From scratch, or template ?

[Slimmmmmm]

Hi, I'm new here (this is my first post) and have a few questions.


I've had a little read of the forums but my time is short, so I thought I'd ask people opinions and hopefully get started making/customising my own BBG.


I can code a little in html,php js etc but I'm no expert and still learning when I can. I plan on having a BBG hosted locally and just using it for me, family and a few friends so I can "learn from experience".
I have no money to really invest just now, time is also short these days but I have saw some "template" sites free to download.

Should I start simple, make my own 100% ?
or
Get a "ready made" site, just needing customised ? (If so, any recommendations on a good free one ? )



Any good advise on this matter is very much appreciated 

[jannesiera]

If you want this as a learning experience I suggest making your own 100%, if you want to have things done fast, go with a template / engine. Anyway, I think in your case you should start with a very simple design from scratch.

[JGadrow]

Agreed. Pick a well-known puzzle game or something and create that as a learning experience. Don't worry about a multiplayer component or ai or anything at first, just get the game running.

For example, if you choose to do Blackjack (some people call it 21), just get it so that you're randomly getting cards and so is the dealer. Then, add in the ability to 'hit' and receive another card. Then, begin checking for win conditions, then add 'special' maneuvers: double down, split.

From something as simple as this, you can learn a lot about the basics of the language and how much work is involved in getting a game up and running.

[Scion]

i say it depends

if your looking for some experience writing php in a fun game bassed environment then yep do what has already been suggested, start from scratch and write a simple game...tic tac toe...hangman...something easy to get you going...

However if what your looking for is a bit of experience designing or creating a game, then your almost better off going with an existing template, or even one if the game design/hosting platforms out there....after all why spend 6 months geting db access, user login, html generation, working if thats not what your into.