Well that was a very general statement and I take it that you have no clue how to begin developing a game. I'll tell you this, it's a long and complicated process, but it's also very fun. I'll get you started.
1. Do your own research. I bet a lot of the response you get here will be biased as far as what you should use, but you need to learn SOMETHING about game development before you even BEGIN thinking about making one. I suggest buying the book
Game Design: The Art and Business of Making Games. While it's not a total beginners book, you'll get some ideas from it.
2. Learn your strong points and build on to them. There are SO many different aspects of game development. Programming, 3D modelling, texturing, mapping, story board, concept art, and so much more. What it will come down to for a group of independent developers, though, is basically four main positions:
Programmer,
3D Modeller,
2D/Texture Artist, and
Musician (I prefer composer). Of course, even THESE can be broken down, but I won't get into that. The thing you need to know is, even with a simple beginner's programming language like DarkBASIC, you probably won't be able to get started for at least a few months. In these few months, you'll be learning how to do what it is you want to do. It's only then, when you feel comfortable, that you should get started on a group project.
3. Start out with something simple, and build. Once you and your team know how to do these things, collaborate with each other and make a SMALL game. Quake is not a small game. Hell, Mario is not a small game. Pong is a simple enough game, but I'd recommend something even simpler, like Tic Tac Toe. If you can make TTT, you've proven that you can at least make
ONE game. In the beginning, that should be your goal, to just make
a game. Doesn't matter how much it sucks, how terrible the graphics/AI are. Just do it. After you have one game done, continue working with your team to make better and better games.
I could go into so much more detail...but you know, I don't want to overcomplicate things.
Hope I helped.
Later.
- Steve
Team EOD :: Programmer/Storyboard Assistant