Hey Devs! Welcome back to my blog. In this blog I will tell you how to start learning game development(self-learning) from my point of view. I’ll be quick.
Find Your Interests:
If you’re passionate about game development, the first step is identifying which field excites you the most. The game industry is vast, with many roles to choose from, such as:
Game Programmer: Writing code that brings the game to life.
Game Designer: Designing gameplay mechanics and player experiences.
Game Artist (2D/3D): Creating stunning visuals and animations.
Sound Engineer: Crafting immersive soundscapes.
VFX Artist: Adding the visual magic.
Level Designer: Building engaging levels and environments.
Game Tester: Ensuring everything runs smoothly.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! Explore each role and decide what aligns with your skills and interests. Personally, I chose Game Programming because I enjoy coding and problem-solving. Once you’ve chosen your role, the next step is to pick a game engine that supports your goals. Some popular engines are:
Unity: Great for beginners and versatile for 2D/3D games.
Unreal Engine: Perfect for high-quality, visually stunning projects.
Godot: Lightweight, open-source, and ideal for 2D games.
GameMaker: User-friendly for creating 2D games.
Choose an engine that fits your role and project needs.
Where to learn:
Once you’ve decided on your field of interest and game engine, do not dive straight into YouTube tutorials. While YouTube is a fantastic resource, jumping in without context can lead to shallow learning. Here's my advice:
Start with Documentation:
Every game engine has detailed documentation. Yes, it can seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! Browse through the headings and focus on the sections related to your field, like programming, animation, or sound design.Supplement with Tutorials:
Once you know what topics to explore, look up those specific areas on YouTube. This approach ensures you’re not mindlessly following tutorials but actually understanding the concepts behind what you’re doing.Join Communities:
Stuck? Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Join Discord servers like Brackey’s, which is one of the most active game development communities. Engaging with fellow developers can make your learning experience smoother and more fun
My opinion on Solo Game Development:
If you dream of working solo, here’s the truth: It’s a great way to learn, but it comes with challenges. As a solo developer, you’ll need to wear multiple hats—coding, creating assets, designing levels, and more. While this is an incredible way to grow your skills, it can be overwhelming for larger projects.
Moreover, the reach of solo-developed games is generally limited unless you have exceptional marketing or a unique game concept. That said, there are successful solo developers out there (Stardew Valley is a great example). If you’re passionate about going solo, start small, build your skills, and consider transitioning to indie game development when you’re ready.
Indie Game Development:
If solo development feels too daunting, indie game development might be the way to go. Indie game development involves working with a small team of 1–50 members. Each member focuses on their area of expertise, making it easier to produce polished games.
How to Get Started:
Find a Team: Look for like-minded individuals on platforms like LinkedIn, Discord, or even Twitch.
Participate in Game Jams: Events like Brackey’s Game Jam are perfect for networking and gaining experience.
Assign Clear Roles: Ensure everyone on your team has defined responsibilities, whether it’s programming, designing, or marketing.
Collaborate Effectively: Communication and teamwork are key to building a strong indie team.
Indie games are highly appreciated for their creativity and innovation. With the right team, you can create something players will love. Games are meant to be made with teams, Let’s go!
Conclusion:
Game development is an exciting and rewarding journey. Here’s a quick recap to help you get started:
Identify your field of interest and choose a game engine.
Research thoroughly and explore documentation before diving into tutorials.
Join communities to network and seek guidance.
Consider whether you want to work solo or with an indie team.
The process may seem challenging at first, but every step is worth it. I’ll never forget the joy of seeing my first project come to life—a simple Unity game where I made an object move using my own code. That feeling was priceless, and I’m sure you’ll experience it too.
Stay consistent, keep learning, and enjoy the process. The world of game development is waiting for you :)