- 1). Find several online games you like, and for which the source code is available. You can find Java games at the Java Boutique Game page. The C++ source code for Doom and other games is available from ID software's FTP page. The PyGames Web page links to a number of open-source Python games.
- 2). Download the executable (compiled) version of each game and play it. Write notes on each game, including those indicating what you like or don't like about the game. Write how the game might be better, and list features that seem unnecessary. For example, you may write, "This game would be more fun if it were set in a haunted house instead of a barn." The more detailed you make these design notes, the more easily you'll be able to convert them into program source code.
- 3). Download the online game's source code. The same Web page you downloaded the executable from will usually indicate how to download the source files.
- 4). Read the documentation that describes how to build, or compile, the game on your computer. In particular, note each language (C, Visual Basic, Java) the game relies on.
- 5). Download a development kit for each language that the game was developed in. If the game is written in Java, you can download a free development kit from the NetBeans site. Free C and C++ development kits are available from the GNU Compiler Collection page. The Open Source Flash page lists free tools for developing Flash applications.
- 6). Compile the source code according to the documentation mentioned in step 4.
- 7). Print the source files, then back up these files and delete the executable program.
- 8). Type the source code into the development kit's integrated development environment (IDE). Refer to the source code you printed in step 7. This step requires a concentrated reading of the source code, which helps you begin to understand the code.
- 9). Recompile and play the game to ensure your typing was accurate, then delete one of the source code files. Retype as much of that file as you can from memory, reading the original printout only as needed.
- 10
Delete and retype each remaining source code file, once you can retype the first one completely from memory. By completing this step, you'll be teaching yourself how the original game works. The knowledge this task produces will enable you to adapt the game to your design ideas from step 2. - 11
Type the program code implementing one of the simple design notes from step 2. For example, the Java program code for changing a character's hat to blue from its original color might read as follows:
Pirate[2].Hat.Color.Red = 0;
Pirate[2].Hat.Color.Green = 0;
Pirate[2].Hat.Color.Blue = 226; - 12
Recompile and play the game. Fix any errors (or program "bugs") using your development environment's debugger. Read the IDE's documentation on debugging topics for detailed instructions on debugging. - 13
Type the program code for each remaining design element from step 2's list. Compile and debug each element individually, per step 12's instructions. Completing this step will fully implement your own design for the game.
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