If you’ve never designed a game before, start simple. Your first game should be a learning experience, not a masterpiece. The goal for your first game should be to make something that is playable as quickly as possible. Even if it’s only a one-room level, with bad collision detection. Don’t give up! Be proud of it. Your next game will be even better. Soon you’ll be making games people want to play. [1] X Research source Consider going to work for a professional gaming company before developing your own game. You’ll have a much easier time making a successful game and getting investors if you have the experience, education, and a well-known game attached to your name. This might require going to school or acquiring some skills, but it’s still working towards your goal and it will be worth it in the end.
C++: C++ is one of the most common programming languages. It’s also one of the most difficult languages to learn, but it’s worth it. C++ gives you more control over the computer hardware and graphical processes. Many game engines, such as Unreal, only accept information written in C++ Java: Java is another common language that is used in a variety of applications. It is similar to C++, which makes it easy to learn alongside C++ SQL: SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is used to interact with online databases. If your game requires players to create an online account, or interact with other players online or features, you will need a database to manage all the user information. You can use SQL to create and manage the database. HTML, CSS, JavaScript: HTML/HTML5, CSS/CSS3, and JavaScript are all web development languages. They’re all pretty easy to learn, but not used very often in game development. However, if you are new to game development, you can use these basic languages to make web browser-based games.
If you don’t think that you are a very good artist, consider using a minimalist art style. Many popular independent games are designed using an 8-bit pixel art style. Not only is it easier to draw, it evokes a sense of nostalgia in many gamers. Other games are designed using simple geometric shapes.
Unity: is a powerful game engine. It supports both 2D and 3D games and is not too difficult to learn. Many mobile and independent games are designed using Unity. Unreal 4: Unreal is another popular game engine. It does have a steep learning curve and is not recommended for beginner game designers. However, it is a powerful game engine used to create stunning visuals. Many popular games, including Fortnite, Mortal Kombat 11, and Final Fantasy VII Remake are designed in Unreal 4. Game Maker Studio 2: Game Maker Studio is a good game engine for those who don’t have a lot of experience working with game engines. It’s mostly used in making 2D games and has an interface that’s pretty easy to use. Scratch: Scratch is an online game maker developed by MIT as an educational tool. If you have no experience with game design at all, this may be a good place to start.
To make an average quality indie game, you will need roughly in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Major titles often take in the millions of dollars to develop. A lot of games have been developed using crowdfunding. Websites like Kickstarter, and Fig can be great ways to raise money for a project. But you’ll want to make sure you have the skills to deliver on the product you are selling. While plenty of crowdfunding campaigns have been a success, plenty have also failed.
What are my strengths as a designer? What are my weaknesses? What kind of game can I make based on my strengths? What is the genre of the game? What are some game mechanics that you find make a game enjoyable? What are some game mechanics you find frustrating? What games is your game inspired by? How is it different from other similar games? What will be the key features of the game? How long will it take to develop these features? Are there any features I want that I don’t know how to make? What features can the game do without, if needed? Does the game have a story? How does the gameplay fit the story? What kind of art style do I want for my game? How can I create this art style?
Your game design document should be split into sections and include a detailed Table of Contents. Common sections to include cover the story of the game, major and minor characters, the level design, the gameplay, the art, and visual design, the game sounds and music, as well as a breakdown of the controls and user interface design. The design document should not be limited to text. You will usually find design sketches, concept art, and even items like preview videos or sound samples. Do not feel limited or too worried about your design document and it’s formatting. There is no standard format or required items to include. Just make a document that is organized and fits your game. Your design document is not set in stone. Things can and do change during a game design project. You may find that certain ideas don’t work as well as you thought, or are too complicated. You may also come up with better ideas.
Indie games usually have a team of around 5-20 people. Big-name games can have up to several hundred people working on them!
Don’t freak out too much if you go over a deadline. It’s going to happen. These days, it’s not at all uncommon for games to be delayed. However, if you find it’s taking you 3x longer to complete a project or task than you originally thought, that’s a good sign that the scope of your project is too large and you may need to scale things back a bit. [6] X Research source
If there are certain assets you want for your game, but you don’t know how/don’t have the time to make, many game engines have an assets store where you can purchase game assets made by other users and use them in your game. This can include characters, objects, music, and more.
Try making a name for yourself in the indie gaming community. The indie game development community is strong, supportive and welcoming. If you’re good about supporting, promoting, discussing, and helping them with their projects, they’ll return the same in kind. Talk with them, get to know them, and let them get to know you. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish with a community behind you.
