How To Make A Game Alone

Summary

In this video, experienced game developer Ravoky guides beginners through the process of creating their first game without coding skills or a large budget. From choosing the right platform and game engine to managing scope and assets, Ravoky emphasizes the importance of starting small and focusing on player experience. He shares lessons learned from personal projects, the value of prototypes, and the importance of feedback. Additionally, Ravoky discusses how to promote your game and the critical post-launch strategies, ensuring both immediate and long-term success in the indie game development journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can start making your own game today without needing coding skills or a large budget, thanks to modern game development tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, and Godot.
• 😀 A degree in game development is not necessary to work in the industry. Building a strong personal portfolio and having hands-on experience is often more valuable.
• 😀 Deciding on your target platform early is crucial, as it influences game design and player experience. Consider Steam or mobile platforms for your first project.
• 😀 Focus on designing games that are fun for players, not just fun for developers. Player engagement should be the primary concern in game design.
• 😀 Choose a game market strategy wisely: a 'Red Ocean' strategy targets existing markets, while a 'Blue Ocean' strategy focuses on unique, untapped niches for greater indie success.
• 😀 Keep the scope of your first game manageable, aiming for 3 to 5 hours of gameplay or replayable mechanics like roguelike elements or endless modes.
• 😀 The Game Design Document (GDD) helps clarify your vision and development process. Treat it as a living document that evolves throughout the project.
• 😀 Version control is essential for solo developers to keep track of changes and safely revert back if something breaks. Git is a good option for small projects, while Perforce works better with large assets.
• 😀 Using external game assets can save you time and effort. There are many asset stores and tools like Unity Asset Store, TurboSquid, and Mixamo that provide ready-made content.
• 😀 Start with a polished showcase demo of your game to test market interest. This demo can help gauge player reaction and generate buzz for your project.
• 😀 After launching your game, continuous updates and bug fixes are crucial. Don't abandon your game after release—keep improving and adding content to extend its sales potential.

Q & A

What is the main message of this video regarding game development?

The main message is that anyone can start making games today, regardless of coding knowledge or budget, thanks to accessible tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, and Godot. The video emphasizes the importance of starting small, focusing on what players will enjoy, and using available assets to reduce development costs.

Do I need a university degree to become a game developer?

No, a university degree is not mandatory to become a game developer. While it might help in some cases, especially for studio positions, Ravoky shares his experience where he never encountered a situation where a degree was required to apply for a job.

What should I consider when choosing a platform for my first game?

When choosing a platform, you need to consider where you want to release your game. For beginners, platforms like Steam or mobile are ideal. Developing for consoles requires additional resources, such as dev kits, and a lengthy application process.

How important is market saturation in game design?

Market saturation plays a crucial role in game design. Developers can either target a crowded market (Red Ocean) where they compete with established games or look for a Blue Ocean, where they create something unique with little competition. The latter is often ideal for indie developers.

What is the best approach when deciding the type of game to make?

The best approach is to focus on what players will enjoy, not just what the developer finds fun. Ravoky shares how he initially made a game that was fun to develop but not fun to play, leading to poor reception. It's critical to consider the player's enjoyment when starting a project.

What is the purpose of a Game Design Document (GDD)?

A Game Design Document (GDD) outlines the vision, mechanics, story, and development plan for your game. It serves as a reference throughout development and helps communicate your ideas clearly, especially if you plan to expand your team later.

Which game engine is recommended for solo developers working on 2D games?

Unity or Godot are recommended for solo developers working on 2D games, as they offer tools and features that make 2D game creation easier. Unreal Engine, on the other hand, is better suited for more complex 3D projects.

Why is version control important in game development?

Version control is essential because it helps track changes made to the game project, allowing you to revert to previous versions if something goes wrong. It’s especially crucial for managing larger projects or collaborating with others.

Can I use pre-made assets in my game, and if so, where can I find them?

Yes, you can use pre-made assets in your game as long as they fit the design and you aren't violating any copyrights. Sources for game assets include Epic Games' marketplace (Fab), the Unity Asset Store, TurboSquid, Sketchfab, and ArtStation for 3D models, and Pont 5 or Epidemic Sound for music and sound effects.

What is the role of playtesting in game development?

Playtesting is critical throughout game development to identify potential issues and areas for improvement. Ravoky recommends sharing your game with friends, your community, or other developers to gather valuable feedback and make necessary adjustments.