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Game Development with C++ and SDL2
Learn C++ and SDL development by creating hands on, practical projects inspired by classic retro games
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Continue your Journey
Progress directly from our introductory course, expanding your programming knowledge to more advanced concepts.
Use your new knowledge to build portfolio-ready projects inspired by classic games.
Understand Every Line of Code
No copying-and-pasting code in this course.
We explain every line of code we're using, so you understand exactly what is happening.
Use Professional Best Practices
Everything we create is organised and implemented using modern, professional practices.
This means the techniques we learn are usable in large, professional projects.
Focus on Transferrable Skills
We don't just explain what we're doing, but also why.
This builds transferrable skills, so you can take what you've learnt and apply them to your own projects.
RequirementsWho is this Course For?
This course is intended for those who already have a basic familiarity with object oriented programming in C++. It is designed as a follow up for our introductory course:
Those who already have some knowledge of C++, or are familiar with object oriented programming in another language, may be able to skip the introductory course.
The first chapter of this course includes a summary of the topics covered, to help you get caught up.
Chapter 1 Whirlwind Tour of C++ Basics
A quick crash tour of C++ basics, for those with previous object oriented programming experience.
Chapter 2 Setting up an SDL2 Development Environment
A guide to getting our machine set up for creating SDL2 projects, across a range of operating systems
Chapter 3 Creating an SDL Application
In introduction to creating a basic window and application loop using SDL2
Chapter 4 Implementing User Interaction
The basics of capturing user input with the keyboard and mouse in SDL, and creating a simple framework to create a scalable UI system
Chapter 5 Rendering Images and Text
A guide on how to rendering images and text onto our SDL surfaces using the sdl_image and sdl_ttf libraries
Chapter 6 Project: Minesweeper
Putting everything we've learnt to the test by creating a clone of the classic game using SDL surfaces and events
Chapter 7 Ticks, Timers and Callbacks
Enhancing our program with ticking logic, allowing our objects to update continuously through time
Chapter 8 Keyboard Input
Learn how to detect and react to keyboard input in SDL applications, either through the event loop or by directly querying the keyboard state
Chapter 9 Window Management
Going deeper on how to manage our windows using SDL2's API
Chapter 10 Monitors and Display Modes
Learn how our SDL programs can interact with and control physical displays
Chapter 11Added February 2025 Project: Snake
Apply what we've learned to create a modern version of the classic Snake game
Chapter 12 Mouse Input
Learn how to interact with the mouse from SDL, including responding to mouse actions and controlling mouse movement
Chapter 13Added January 2025 Reading and Writing (RWops)
Using SDL_RWops to store game data in external files
Chapter 14Coming in March Maths, Physics and Collisions
An practical introduction to physics, movement and collisions in games
Chapter 15Coming in April Components and Composition
Learn how to implement design patterns that allow us to create much more complex game objects
Chapter 16Coming in 2025 Project: Map Editor
Learn how to create a 2D map editor which can be used to build levels for our games
Chapter 17Coming in 2025 Project: Breakout
Apply everything we've learned to create the classic Breakout game using the levels we generated from our map editor
Up NextRecommended Lessons
Continue your progress in this course with the following lessons. These are recommended for you based on your progress:
