A beginner’s guide to Game Development

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Growing VPL Member
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Feb 11, 2024
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Embarking on a journey in game development can be both thrilling and daunting. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to refine your skills, this guide offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the complexities of creating your own games. From generating ideas and choosing the right tools to overcoming challenges and transitioning to a professional mindset, our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to bring your unique gaming visions to life. Let’s dive in!

Game Development Guide

1. Start with a Concept: If you’re new to game development, aim for simplicity. Simplify your idea until it feels manageable. Beginners often try to create overly ambitious projects and may never complete them. Consider recreating classic games like Pac-Man or Asteroids as a starting point; even these seemingly simple concepts require significant effort and attention to detail.


2. Choose Your Engine: Once you have a concept, research game engines that fit your vision. Experiment with different platforms to find one that resonates with you. Personally, I appreciate the visual scripting capabilities of Unreal Engine’s Blueprint.


3. Learn the Basics: Begin with fundamental tutorials for your chosen engine, but once you’re comfortable, avoid endlessly watching generic tutorials.


4. Beware of Tutorial Overload: New developers often fall into the trap of “Tutorial Hell,” where they consume tutorials without applying the knowledge. Game development challenges vary, and each requires different solutions. While foundational tutorials are useful, you need practical experience to navigate development effectively.


5. Seek Specific Solutions: If you feel stuck, clarify your goals and look for tutorials that address specific tasks you want to accomplish. The clearer you are about your objectives, the easier it will be to achieve them.


6. Iterate and Share Early: Don’t wait until your game is perfect to share it. Getting feedback early can provide valuable insights. While it can be daunting to face criticism, constructive feedback is essential for growth. No developer creates a flawless game in isolation.


7. Embrace Feedback: Share your work, gather input, and iterate on your ideas. It’s common for games to evolve significantly from their initial concepts. For instance, my game. Don’t hesitate to revise or abandon ideas that aren’t working, but also give concepts time to develop.


8. Utilize Free Resources: Avoid the temptation to seek funding. There are countless free tools and resources available for game development. All you need is time and effort. I’ve successfully used Unreal Engine 5, Paint.NET, Audacity, and Google Docs without spending a dime.


9. Consider Game Jams: If you’re comfortable with game development basics, participating in game jams can spur creativity. The constraints of time and themes can lead to innovative ideas without overwhelming scope.

Regaining Motivation in Game Development
1. Show Your Work:
A mistake I made was waiting too long to share my game. Engaging with others about your project can boost motivation and create a sense of accountability. If you’re concerned about readiness, share it with friends and family for initial feedback.


2. Be Open to Ideas: While it’s crucial to maintain your vision, consider insights from both game developers and non-developers. Their perspectives might offer valuable improvements, but filter feedback carefully to stay true to your concept.


3. Combat Imposter Syndrome: Many solo developers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially during their first project. Remember, if you’re creating games, you’re a developer. Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your own growth and improvement.


4. Create a Production Plan: It might seem daunting, but outline tasks that need to be completed for your game. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Completing these smaller objectives can significantly enhance your motivation.


5. Prevent Feature Creep: Spending long hours on a project can lead to boredom and the temptation to add unnecessary features. Stick to your core game concept and avoid introducing elements that don’t enhance the overall experience.


6. Be Kind to Yourself: Expect your first few games to have shortcomings. Progress takes time, and every developer starts somewhere. Complacency is your only true enemy, so keep striving to improve.


7. Establish a Routine: Maintaining a regular schedule is vital, especially for solo developers. Allocate time for work and relaxation, allowing yourself to step away from game development without guilt. Breaks are essential for maintaining creativity and preventing burnout.





Transitioning from Hobbyist to Professional Game Developer:

1. Ensure Financial Stability: If you’re considering game development as a career, keep your day job until you’re financially secure. Games take time to create, and your first project might not sustain you right away.


2. Analyze Market Trends: Research popular genres and games. Focus on projects similar to what you can realistically create, especially if you’re a solo developer.


3. Craft a Marketable Concept: Think about how your game can stand out in the marketplace. My puzzle game, RoGlass, initially lacked marketable visuals, which made promotion challenging.


4. Avoid Imitation: Rather than trying to replicate a successful game like Dark Souls, draw inspiration from several games and innovate upon their mechanics.


5. Balance Creativity with Comprehension: Being innovative is important, but ensure your game concept remains relatable to players. A successful game often blends familiarity with fresh ideas.


6. Keep Your Scope Manageable: You can expand your game later, but starting small is crucial. I learned this the hard way when I scrapped a two-year project because its scope was unrealistic.


7. Work Within Your Skillset: Push your abilities but don’t overreach. Leverage your strengths and seek to improve weaker areas gradually.


8. Maintain a Consistent Theme: If your skills aren’t sufficient for high-quality visuals, rely on what you can manage consistently. Many successful indie games prioritize gameplay over polished art.


9. Launch a Store Page Early: Set up a page on platforms like Steam as soon as you have something to showcase. This helps build a fanbase and gather feedback.


10. Market Early and Often: Start promoting your game as soon as you have any content to share. Early marketing helps create anticipation and builds a wish list.


11. Embrace Uncertainty in Success: No one has a guaranteed formula for success in game development. Focus on learning from each project, and view failures as steps toward improvement.


12. Set a Fair Price: Ensure your game is priced reasonably, considering that most players prefer discounts. Don’t undersell your game, as a low price can suggest low quality.


Traits of a Good Game Developer:

1. Commit to Continuous Learning: The moment you stop learning is when you stop growing. Each project offers new challenges and opportunities for improvement.


2. Cultivate Perseverance: Self-motivation is crucial, especially for solo developers. Overcoming excuses and maintaining your drive will lead to progress.


3. Prioritize Well-being: Balance your work with self-care. Neglecting your health can lead to burnout and poor decisions.


4. Accept Criticism Gracefully: Critique is part of the process. Learn from feedback without taking it personally, and seek clarification on how to improve your game.


5. Ask for Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Many in the community are willing to help; collaboration often leads to better outcomes.


6. Focus on Execution: While ideas are abundant, successful implementation is key. Don’t shy away from borrowing and improving upon existing concepts.


7. Research Competitors: Analyze similar games and identify what makes them appealing. Your game can attract the same audience if it offers a unique twist.


If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out! Best of luck on your game development journey!