The Game Plan

I'm a beginner/intermediate programmer. I mean I've learned a lot about programming, but I haven't really applied it before, so that's why the beginner tag is still there. I also want to make video games and contribute to open source software, but I really don't know how. For some reason, I don't think I'm the only one in this boat. So, why not kill two birds with one stone and do both at the same time? I'm hoping others will want to do the same...

So, here's the plan (at least tentatively):

• I'll start a game (they'll be simple at first) and post it to a Google code account. I've never done this before, so who knows how it will work out. The game may or may not be functional, but in any case, there'll be plenty of improvements that can be made... though some imagination may be required.
• I'll try and list some ideas I have for improvements that can be made, but anyone can come up with their own ideas, who knows where it will take the game. I think that's the fun of open source.
• Anyone can check out the game code, learn from it, make improvements to it, whatever. As I've mentioned before, I'm not professional, so everything may be totally wrong, but that's the point. I want to learn too, so constructive criticism is appreciated. Just don't be an ass about it... to me or anyone else. We're all here to learn.
• I'm not sure how the check in process works, so we'll kind of have to figure that out as time goes on. Any info on that would be great.
• If you have a game started that you want posted, let me know. You can create a Google code account too and put it there (SourceForge.net is another popular one which can be used). I'll make a post about it, link to it, and keep people updated.
• Also, if you even have an idea for a game let me know. If it's within the scope of our abilities, I'll post it up in an ideas section, which will be updated regularly. This will give people an idea to work with if they'd like to attempt a game from scratch.
• Commenting and documentation is also important (so I hear) but I hate doing it, like many others I'm sure. However, learning to do both properly is probably a good idea, so we should really focus on doing it as much as possible. I don't imagine they created Call of Duty or Crysis without at least a few UML diagrams and use cases. Search for that stuff on Google if you'd like to learn more.
• I don't care what language is used. I've always learned Java throughout my education, but C++ is apparently the game programming language of choice. So, if you want to put up a C++ game (or even flash, C#, or some other language) that's cool. I don't think anyone is opposed to learning different languages and each language certainly has its followers.
• Eventually, maybe we can end up with an open game community with regular contributers, articles and the whole works so I won't be the only one updating the site. Maybe we'll even end up with a decent 3D game out if it at some point. But, for now, a simple blog will do. Though if anyone is interested in developing a site, let me know.
• Any suggestions, comments or questions are welcome. The plan will also be updated at times, so who knows what this will turn into, but input from others is what will enable everyone to learn and contribute even more.