How to make YOUR dream game with no experience

Summary

This video offers essential tips for aspiring game developers who feel intimidated by coding. It emphasizes starting small with user-friendly platforms like Scratch to learn basic programming concepts. As beginners gain confidence, they can explore various game engines, from codeless options like GDevelop to more advanced ones like Godot, Unity, and Unreal. The video encourages experimentation over following tutorials, highlighting that the joy of game development comes from seeing others enjoy your creations. Ultimately, it inspires viewers to dive into game development, learn through practice, and have fun while bringing their game ideas to life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start small: Begin with simple projects to avoid feeling overwhelmed in game development.
• 🎮 Use Scratch for beginners: Scratch is an excellent platform for learning programming and game design without the complexity of traditional coding.
• 📚 Focus on learning logic: Understanding programming logic is essential before diving into specific coding languages.
• 🔍 Explore beginner-friendly engines: Consider codeless engines like Gdevelop or Construct for easier game creation.
• ⚙️ Gradually increase complexity: Learn your chosen game engine by starting with simple games and progressively tackling more complex projects.
• 👨‍🏫 Limit tutorial reliance: Use tutorials to understand the basics but strive to experiment and learn independently.
• 💡 Game development is iterative: Experimentation is key; make small games to explore different mechanics and ideas.
• 😅 Don’t rush into big projects: Ensure you're comfortable with your chosen engine before starting your dream game.
• 🎉 The joy of game-making: One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing others enjoy the games you've created.
• 🏁 Embrace the process: Focus on having fun while making games rather than just the end product.

Q & A

What is the first piece of advice for someone looking to make a game?

The first piece of advice is to start small and not to rush into complex projects. Beginners should focus on simpler tasks to gradually build their skills.

Why is Scratch recommended for beginners in game development?

Scratch is recommended because it uses a visual programming language, allowing beginners to create games without extensive coding knowledge. It helps in understanding basic programming logic through a straightforward interface.

What should a new developer do after becoming familiar with Scratch?

Once comfortable with Scratch, a new developer should explore other game engines, such as GDevelop, Construct, GameMaker Studio 2, or RPG Maker, depending on their interest and skill level.

What are some advantages of using Godot as a game engine?

Godot is beginner-friendly, completely free, and allows developers to publish and monetize their games without any subscription fees or royalties. It's a great option for those starting out with 3D game development.

What is the phrase 'don't learn the engine to make a game; make a game to learn the engine' meant to convey?

This phrase emphasizes that the best way to understand a game engine is by creating small, simple games rather than just following tutorials. It encourages hands-on experimentation and gradual learning.

What should beginners avoid when learning a new game engine?

Beginners should avoid setting specific goals too early, such as trying to create a large or complex game right away. Instead, they should experiment and gradually increase the complexity of their projects.

How should tutorials be utilized according to the speaker?

Tutorials should be used sparingly; while they can help beginners understand the basics of a new engine, the speaker advises against relying on them to create an entire game. Learning through experimentation is more effective.

What personal reward does the speaker mention about making games?

The speaker mentions that the most rewarding part of making games is seeing others play and enjoy the creations. This feeling of sharing something meaningful makes the challenges of game development worthwhile.

What are some popular game engines mentioned for more advanced development?

The popular game engines mentioned for advanced development include Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot. These engines can handle more complex projects and are widely used in the industry.

Why should beginners avoid using complex engines like Unity and Unreal right away?

Beginners should avoid these complex engines because they have a steep learning curve, which can be overwhelming and lead to frustration if the user is not already familiar with programming concepts.