What are some good ways to start game programming?

Please tell me what language I should start with, and if you know any books that have helped you please let me know. I cannot afford classes, but I would like to self teach myself.





I learn best with books that take you through actual examples, and challange you to create a certain game/program every chapter or so.





My goal is to learn at least how to program something like a simple nintendo (original) game. Like Super Mario Bros, Zelda, or Rygar.





Thanks for the help ahead of time.

What are some good ways to start game programming?
Try Flash, learning ActionScript for Flash is probably one of the easier routes and Flash is fairly easy to master if you keep at it. It would allow you to make Sprite games like you're referring to for the web. It also allows you to control all aspects of the development. If you were going to work in the game industry, you'd most likely just learn one particular aspect of game design, such as a 3D modeller or the programming aspects.





For Flash tutorials try : Flashkit.com/tutorials


This guy offers some pretty good tutorials too : http://www.freeflashtutorials.com/lesson...
Reply:When you start learning, could you please contact me at caljen386@yahoo.com? You can also visit my myspace page if you like. http://www.myspace.com/music_man1701
Reply:firts of all if u want to porgram high graphical games u must learn 3d animation if u can on ur own. then learn c then c++. if u r in college then do a btech from agood institute and fo mtech or ms in comp science , or do bca and mca. best books for c and c++ are


let us c and let us c++ both by kanitkar .