DirectX 11 or Game Engine???

rojan_neo · 08-09-2011, 08:01 AM

Ok!! so I finally switched to c++ from c# and I'm comfortable with all the OOP techniques in c++. Now, I was wondering if I should learn DirectX 11 (since I have a DX11 supporting hardware) or should I go for a game engine that has already been built. I want to build a good portfolio so that I can enter the game industry but I have no idea which one will be better suited. Also, I have got some experience with Managed DirectX in c# but did not end up making any games with it.

JohnLeeroy · 08-09-2011, 12:59 PM

Based on my opinion, DirectX 11 is available for the those privileged to have a computer with newer graphics cards. I would say that about 20%(or much less) of gamers might have a computer that can support it.

So basically, start with DirectX 9.0. Being able to make a game in DirectX 9 means that 90% of all computers will probably be able to support it.

You can learn game engines which will have a lot of features already completed for you such as physics or pathfinding.

It depends on whether you want to go learn rendering ( drawing to the screen) or general game programming (engine).

yaustar · 08-10-2011, 03:45 AM

Depends. Do you want to be an engine programmer? What is your focus?

rojan_neo · 08-10-2011, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaustar

Depends. Do you want to be an engine programmer? What is your focus?

My interest is in gameplay programming and AI for games.. any suggestions what I should be learning..

yaustar · 08-10-2011, 12:50 PM

Then use a game engine. If your interests are AI and gameplay, why consider implementing everything from the ground up? Using a game engine gets you in a position where you can work on the areas that interest you very quickly.

ryan.george · 08-10-2011, 02:12 PM

Grab the new Unity, it's got some pretty sweet stuff built in already and it's pretty simple to pick up the scripting.