I asked 100 gamedevs their best beginner advice

Summary

The video transcript offers invaluable advice to aspiring game developers, emphasizing the importance of starting early and learning through practical experience. It discourages over-planning and encourages seeking collaborations to form effective teams. The speaker also warns against hastily accepting unfavorable deals, especially with publishers, to avoid long-term repercussions. The summary is a call to action for beginners to embrace game development challenges and to be cautious of the potential pitfalls in the industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start as early as possible in game development; there's no better time than the present.
• 🚀 Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they're a natural part of the learning process.
• 📚 Consider the value of a Game Dev degree, but remember networking is often more valuable.
• 🛠️ Begin with small projects and gradually work your way up to more complex ones.
• 🤝 Networking is crucial; connect with others to form teams and learn from each other.
• 📈 Plan your projects, but avoid over-planning to the point of inaction.
• 💼 Be cautious with deals, especially with publishers; ensure they align with your long-term goals.
• 🌱 Plant your game development 'tree' now; the benefits will grow over time.
• 🎯 Focus on creating smaller games and plan less for them, but plan more for larger, scoped projects.
• 💡 Seek advice from experienced developers and learn from their experiences and regrets.

Q & A

What is the most common regret game developers express?

The most common regret game developers express is not starting sooner. Many developers feel they postponed beginning their projects, which delayed their progress and learning.

Why do developers emphasize 'just getting started'?

Developers emphasize 'just getting started' because experience is the best teacher. By making prototypes or participating in game jams, developers learn and improve over time, even if the early games are not good.

What is the advice regarding the scope of a first game project?

The advice is to start small. Developers recommend not attempting to create a large, complex game as a first project, but instead focusing on smaller, manageable games to gradually build skills and experience.

Is there a specific game engine recommended for beginners?

No specific engine is universally recommended. Developers advise beginners to pick any engine, whether it’s Unity, Unreal, or Godot, and start learning by doing.

Can someone be too old to start game development?

No, age is not a barrier. Game development can be started at any age, and developers encourage those who may feel 'too old' to just get started.

What are the pros and cons of planning in game development?

The pros of planning include better issue management and version control for larger projects. The cons are that over-planning can lead to 'analysis paralysis,' where too much focus on planning prevents progress.

What is a one-page game design document, and why is it recommended?

A one-page game design document is a concise plan that outlines the key features of a game. It's recommended for beginners or those working on smaller projects because it helps maintain focus without getting bogged down in excessive details.

Why is networking important in game development?

Networking is important because it helps developers meet others in the industry, find collaborators, and build teams. It’s also a key reason some people value a game development degree, as it provides opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

What is the risk of signing a bad publishing deal?

The risk of signing a bad publishing deal includes losing creative control, dealing with imposing deadlines, and receiving little financial benefit. Developers may feel pressured to accept the first deal offered, but this can lead to long-term negative consequences.

What is the speaker's advice on taking the first deal from a publisher?

The speaker advises not to take the first deal just for the sake of having a publisher. It's important to evaluate whether the deal will benefit you in the long run, rather than accepting it just to feel validated as a game developer.