You want to become a game developer. What’s the best way to get started? Game development is a creative and rewarding career that combines art, programming, design, and storytelling. But it can also be challenging, competitive, and complex. If you are passionate about making games and want to learn the basics, here are some tips to help you on your journey.
The first step is to decide what kind of games you want to make and what platform you want to target. There are many options, such as PC, console, mobile, web, or virtual reality. Each platform has its own advantages, disadvantages, and requirements. For example, PC games can have higher graphics and performance, but also need to support different hardware and software configurations. Mobile games can reach a wider audience, but also have to deal with limited screen size and battery life. You should research the market, the audience, and the technical aspects of each platform before choosing one.
Coding basics are key, but free online courses can get you started. Build small projects, join game jams (think coding sprints!), and connect with other aspiring devs. Remember, passion is the fuel – let's build awesome games together!
The best way to get started as a game developer is to first choose a gaming platform that interests you the most, such as mobile, PC, or console. Next, familiarize yourself with the platform's development tools and programming languages. Take online courses, read books, and practice coding to build your skills. Join game development communities and forums to network with other developers and learn from their experiences. Start creating small projects to gain experience and showcase your work. Persistence, passion, and continuous learning are key to succeed in the competitive field of game development.
Choosing the right platform is crucial as it dictates not only the potential reach of your game but also the design and development process. For instance, developing for consoles often requires adherence to strict guidelines and obtaining development kits, while mobile platforms offer a more accessible entry point but come with intense market competition. Additionally, consider cross-platform development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, which can maximize your game's availability across different systems, though this approach may involve trade-offs in terms of optimization and platform-specific features.
Choose one of your three starter pokemons: Unreal, Unity or Godot. Pick one and don't look back, you'll fall in love with any of them. If you have any experience with any of them go for it. - If you want fast, flexible and good quality production choose Unity. - If you prefer lightweight, capable, totally free and potenitally the opensource one that will win in the long run pick Godot. - If you want to develop the highest quality games, work for a AAA studio or you like the pain of coding in C++, Unreal is your engine.
To begin as a game developer: 1. Learn programming basics, focusing on C++ or C#. 2. Practice by creating small projects to build skills. 3. Explore game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. 4. Use online resources, tutorials, and forums for learning. 5. Join game dev communities for support and networking. 6. Collaborate on projects to gain experience. 7. Seek feedback to improve continually. 8. Stay updated on industry trends and technologies.
The next step is to learn the tools and technologies that are used to create games. There are many software and frameworks that can help you with different aspects of game development, such as graphics, audio, physics, networking, and user interface. Some of the most popular tools are game engines, which are software that provide a set of features and functions that simplify the development process. Some examples of game engines are Unity, Unreal Engine, GameMaker Studio, and Godot. You should pick a game engine that suits your needs, your budget, and your skill level. You should also learn how to use other tools, such as image editors, sound editors, and code editors.
What kind of video games do you like? Why do you like that type of video game? That question can help you more than you think. Go to YouTube and see how each engine works, what they are used for, how they are used. This way, you can have a better idea of where to start. You may face different challenges, from programming to modeling. But don't give up and trust the process. Try not to jump from engine to engine, as this may leave you only at the beginner level in all engines and not master any.
The third step is to learn the skills and knowledge that are essential for game development. Game development is a multidisciplinary field that requires a combination of artistic, technical, and design skills. You should have a basic understanding of programming, math, physics, art, animation, sound, and game design. You should also be familiar with the game development cycle, which is the process of planning, designing, prototyping, testing, and publishing a game. You should also be aware of the best practices, standards, and trends in the industry. You can learn these skills by taking courses, reading books, watching tutorials, and following online communities.
A natural way to learn is to "learn by imitation." We can take classic games like Ping, Flappy Bird, Pacman and create our own versions, as a practice. In this way we will get used to topics such as user interaction, graphical problems, performance, enemy intelligence and other concepts that will prepare us to create more complex projects.
Build, just start a project. Decide what you want to learn then just start. There is no right way to do this, only the way that works for you. Learn to love learning, feed your passion with progress and know that you will have set backs. Find your mentors on YouTube, its all right there for you. Also, I recommend going ahead and paying to be able to skip the adds. It was a jolt of distraction every time an add came on for me. Find your heroes, either a dev, company or game. Know what is inspiring you to learn and grow, then feed that self realization with progress and skills.
To embark on the journey of becoming a game developer, focus on learning the foundational skills required in the field. Start with understanding programming languages such as C# or C++, familiarize yourself with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and delve into game design principles. Consistent practice, experimentation, and seeking feedback will be instrumental in honing your abilities and paving the way for your growth as a game developer.
La forma más directa de aprender las habilidades necesarias para crear un videojuego, es buscar a un mentor. Este mentor te orientará en el camino para lograr tus objetivos. Para encontrar a un mentor lo que tienes que hacer es participar activamente en las actividades y grupos de la comunidad de desarrolladores cerca de ti. Adicional a esto, estudiar en una escuela especializada y con un buen plan de estudios, puede ayudarte a aprender rápidamente todo lo necesario para desarrollar tus propios proyectos de forma rentable.
The fourth step is to make your own games and practice your skills. The best way to learn game development is by doing it. You should start with simple and small projects that you can finish in a short time. You should focus on one aspect of game development at a time, such as gameplay, graphics, or sound. You should also experiment with different genres, styles, and mechanics. You should test your games frequently and get feedback from others. You should also share your games online and showcase your portfolio.
The most effective way to begin your journey as a game developer is by diving into the creation process and making your own games. Start with small, manageable projects to grasp the basics, gradually increasing complexity as you gain confidence and experience. This hands-on approach not only solidifies your understanding of game development principles but also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills essential for success in the field.
Make your own Stardew Valley, joke! Start slowly. While Concerned Ape's story is inspiring, you must remember that he didn't achieve it overnight. It took him years as an individual developer. Learn the basics, master them, and move on to the next level. Don't be afraid to revisit points you've seen before if you have doubts; don't let them linger for too long. Drawing inspiration from other video games can help you improve your ideas and mechanics, but stay true to yourself. Create games that you would have liked to play, add mechanics that you would have enjoyed, and develop narratives that you would like to hear. Don't be afraid of criticism and share your work.
Es recomendable que empieces ahora mismo a crear tus propios videojuegos, puedes comenzar a implementar mecánicas de juegos clásicos y utilizar para ello recursos sin copyright (Unity Assets Store, Sketchfab, etc), en YouTube hay infinidad de creadores de contenido que pueden ayudarte a crear minijuegos. Sin embargo, no olvides que para que el desarrollo de un videojuego sea rentable, requieres poner atención no solo al desarrollo del mismo, sino también a la búsqueda activa de clientes, publicidad, manejo de redes sociales, relaciones con otros estudios, relaciones con inversionistas y colaborar con el ecosistema local e internacional.
If you have a dream game, think about all the mechancis involved and try to make a really simple game for each one. Try to produce cleaner and more scalable project structures each time trying to introduce some handy design patterns in each of the small games. When you feel ready, focus on your big goal without fear!
The fifth step is to join the game development community and network with other developers. The game development community is a great source of inspiration, support, and collaboration. You can find other developers who share your interests, goals, and challenges. You can also learn from their experiences, tips, and advice. You can join online forums, social media groups, blogs, podcasts, and newsletters. You can also participate in game jams, which are events where developers create games in a limited time based on a theme. You can also attend local meetups, workshops, and conferences.
Perhaps you live in a small town where you don't know more people who want to make video games and the options on the internet don't seem as tangible to you as to others. If you're still in school (college or high school), one of the things I fervently believe is that you should look for or create a video game club; this way, you will not only connect with people who want to do the same as you, but they will also be people who probably want to work on different aspects: art, programming, design, you name it. Learn from those around you and teach them what you know. On the other hand, I suggest you follow the GDC's YouTube channel; they upload material that will teach you a lot without overwhelming you.
The sixth and final step is to keep learning and improving your game development skills. Game development is a constantly evolving field that requires you to stay updated and adaptable. You should always seek new challenges, opportunities, and feedback. You should also explore new tools, technologies, and techniques. You should also play other games and analyze what makes them fun, engaging, and successful. You should also set realistic and achievable goals and track your progress. You should also celebrate your achievements and enjoy the process.
You won't ever know everything. Just try to keep improving and learning something new with each project you tackle. Analyze your mistakes and be aware that there is always a better way. Aaaaand use chatgpt, there's no better teacher :)
Embarking on a journey in game development means embracing an endless cycle of learning and improvement. From mastering new programming languages and game engines to refining design skills and staying abreast of industry trends, every step presents an opportunity to grow. Each project offers valuable lessons, whether through overcoming technical challenges or discovering innovative solutions. The key lies in a mindset of perpetual curiosity and a willingness to continuously refine and expand one's skills, ensuring that with every game created, the developer evolves into a more adept and versatile creator.
To start a career in game development, begin by learning the basics of programming, game engines, and design principles. Choose a specialization, such as programming or art, and educate yourself through online resources and courses. Practice regularly by working on personal projects and participating in game jams. Join game development communities for networking and support, and build a portfolio showcasing your best work.