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1) Learn how to code! Don't concentrate on a language... Any language would do to start with, c/c++ is a good language in case you want to get into big production houses. Most of the non-Idie games are written using c/c++ these days ! ( see this and this )

To give a better picture have a look at the following table:

2) Play lots of good games.This helps you understand what sells and what doesn't. Also teaches u abt fun and gameplay. Dont have a game console or a PC/MAC ? Invade your friends place :P !!

3) A degree in computer's does help a lot. It teaches u how to solve problems using programs. Incase you cant afford one, learn about solving using logic... This teaches one how to break apart a bigger problem into smaller chunks until u can't break it further.

4) A good understanding of Math will take you a long way. Matrices are heart of 3d world !

5) Understand the different pieces that are glued together in a game. Art, 3d, physics, sound, AI, controls and FUN !

6) Don't worry about artwork , it doesn't matter if u start out with boxes and spheres. You can always plugin art later...

7) Learn it the hard way. Use something that makes you do all the hard work. When you get to learn it the hard way. You learn the internal workings of a lot of things!! Pickup OpenGL superbible! If you don't want your hands dirty with OpenGL or dirextX, have a look at 3d frameworks : Ogre3d , Irrlicht and Physics fameworks: Ageia PhysX, Bullet Physics, Havok physics .. ( one of each, not all ;) )

8) Find people who are really passionate about game development, helps you bounce of ideas and share knowledge easily... Stay away from people who dont share your thought nor have the talent that compliment your own. Sometime you also come accross people who think they are doing a great favor by working with you ( they might show some attitude ) , just say adios to them ASAP !! They will bring down the entire spirit in you to  learn and you lose a great deal of time in this process.

9) Dont get into over design mode ! Its a game, you are not writing a program that controls the nuclear power reactor. Many a times it so happens that the paperwork and design eats up all the schedule. End of the game cycle you realize that the design needs a radical change to incoporate something important and sparks start flying all over the place...

10) Your first game.... Start really small and finish it !!

Finish = Complete gameplay + Score Board + Menus + Critics .

Lot of people start writing a game , try and overload themselves with something out of bounds, get frustrated and then quit ! Dont get into this cycle or you will land up into that lot who started but never got things done... Start small , get creative and finish it, dont think of starting another ,unless you are done with the previous !

Critics are very important. Make your friends/family play the game and collect all the valuable feedbacks they have to give. Remember! kids are awesome critics !!

• Forums, google and Youtube are pricelesss and should be bookmarked. - imnotptwitty