement your ideas in to the game as you might have wanted to. Thirdly your planning and annotations will be at NEWB so other programmers will have a difficult time understanding your notes before they can even start working on your game.
Another problem is you're only using a basic programming system to build an advanced game.
Your main problem is your rushing it, 3 weeks is to short to build an alpha, especially with annotated notes, and a layout understandable to others. Also you can go on professional courses that take up to 2 years to learn what you're trying to do, under professional guidance. You're looking more at 3-4 years if you want a successful game, by then if you're a serious programmer, you will have moved off from C++, on to more advanced programming software (Linux would be a good example)
I don't want to be all negative and that, but I had a similar idea, where I took Computing at A-level with Visual Basic C++, and the a* student took 6 months to successfully finish some software that simply saved, opened and calculated small amounts of data. Never mind animations of characters, movement, real-time action and all that....
You're looking at a near impossible task unless you're a genius computer programmer :) Give it 5-6 years, a real education in programming, a bit of money and you got yourself a good MMORPG :)
And sorry for sounding like I know nothing about computing, I dropped the subject because I came to the realization that there's more to it than I originally thought and so dropped it in second year college... Forgot it all :)
If your looking to make a 2d game engine you need to not only know at least the basics of c++ but also windows Api or whatever your system os is. I have a book that gives a 2d game engine and a ton of sample games. Its called beginning game programming by michael morrison, its blue and has a picture of a guy on a motorcycle on it jumping over busses.
Microsoft visual C++ express editon (im using the 2008 express editon)
my school projects i use microsoft and for windows forms projects i use mircosoft , for console programs i use dev c++(practice , remake programs , make new console programs ect.)
Main concepts needed for creating a 2D\3D engine and a game: C++, WinAPI, OpenGL, DirectX SDK, sockets.
I don't know if there are any schools that can teach you these, the places where I studied programming were teaching me only C++ basics (consoles and more consoles). You can start by looking for good programming books. Start with simple applications, like a very simplistic 3D engine. Then you can improve it day by day until you achieve what you want.