The Blueprint to Making Games with No Experience (2024)

Summary

This video script serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners in game development, outlining seven key steps to transform from a novice to a successful game publisher. It warns against common pitfalls like choosing complex genres and underestimating development time. The script emphasizes learning from tutorials, participating in game jams, and the importance of planning, prototyping, and optimization. It also stresses the significance of playtesting, community building, and marketing to ensure a game's success, highlighting the journey's challenges and rewarding sense of accomplishment.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Avoid starting with complex genres like multiplayer, open-world, or RPGs as a beginner; they are akin to climbing a mountain without gear.
• ⏳ Recognize that game development is a lengthy process; don't be misled by '24-hour game challenges' which often omit the extensive planning and editing involved.
• 💪 Embrace challenges and maintain determination to reach the top of the 'mountain'; self-belief is crucial to avoid giving up early in the journey.
• 🛠️ Utilize game engines like Unity, Unreal, or Game Maker to simplify development; choose one that fits the type of game you want to create.
• 🔧 Learn by doing; start with small projects or game jams to gain experience and learn to think critically under time constraints.
• 🔎 Use online resources and tutorials effectively to solve specific problems encountered during development.
• 👥 Consider collaborating with others who complement your skills, but ensure clear agreements are in place to define each person's contributions and rewards.
• 📝 Plan your game using tools like Milanote to organize ideas, design documents, and development milestones.
• 🔄 Prioritize learning and iteration; don't be afraid to make changes based on feedback and to improve your game continuously.
• 🛡️ Implement version control systems like Git and GitHub to manage project files and ensure backup and organization.
• 🎮 Engage in playtesting early and often to gather feedback, identify issues, and enhance the gaming experience.
• 📈 Market your game proactively from the early stages of development; building a community and wish list on platforms like Steam can significantly impact sales.

Q & A

What are the seven key steps mentioned in the script for a beginner to successfully publish their first game?

The script does not explicitly list all seven steps, but it emphasizes avoiding common beginner mistakes, learning from tutorials and game jams, choosing the right game engine, planning the game development, dealing with bugs and obstacles, organizing project files with version control, and the importance of playtesting and marketing.

Why should beginners avoid starting with certain genres like multiplayer, open world, and RPGs?

These genres are complex and challenging for beginners due to their scope and requirements, which include advanced programming, world-building, and multiplayer mechanics. Attempting these without experience is compared to climbing a mountain without gear, implying a high likelihood of failure.

What misconception does the script address about the time it takes to develop a game?

The script dispels the misconception that games can be developed quickly, as portrayed in '24-hour game challenges' on YouTube. It clarifies that these challenges are heavily edited, planned in advance, and the resulting games are often buggy, unlike what viewers see.

What is the importance of believing in oneself when starting a game development journey?

Self-belief is crucial because a lack of confidence can lead to giving up early in the development process. The script warns against the negativity of self-deprecating game developers and encourages embracing challenges with determination.

How does the script suggest a beginner can learn game development?

The script recommends using free online tutorials, learning by doing through game jams, and seeking help from online communities and Discord channels. It emphasizes hands-on experience and problem-solving as effective learning methods.

What role does the game engine play in the game development process?

A game engine is a set of tools that simplifies the game development process by providing frameworks for creating and managing game assets, rendering graphics, implementing a physics engine, and more, thus reducing the need to build everything from scratch.

Why is it recommended to start with a small project after learning the basics of a game engine?

Starting with a small project allows developers to apply their newly acquired skills in a manageable scope, which is less overwhelming than jumping straight into a large project. It also provides a stepping stone to tackle more complex projects in the future.

What is the significance of using a version control system like git and GitHub in game development?

Version control systems are essential for backing up project files, tracking changes, reverting to previous versions when necessary, and collaborating with others without overwriting each other's work.

Why is optimization an important aspect of game development?

Optimization ensures that the game runs smoothly by reducing the load on the system, avoiding lag and glitches, and providing a better player experience. It involves efficient use of resources, asset compression, and simplifying physics simulations.

What are some strategies for playtesting a game according to the script?

The script suggests starting playtesting early with a basic playable prototype, gathering feedback from a diverse group of people, using online platforms or in-game features to collect feedback, and observing players without guiding them to identify issues.

How does the script emphasize the importance of marketing in the success of a game?

The script stresses that marketing is crucial for building awareness and interest in the game. It involves creating a Steam page, posting on social media, understanding the target audience, and possibly working with publishers to handle marketing efforts.