I also started Gamestudio with version A4. Back then, it was so hard for me to get into programming. I was just 12 years old and only understood very simple English and there were no good information available about game programming in German. The first game development software I got was a version of "Game Programming Starter Kit". It contained the DirectX SDK, Genesis 3D, a basic
version of Visual Studio, some PDFs about C++ and a really good book with game designer interviews.

Sadly, it was impossible for me to get something working except small console applications. Everything was in English, only some tutorials and the book were in German. Calling the software "starter kit" was more or less false advertising.

So I was looking for another game programming software. I nearly bought DIV, which was called "Game Maker" in Germany. Fortunately I found 3D Gamestudio before doing so, because DIV was a DOS-based software. Interestingly DIV was ported to modern operating systems last year.

Gamestudio was mind blowing. In one weekend I had a working first person shooter with one small level and some basic weapons and enemies. I knew it would only be a matter of time before I finished my first real game I dreamed to create a game like Majora’s Mask. But as a beginning programmer it was impossible because it was to time consuming. I limited myself to the recreation of simple arcade games. And so I learned the basics of programming.

Gamestudio also forced me to learn in many different fields like 3D modeling, texture drawing, audio editing, music creation, physics and shader development.

In retrospect, starting with game programming was the best decision I could have made.

Today I am working as a software developer and programming database supported business software and mobile apps.

Despite my interest in game development I am not interested in professional game programming. I think that the competitive pressure is way too high. I respect every person who is able to make a living as a game developer.