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New game developer, where should I start?

A topic by laughy201 created Apr 07, 2023 Views: 451 Replies: 10
Viewing posts 1 to 7

Hello! I'm new to the game development world! I've been struggling for the past year with trying to make games and finding out where to start. I'm not an artist, and I'm not too great with coding in addition, I have no clue how and where to meet people and ask for help😭. I would love to make any kind of story game, but again don't know where to begin. I have asked for advice and figured asking here for help too! I would also love to connect with people who don't mind talking further about my situation, but for now, what are some tips and advice to point me in the right direction?

Moderator moved this topic to General Development
Moderator(+2)

"Story game" is kind of general. Are you thinking something like Twine, or Ren'Py?

Twine, how would I use that then create visuals and stuff?

Moderator(+1)

With a third-party tool, obviously. Also, if visuals are your first concern, are you sure Twine is the right choice?

oh, then maybe not. I haven’t been exposed to a lot of engines but now that I’ve been suggested some ill take a look!

(+4)

A zoomer once came to Mozart and asked: “Mr. Mozart, how do I make a game from scratch, with all my own custom tools and make all of the art and sound for it?”

Mozart said: “That, I’m afraid, dear child, is impossible.”

“What!?”, replied the zoomer in apparent surprise, “But Mozart, you did it!”.

“Ah”, said Mozart. “But I didn’t ask how”.

Too many people ask how to start instead of just starting. It doesn’t matter where you start, just start. Make sprites in MS Paint, cobble them together with RPG Maker or something.

(+1)

Okay I’ll try!

(+1)

Sounds like you're looking for RPG Maker VX Ace. It goes on sale regularly for only a few pounds/dollars. Alternatively, you could try RPG Maker MZ which is a lot more expensive but more professional. Here's how they describe VX Ace:

Simple Enough for a Child. Powerful Enough for a Developer.

RPG Maker VX Ace improves on every aspect of creating your very own epic adventure. An immensely powerful editor, Ace supports multiple tilesets, offers full control over autoshadow and has a very flexible features system.

Ace gives you all the tools you need to make that game you’ve always dreamed of, including the following features:

• A powerful map editor to build your world.
• A database to track your characters, skill, equipment and more, all improved with the powerful new flexible Features system.
• New event options, including support for Ogg Theora video.
• An expansive set of default resources, including a built in character generator to create your own sprites and faces.

Great thanks a lot🥰💜💜

(+1)

Mess around with unity and see what you can create

(+3)

Hi! Here are some tips on how to get started from someone who's still learning.

  • It is 100% normal to feel intimidated.  This is a time-consuming hobby. But it's worthwhile if you stick with it.
  • You're going to run into a lot of stupid glitches. Stupid glitches are the best teachers. Embrace them. 
  • If you aren't comfortable with coding, some engines (Game Maker Studio that I know of for sure) have visual systems you can use. They're more restrictive than writing code, but they're much easier to grasp.
  • Watch some tutorials for Game Maker Studio, Godot, Twine, RPGmaker or whatever engines interest you. Pick one that doesn't look too overwhelming.
  • Get familiar with the engine by doing a couple more tutorials and skimming the user manual. You need to learn a ton, but you'll mostly learn as you go.
  • Start with a simple concept. If it's a story game, make it just one scene long. Use free assets or your own MSPaint'd art. It doesn't have to be good - no one else even needs to see it - just make something. Whenever you run into something you don't understand, look it up in the engine's user manual or google it.
  • Find a game jam that sounds doable and commit to it. Even if you don't finish in time, keep working on it til it's done. Again, it doesn't have to be good. As a bonus, you get to play other people's strange, broken, and creative ideas. Jams are a good way to give and receive feedback and get acquainted with the community.
  • Think about game dev while you're playing games you enjoy. Take notes on  games as you play them.