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title: How To Learn C++ to make games: Step by step roadmap!
description: A step-by-step roadmap for learning C++ specifically for game development, from an author with a decade of C++ gamedev experience. The path covers five stages:...
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# How To Learn C++ to make games: Step by step roadmap!

**[Low Level Game Dev](https://daily.dev/sources/lowlevelgamedev)** · 9 min read · 1 upvotes · 0 comments

## Summary

A step-by-step roadmap for learning C++ specifically for game development, from an author with a decade of C++ gamedev experience. The path covers five stages: learning core C++ basics while avoiding advanced topics, OOP, and books; building small practice projects; moving into real graphics with SFML or Raylib; tackling advanced topics like CMake, OpenGL, and multiplayer via a Terraria-clone project; and finally publishing on Steam, including cost, timeline expectations, and marketing advice. The creator's own paid course is promoted throughout as a shortcut through these steps.

## Full article

daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARsQdKezFkQ>

## Questions this post answers

### Should I learn OOP before making games in C++?

Learning object-oriented programming is not recommended as a priority when starting C++ for game development, since it can encourage overengineered, overly complex code that is unnecessary for most beginner and intermediate projects. Focus instead on basic procedural C++ and building small projects, saving OOP concepts for when they are genuinely needed.

_daily.dev surfaces different takes on C++ project structure so you can weigh this advice for yourself._

### How much does it cost to publish a game on Steam?

Publishing a game on Steam requires creating a Steamworks account and paying a one-time fee of 100 dollars per game, which is refundable after certain sales thresholds are met. Beyond the fee, expect the process itself, including polishing, Steam SDK integration, and store page setup, to take significantly longer than development, often a year or more of dedicated work.

_Indie devs planning a Steam launch track cost and timeline details like these on daily.dev._

### Which C++ graphics library should I use for a beginner game project, SFML or Raylib?

Raylib is recommended over SFML for beginner C++ game projects because it is considered nicer to work with and includes built-in 3D features, while SFML is more limited to 2D. Both libraries have available tutorials, but linking either into a project is considered an advanced step that beginners should initially avoid by using pre-made project setups.

_daily.dev helps developers comparing C++ graphics libraries find more perspectives before committing._

---

Tags: [#game-development](https://daily.dev/tags/game-development), [#c++](https://daily.dev/tags/c++), [#steam](https://daily.dev/tags/steam), [#raylib](https://daily.dev/tags/raylib)

[View this post on daily.dev](https://daily.dev/posts/how-to-learn-c-to-make-games-step-by-step-roadmap--erp1q0awe)

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