Whether you're a coding enthusiast or a creative soul with a passion for storytelling, this post is here to guide you through the process of learning game development from scratch.
A game is the complete exploration of freedom within a restrictive environment.
Set Your Goals
Before you start learning game development, it's crucial to define your goals. Set a clear set of goals in front of you before starting the development of games. Its involves
- What kind of game do you have in mind?
- Do you want to make 2D games or 3D games?
- Which type of games do you wish to design; for mobile, console, or perhaps for the PC?
By having a clear vision of what you want to achieve, you can work on your learning process and on the specific skills and tools needed for your chosen path.
Choose Your Game Engine
Game engines are the backbone of game development. They help facilitate and define how your creative visions will be implemented. Some of the best game engine out there are Unity3D, Unreal, and Godot. All of which comes set of features, extensive documentation, and a vibrant community. Spent more time to test the various engines available so as to determine the most appropriate one depending on the on the persons style and the intended plan. You can skip this step for small game projects.
Explore Game Art
To bring your game worlds to life, learning concepts like concepts of Sprite, 3D modeling & sculpting, animation, texturing and Shader system is a valuable skill set. Dive into the world of software like Blender, or Maya and start creating your own 3D assets. Learn the basics of modeling, texturing, and rigging. Additionally, mastering animation techniques will allow you to give movement and personality to your creations, making your games even more immersive and visually stunning.
Learn the Basics of Programming
I can agree with the fact that game engines facilitate the game development but it’s always better to know programming basics. Familiarize yourself with programming languages such as C# (for Unity), C++ (for Unreal Engine), or Python (for Godot). You can even try Block Coding. Besides, there are numerous video tutorials, articles, and online courses you are try if you’re starting your journey. Always practice coding everyday at least for some time to maintain a strong knowledge of what you are doing and to build your confidence.
Start Small and Prototype
Game development can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. To avoid getting lost in the complexity, start with small projects and prototypes. Simple games like Pong or Breakout are excellent starting points. Prototyping allows you to experiment, learn, and iterate quickly, giving you a taste of the game development process without feeling overwhelmed.
Embrace the Art of Game Design
Game development is more than writing programs and compiling a series of coding languages, it is about interesting games. Dive into the world of game design, where you can unleash your creativity and make games that truly engage players.
Join the Community
The game development community is a treasure of knowledge, support, and inspiration. Engage with fellow game developers through forums, social media, and local meetups. Participate in game jams, where you'll collaborate with others to create games within a limited timeframe. Sharing your work (best when shared with me), receiving feedback, and learning from experienced developers will accelerate your growth and keep you motivated.
Never Stop Learning
Game development is a continuously evolving field. New technologies, techniques, and trends emerge regularly. Stay updated by following industry blogs (Like this blog), attending conferences, and experimenting with new tools and frameworks. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, and every step you take will bring you closer to becoming a game development wizard.
The successful free to play games are selling positive emotions, Not content.
-Nicholas Lovell
Top comments (2)
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This is an optional step. Making a game doesn't require using a game engine. For a lot of simple games, pre-built engines are overkill.