Well, to be honest if I would establish an online game then I might would
design everything myself except for a forum for support stuff. It must be
based on the needs and wants of the user.
Maybe I would design a forum on the long run but it's most likely that even
when you're game is released that you still have to program on it because of
bug fixing.
You've have to pick a programming language on your self what you like.
If it's for a webbased game then I would prefer PHP5 + MYSQL but that's personal.
If you're a guru at ASP.NET then you might prefer that with SQL Server.'
On the moment working with XNA and making games on the Xbox 360 with C# at school (I hopefully don't
get a ban for saying this here
) and the problems that face at the moments
are well written designs. So especially if you're working not alone (but even if
you do) make well written designs first with class diagrams etc etc.
It's really boring but trust me it will make you prevent making classic mistakes and it
will avoid nasty work arounds. but maybe that's beyond of the scope of your question
I hope helped you a bit on the way here.
If you've questions then ask
Leon
