Many students think that only toppers or computer experts can make games. Some even believe that you must study in a famous university to get a job in a mobile game development company. That idea is old now. Today, anyone who has a computer and a strong interest can learn how to make games from home.
When beginners search online, they often feel confused. There are too many videos, blogs, and technical words. You may see topics like advanced graphics, complex coding, and difficult software tools. It can feel like everyone else already knows more than you. The truth is simple. You do not need to understand everything at once. You only need to begin with small steps and practice regularly.
1. Choose a Game Engine
A game engine is a program that helps you create games. It controls things like movement, sound, and graphics, so you do not have to build everything from scratch.
Here are some good options for beginners:
- Construct 3 – This engine is helpful if you do not want to write code in the beginning. You can use simple drag and drop features to create actions in your game.
- Godot – This is lightweight and easy to learn. It allows beginners to understand basic coding in a clear way.
- Unity – This engine is very popular around the world. Many professional developers use it. It may take more time to learn, but there are many tutorials available.
Do not spend too much time comparing engines. Select one and start practicing.
2. Begin with 2D Games
When starting game development, it is better to choose 2D vs 3D game development. In 2D games, characters move left, right, up, and down. The system provides simplicity by showing how movement interacts with collision detection. Players need to handle multiple factors, which include depth, camera angles, lighting, and 3D models in 3D games. That adds more difficulty.
The ability to make a small character jump over an obstacle in 2D shows your mastery of basic game development skills. You can begin 3D practice after you reach a confident level.
3. Avoid Making a Huge Game First
Many beginners want to create a large game like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or Genshin Impact. The development of these games requires extensive resources because they need multiple teams to work for several years.
The best approach to begin game development requires developers to create basic games that they can easily succeed in, such as:
- Pong
- Tetris
- Flappy Bird
You should duplicate their operational methods. You should not feel pressure to create distinctive results. Every time you complete a minor task, your skills develop, and your self-assurance grows.
4. How Much Time Does It Take?
The time required for game development depends on the game’s dimensions.
- A small game made during a competition can take two days.
- A simple mobile puzzle game might take a few months.
- Development of an independent game requires one to three years of work.
Your first project should create a goal that you will complete within one month. The project requires you to make two screens, which include a start screen and an ending screen. Incomplete large games provide less educational value than completing small games, according to study results.
5. Use AI Carefully
Current AI tools exist to assist users who are just starting their journey. The tools assist users in identifying their programming errors while providing them with solutions.
You need to avoid copying answers because it requires your active thinking. The solution needs your explanation to be read and understood. Your development will progress at a faster pace through learning from your errors.
You should create basic drawings that will help you until you develop your art skills. You can make better progress on your game development while using basic graphics in your early stages. The first stage of your project requires you to concentrate on creating actual gameplay instead of achieving perfect visual design.
6. Make the Game Feel Good
A game can deliver enjoyable experiences through its gameplay even when it lacks expensive graphical elements. The system requires accurate tracking of player actions to achieve proper functionality.
For example:
- A sound when collecting a coin
- A small effect when landing from a jump
- Smooth and quick controls
The game becomes entertaining because of these minor elements. The movement of basic shapes becomes enjoyable when they demonstrate smooth motion and accurate response.
7. Take Part in a Game Jam
After building a few small games, you can join a game jam. Websites like itch.io organize events where participants create games in a short time, such as 48 hours. The game jams develop your ability to work with time constraints while making quick decisions. You learn to complete a project within a time limit. You can also see how other beginners solve problems.
8. Improve Thinking Skills
Game development requires more than coding skills. It needs developers to maintain organized thought processes.
The process of developing games requires developers to split their work into manageable parts. Instead of thinking “create a racing game,” start with “when I press a key, the car moves forward.”
You should also think about the player. What methods can help players grasp the game without receiving excessive guidance? What strategies will make players enjoy their gaming experience?
These skills are essential for developers who want to succeed in their careers.
9. Accept That Mistakes Will Happen
Your first game appears as a basic project that contains potential programming errors and design faults that are common for first-time developers. The learning process requires you to make mistakes because each error provides valuable lessons that help you grow as a developer. Your completed projects will make you more powerful after you finish each of them.
You do not need special talent to start game development. You need practice and patience. Start by installing a game engine and building a small scene to enable screen movement. You will make progress towards your goal through continuous improvement.
