iOS Entry-Level Programming iOS

[Th3taJ]

So I've made multiple websites in my lifetime, but I've never actually developed a program. Now that I've started using Apple devices, I'd like to start programming iOS games on my Mac and was wondering what the best starting point might be. I've heard Unity is great, but a lot of it's over my head at this time. Is there a more accessible program for someone who knows very little about programming Apple? Also is there a price-point to expect to obtain resources?

 

[1458279]

There are several engines for developing games, including those built into iOS/Xcode.

You should start by deciding what type of games you are interested in. 2D/3D/social/MOOG/word puzzles/trivia/etc...

The reason is that some are best suited to one tool while others are not.

Simply saying you want to make games doesn't help us help you.

 

[Th3taJ]

I want to start small with 2D and work my way forward.

It would mostly just be a learning experience to start so I don't need anything overly complex.

Note: Thanks for moving this and sorry for putting it in the wrong board.

 

[dejo]

Note: Thanks for moving this and sorry for putting it in the wrong board.

You're welcome. And apology accepted.

 

[1458279]

I want to start small with 2D and work my way forward.

It would mostly just be a learning experience to start so I don't need anything overly complex.

Note: Thanks for moving this and sorry for putting it in the wrong board.

Ok, well that doesn't help a lot. Example: You could use the sprite kit built in Xcode and do 2D, or you could use Unity and do 2D. Using Unity will lead to 3D better than sprite kit would (if sprite kit will/does even offer 3D)

The point is that you need to focus on long term because learning to program is a long term investment.

We have a TON of people come here and say "I want to make games" and most fail when the realize there's real work involved because they have to learn computer programming. ... I'm not saying this is you, it's just most.

If you focus on the long term by learning a tool (language / game engine / etc...) that will support you long term, you'll be much better off.

It's like taking the time to learn French when you really want to learn English, why not learn English from the start?

This isn't to say learning Sprite Kit is a bad idea, you might end up making 2D games for years and end up loving it. Sprite Kit might support everything you end up wanting.

Worth the time to do some homework to find what tools are best for you.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

The fact that you've made many websites suggests to me that you must have at least some rudimentary javascript programming skills.

Plus you said you want to make both 2D and 3D games.

So I strongly suggest Unity. They have their own language which is based on JavaScript but built around making games. Walker Boy Studio has enough learning material on it, starting at the very very basic and working their way up to making a 3D Mario clone, all available for free, which should help you tremendously. I went through all of their material in about 2 months, but I went in already having years of experience programming and messing with 3D graphics, so I fast forwarded through a lot of it. Maybe it'll take you a year instead. In any event, it should be a great entry point.

http://walkerboystudio.com/html/unity_training___free__.html

 

[Th3taJ]

Thank you both for the advice. Sprite Kit seems considerably simplified versus Unity.

I think I'll study that first!

 

[1458279]

Thank you both for the advice. Sprite Kit seems considerably simplified versus Unity.

I think I'll study that first!

This is probably a great choice. You'll be learning Xcode, programming and Apple's entry into the game engine world with Sprite Kit.

Even if you need more power later, you'll still be learning something of clear value.

Now you might want to look at ObjC vs Swift. I'm probably going to learn both, but for me, programming is programming.