Just an update! Currently talking to several artists and one audio person 

As I've been reading responses, I've come to realize that I really am more interested in making a game, not an engine. It's just that the word "engine" comes to mind when I think of programming without using a pre-made engine.

So I guess my question is more along the lines of how to write a game from scratch, in C++?

A 2D platformer, for example.

I just got a book on OpenGL, actually. And have been looking at tutorials as well.

Yeah, that's exactly what I was looking for. I assume that when you're smart enough to make one, you don't have to ask?  

Please remove this if has already been posted (I'm sure there was something similar on here  at some point).

I've only been programming for two or so years, but I absolutely love it. I would like to be pointed in the right direction when it comes to writing a game engine in C++.

(please no "make games, not engines"  )

This is more of a learning experience than anything else. My current game is being made in Game Maker, and will be finished in GM.

Hope somebody can help! I know that it is a huge task and that it takes a long time and a lot of knowledge, so the more info, the better!

 

EDIT: Holy shit, I guess this should have gone in the "request a tutorial" thread... It's such a large topic though, so I figure that this is ok.

I thought it would be neat to throw in weapons that resemble different games. I have a slingshot that shoots angry birds and things of that sort.

You should be able to know what they are and recognize them, but because we're basically weaponizing each game, we're not really stealing actually characters/concepts.
 

It looks like they aren't doing a very good job, as of now.  

EDIT: http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-57319073-245/anonymous-says-facebook-attack-was-never-real/

I'm sure that I could find the answer with a few Google searches, but I thought it was an interesting subject, so I'll thought that I would throw it out here anyway.

Is satire within games something that could go against copyright laws? For example, if I have a platformer and I think it would be funny to throw in a boss that resembles Bowser (but I don't call him Bowser), is that a problem?

What about other, more recognizable things? Like an easter egg Portal Gun in a shooter game? If it doesn't "look"  like Valve's, am I fine?

 

Maybe that's a good place to start then.

Pick a programming language and learn the basics: variables, scope, conditional statements, etc. Then apply that knowledge to what you find within someone else's GM code.

^And listen to John, I forgot about Derek's tutorials. They're pretty great.

EDIT: http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=3251.0

I would say that it depends on the type of games that you are interested in. Maybe find a solid Mario engine on the Game Maker Community boards and dive into the code. Study, replicate, tweak numbers and see how it affects things, etc.

I have personally always avoided the drag and drop functionality and moved straight into code when approaching Game Maker.

Just my two cents.

Very good point. Or it can just be part of the devLog when that is created. The demo is 60-70% done, code-wise. I'm just waiting to find an artist before I start showing it off.

 

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED 

I think the issue will be: "Can I find an artist who wants to design the pixel version of 100 guns?" 

^YES

how about a cannon that shoot out a panda bear that rampage and kill everyone, INCLUDING YOU

and Inanimate, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

We have one that shoots an egg that hatches on contact. The chick pecks as shit until it's shot by an enemy.

 

It's a procedurally generated platform-shooter.

Think Spelunky had a baby with Metal Slug?

Designing at least 100 weapons for my game  

EDIT: Heck, give me ideas. Can be almost any projectile weapon. Have everything from an SMG to a slingshot that fires angry birds...

Thought this may be of interest. Plus, it kind of fits into the realm of starting an indie company and then growing into a larger one (Naughty Dog's Andy Gavin).

Five-part blog post (rather lengthy) about becoming a game programmer.
http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/2011/08/29/video-game-programmer-why/

 

Just an update.

I'm constantly working on the code for this game. We are also reworking a bit of the design. It is turning out to be some kind of procedurally generated platform shooter w/ arcade influences.

Currently talking to one audio guy and one pixel. Feel free to ask questions, we are open to more help. Especially when it comes to art.

@gabriel I'll test if your horde of testers is too small...

^This.

If you need a 743rd tester...I'm down.