Member Avatar for mahesh vidhate

how can i create game using only c++.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by DaSpirit

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Creating a game using only C++ is fully achievable, but it helps to be clear about what "only C++" means. Standard C++ is enough for game logic and data structures; for graphics, input, and audio it’s normal to call platform APIs or link small C/C++ libraries rather than a full engine. Building on suggestions already in this thread (, , , ), the practical approach is to scope small, prototype fast, and iterate.

A compact workflow:

  1. Define scope (text, simple 2D, or full 3D) and pick one mechanic to prove first.
  2. Choose minimal runtime pieces (window + input + rendering + audio). Lightweight choices exist if a full engine is unwanted.
  3. Organize code into subsystems: input, update (game rules), physics, rendering, and asset/resource manager. Keep these modules small and testable.
  4. Prototype the mechanic with placeholder art/assets; only then refactor and add polish.
  5. Use a simple build system (CMake), source control, and frequent commits.

A minimal, idiomatic main loop (fixed-timestep) to illustrate structure:

#include <chrono>

int main() {
    using clock = std::chrono::steady_clock;
    auto previous = clock::now();
    double accumulator = 0.0;
    const double dt = 1.0/60.0;

    bool running = true;
    while (running) {
        auto now = clock::now();
        std::chrono::duration<double> frameTime = now - previous;
        previous = now;
        accumulator += frameTime.count();

        handleInput(running);
        while (accumulator >= dt) {
            update(dt);
            accumulator -= dt;
        }
        render();
    }
}

Quick troubleshooting and best practices: prefer RAII and smart pointers; avoid global mutable state; enable sanitizers (ASan/UBSan) when debugging; watch linker/architecture mismatches when using native libs; profile late, test early. This complements the beginner pointers in the replies: learn the language fundamentals, pick a small library to get started, and keep each step tiny and verifiable.

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Member Avatar for ben1996123

Come up with a game idea and write the code for it in C++. That's what I'm doing right now. I know that seems kind of trollish, but that's basically it. Spend as much time as you need coming up with an idea (the game that I am making now took me over a month to think of), keep practicing your c++, and work on the game whenever you feel like it. It should probably have a GUI in it, so I would suggest learning how to do that, also what I'm doing right now :)

Member Avatar for DaSpirit

I suggest SDL 1.2, for it's simplicity. It enables you to make 2D cross compatible games. For tutorials, I recommend Lazy Foo', he shows you how to set it up and everything. http://lazyfoo.net/SDL_tutorials/index.php

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