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How to become a game developer
- Thread starter TrentS
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Very big question. I can answer some of it.
For modeling, use Blender and program in a way that can utilize your blender models: https://blender.org/
For programming, find a game framework or something. Coding from scratch is very hard. I don't have any suggestions, but I'd use c++.
Personally I have stuck to console text based games like NetHack.
One last thing, don't use <windows.h> or you will never get cross-compatibility
For modeling, use Blender and program in a way that can utilize your blender models: https://blender.org/
For programming, find a game framework or something. Coding from scratch is very hard. I don't have any suggestions, but I'd use c++.
Personally I have stuck to console text based games like NetHack.
One last thing, don't use <windows.h> or you will never get cross-compatibility
Find friends. Make a team. Learn basic skills. Attempt a game. Fail miserably. Rinse and repeat last two steps until success is achieved.
I have to agree with this haha, your first game won't be a success, most likely after a few attempts you will achieve success
Pointing out that mojang was a developer for a long time making shit games before the idea of minecraft even came about.
If you want to become a game developer, you're gonna need to know a lot more than just that. Also do take note of this: free software gets the job done, premium software gets the job done right. If you want high quality, you'll be spitting out some cash from that wallet.
1 - ARTWORK: You have to practice, and learn. There's no other way to it. You can get lessons, or watch tutorials:lessons on various websites like Youtube, or an official tutoring site. Take an Art class in your High School, or in College. If you want to make digital artwork, then the same thing applies as above.
2 - MODELING: As above Blender is a great place to start in terms of modeling software. Blender offers good tutorials and lessons (I believe they do cost money; however, I'm sure its worth it). You can start there, or pay a wad of cash to take a class in Animation & Modeling at a college that doesn't require prerequisites.
3 - CODING: There are multiple coding languages in this world, but the one you choose to learn will effect how you will make your game. I see alot of games these days using C++, so you may (or will) have to start there. As any of my other points, Coding or Programming classes will be usefull. Tutorials and videos online will help as well, but are not as accurate. There are some guides purchasable from stores such as Amazon, so thats a good way to learn a language (hence its the newest version of that book).
4 - EXTRA: Here's a list of things that will help you in making, or learning games:
1 - ARTWORK: You have to practice, and learn. There's no other way to it. You can get lessons, or watch tutorials:lessons on various websites like Youtube, or an official tutoring site. Take an Art class in your High School, or in College. If you want to make digital artwork, then the same thing applies as above.
2 - MODELING: As above Blender is a great place to start in terms of modeling software. Blender offers good tutorials and lessons (I believe they do cost money; however, I'm sure its worth it). You can start there, or pay a wad of cash to take a class in Animation & Modeling at a college that doesn't require prerequisites.
3 - CODING: There are multiple coding languages in this world, but the one you choose to learn will effect how you will make your game. I see alot of games these days using C++, so you may (or will) have to start there. As any of my other points, Coding or Programming classes will be usefull. Tutorials and videos online will help as well, but are not as accurate. There are some guides purchasable from stores such as Amazon, so thats a good way to learn a language (hence its the newest version of that book).
4 - EXTRA: Here's a list of things that will help you in making, or learning games:
- Learning a variety of languages
- Having advanced knowledge in a programming language, where you don't need a reference to do something.
- Being able to create your own music, and sounds.
- Being able to create a unique game idea, and storyline.
- Having patience, this is the most important part.
- Being able to plan accordingly.
- animating models, or sprites
- Being able to create your own concept art.
- Being able to create your own models, without a crutch - such as a 'base' model.
- Being able to create your own sprites, without a crutch - such as a 'base' sprite.
- having experience with a well-known game engine, such as Unity3D or CryEngine.
- Having a team of individuals helping you make a game is great, it speeds up the process.
- Having money to fund your project, even if a solo developer - you may need money along the way.
- Having a computer that will be able to handle your current game.
- Copyrighting your work is essential.
- and much, much more. It never ends.
Well, first off your first game shouldn't be too complicated, or "out-of-reach" from your desired goals. Trying to make a game without any programming, or animation knowledge? Will be near to impossible, or take a very long time until you develop these skills. Might as well learn some basic coding languages, and animation (unless your first game will be in 2D, then I suggest learning spriting).
Also this is how I do things, so it won't be perfect.
For a first game, you'd be wanting to know an average bit of coding, and either spriting or modeling (I'll be using spriting in this example). If you're an "all around, jack-of-all-trades", then you can also draw your own artwork, and make your own music. Only if you have these skills though.
Unity3D / Blender / Piskel are great places to start, but not recommended for games you would release to the public (probably other than your first game). Official spriting, modeling, and game creation programs are recommended. They can cost a hefty amount of money, but they will be worth it (and of course have way more options, and customization than a free software).
We'll be starting from scratch, with a new project in whatever kind of program(s) you're using. You'll be wanting to come up with a general idea of what your game will be about, and of course a title (title may not be permanent, just something that you can live with). Now that you have your 'idea' in place, you'll be making your entire storyline for the game. Did you expect to just jump into some program and start making a game? Hilarious!
The next stage really is up to you, but I suggest starting with your concept art, and then spriting/modeling.
Once you revise your storyline, lots, and lots, and LOTS of times to the point where its the way you or your team want it, it would be time to start working on the actual game. Usually, you'd start making concept art of the most important aspects of your game (characters, unique places, enemies, bosses, items, etc.). This stage usually takes a while, just because making everything *perfect* isn't always the easiest thing to do.
Soon after your artwork is finished, you'd want to start on your sprites. This alone will be the most tedious task of your game, other than putting all together. You can usually make your sprites, and put the pieces together at once (meaning you can start working on your game now, while making the sprites on the way). Usually you'd also work on your music/sounds as well when finishing your sprites, since all the animations are there - and you can start making weird sounds with random objects in your house. Finishing your sprites, animations, etc. is recommended before you start putting the puzzle together.
When you've finished your sprites, then you can finally put your game to life. It will take time, dedication, and weeks - months of work before your game gets to the point where its "finished". Not going into detail of how to do so, just because the variety of programs people use to make games is very large. Explaining them all would just be a task I don't want to do. Of course, you'll have to beta test for bugs, and anything that will most likely ruin your day.
Of course I probably missed 1,000,000 things, because I <insert excuse> just woke up, and I most likely don't have the time. This is just information for you to know what you may be getting into as a solo game developer. Also, don't make games because you want money - do it because you love making games. As the user said above, Notch didn't start the idea of minecraft right off the bat. He was a game developer for awhile, making small games until he created an idea that he thought would be "just another small game".
Also this is how I do things, so it won't be perfect.
For a first game, you'd be wanting to know an average bit of coding, and either spriting or modeling (I'll be using spriting in this example). If you're an "all around, jack-of-all-trades", then you can also draw your own artwork, and make your own music. Only if you have these skills though.
Unity3D / Blender / Piskel are great places to start, but not recommended for games you would release to the public (probably other than your first game). Official spriting, modeling, and game creation programs are recommended. They can cost a hefty amount of money, but they will be worth it (and of course have way more options, and customization than a free software).
We'll be starting from scratch, with a new project in whatever kind of program(s) you're using. You'll be wanting to come up with a general idea of what your game will be about, and of course a title (title may not be permanent, just something that you can live with). Now that you have your 'idea' in place, you'll be making your entire storyline for the game. Did you expect to just jump into some program and start making a game? Hilarious!
The next stage really is up to you, but I suggest starting with your concept art, and then spriting/modeling.
Once you revise your storyline, lots, and lots, and LOTS of times to the point where its the way you or your team want it, it would be time to start working on the actual game. Usually, you'd start making concept art of the most important aspects of your game (characters, unique places, enemies, bosses, items, etc.). This stage usually takes a while, just because making everything *perfect* isn't always the easiest thing to do.
Soon after your artwork is finished, you'd want to start on your sprites. This alone will be the most tedious task of your game, other than putting all together. You can usually make your sprites, and put the pieces together at once (meaning you can start working on your game now, while making the sprites on the way). Usually you'd also work on your music/sounds as well when finishing your sprites, since all the animations are there - and you can start making weird sounds with random objects in your house. Finishing your sprites, animations, etc. is recommended before you start putting the puzzle together.
When you've finished your sprites, then you can finally put your game to life. It will take time, dedication, and weeks - months of work before your game gets to the point where its "finished". Not going into detail of how to do so, just because the variety of programs people use to make games is very large. Explaining them all would just be a task I don't want to do. Of course, you'll have to beta test for bugs, and anything that will most likely ruin your day.
Of course I probably missed 1,000,000 things, because I <insert excuse> just woke up, and I most likely don't have the time. This is just information for you to know what you may be getting into as a solo game developer. Also, don't make games because you want money - do it because you love making games. As the user said above, Notch didn't start the idea of minecraft right off the bat. He was a game developer for awhile, making small games until he created an idea that he thought would be "just another small game".
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