I was the same 9 years old back in the 90s waiting to do 3d games, except my dad was not à technical person at all, so I was on my own. My memory is:
- 3d math was too complicated and not fun.
- a 3d game requires lots of 3d models/assets, which I wasn't able to create, buy or find.
- I still was able to follow à tutorial about directX to rotate a triangle with rainbow colors: not satisfying, I wanted to do games.
- What solved my frustration was Flash. Easy to understand and to make finished games (for a 9yo, we're not talking masterpieces)
- Today, making a 3d game is probably within reach using an engine such as Unity or Godot, and downloading free assets.
As a parent, don't do much more than exposing him to available options. If he's smart, he'll find a way to make a game. It only took me 20 years and a full career.
As a parent, don't do much more than exposing him to available options. If he's smart, he'll find a way to make a game. It only took me 20 years and a full career.