Question For Game Programmers

I'm looking to get into some game programming, and seeing what I can do, just for fun and to see if I can maybe push something out on some marketplace. I know Java and C#, have a pretty good knowledge of object-oriented programming, some basic data structures and such, was wondering if anyone had tips where I should go from here to improve my skills. Any tips and such would be appreciated. Thank

Are you just starting to learn about game programming? Write some clones of old games. Pong, Pac-Man, and especially Tetris are all great for teaching the ropes. If you're familiar with C#, I'd suggest using XNA; the tools are free, and it's actually pretty good for going from concept to prototype fairly quickly.

Even if you're not a beginner at writing games, you should still learn by writing games; try cloning more advanced ones, or creating your own.

The best way to learn is to practice. Just make some stuff and see how it goes. If you get bored of a project, stop. If you need help, I'm sure there are plenty in this forum willing to help you.

I've been doing this for the last two years: http://globalgamejam.org/

I'll probably switch over to doing this, since I've graduated, and gathering friends to make a game in a 48 hour timeframe is significantly more difficult now: http://ludumdare.com/

These events just provide some sort of context to me taking time out of my schedule to make a game. I have a few game-related projects I'd like to get off the ground, and the easiest way to get better is to start chiseling away at a project you love.

I tried once. Never again. Good luck though.