Java – opengl for space simulator

Together with several friends, we started this Java based project independent of amateur platform for space combat simulator game (similar to the long-term death legend of Wing Commander) We are not 3D programmers, so the road will be long

My question is: will you start learning opengl in our position (perhaps through GLUT) or is there a better possibility today? What about Direct3D? Can you suggest any book? We have a special order for a couple

>Dave Shriner's OpenGL Programming Guide > Luke benstead's beginner OpenGL game programming

Solution

Consider using an open source 3D engine like ogre3d or Irrlicht In this way, you can focus on making games: content, game play

Both engines define an abstraction layer that can be mapped to Direct3D or OpenGL backend

Editor: I didn't notice you mention Java at first. Anyway, both engines support Java binding