By Kevin Allman

What is OpenGL? Why use OpenGL for games?

OpenGL is a powerful graphics API(Application Interface) and has been in existence for years. A lot of great games were done using OpenGL for example, the Quake series. 
OpenGL is considered the easiest API to learn out of the set of powerhouse graphics APIs.  I myself have found less difficulty in learning OpenGL in comparison to other graphics APIs like Direct3D. OpenGL helps to introduce the fundamentals of 3d graphics programming and lays the groundwork for more advanced APIs like Direct3D.

Why not learn Direct3D then?

If you have had experience with graphics programming, and if you are very confident about your C++ abilities, then I would suggest Direct3D.

For me personally however, I found that OpenGL gave a great foundation for learning Direct3D and Direct3D became much easier after I developed a familiarity with OpenGL. 
The great thing though about Direct3D is that it can run on a wide assortment of hardware; even low end systems. OpenGL has some problem running on systems whose graphics card do not fully support OpenGL.

GameDev + OpenGL requirements

There are OpenGL APIs for a large number of languages, C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, Java and PERL to name a few. You should know one of these programming languages first before tackling OpenGL. Previous 3D experience would be great; but it's not required.

If you are looking to create 3D games, you must also have the ability or must try to deal with Math. With 3D Graphics programming, you’ll be dealing with vectors, matrices, angles, cosines, sines, and so much more:) That should not scare you though; there are lots of great books and tutorials all over the net. I mention further down in the article some tutorials and a great book that helped me in my quest to be a game programmer.

Getting Started

Once you know a computer programming languages (preferably C++), I would suggest first thing to get a book. The book I used in my Opengl Game programming quest was OpenGL Game Programming by Hawkins and Astle.

In my quest, I also found an invaluable resource http://nehe.gamedev.net I would suggest purchasing his CD. It has on lots of tutorials and loads of examples and learning material.

The great thing about that CD is that it also has on cool stuff like sound effects. I’ve used many of those sound effects in games I've done. If you can’t purchase an OpenGL book, run through NehE’s tutorials on his website one by one; try not to take in too much at one time.

Pitfalls, Self Motivation, Persistence

I’ll be truthful, game programming requires persistence and self motivation or you will fall into some serious pitfalls along the way. 
Age is not of any consequence, once your brain is working; you can never start to young or too old. 
There will be times when your’e looking at a piece of code you’ll have to take breaks. As I said earlier, don’t try to take in too much at one time.

Its not the brightest who makes it, it’s the one who sticks to the end who makes it. Sometimes you’ll be programming and finally managed to get a 3d object to spin the way you wanted; then you’ll see an Ad on television featuring the next Half Life 2:). Don’t let that dent your spirit! 

Remind yourself everytime you see Ads like those that those programmers started just like you! Stick with it!

Conclusion

Game programming involves continuous learning; It can be done by those who persist. I hope you are one of those persistent ones. If you are; have no fear, you will conquer in your quest to be a game programmer!   

Kevin Allman is a hobbyist game programmer with over 8 years programming experience. He has created shareware game titles such as Star Voyage (http://svoyage.tripod.com) and Pac Dodger (http://pac-dodger.tripod.com).