How to get into game development

[elmarko98]

Hi I'm new here
I've been following this game for a while and it's inspired me to make my own indie game (it's going to be nothing like this don't worry ). The only problem with making my own indie game is...I don't have a clue where to start . I know basic programming and terminology but I have no idea how to implement it into games so I was wondering if anyone could help me by pointing me in the right direction on where to get started.
Thanks

[iSuck345]

First: don't try to follow MDickie's example. His games are quite a mess (save for "Hard Time" and "Under Development"). You may hear that he's a legend, problably because of hard time. But if you hear that he's a legend on being REALLY bad, it's because of many games, especially his 2 religious games.

Second: don't try to immediatly do everything all by yourself. Even Chris needed help with the models. MDickie did EVERYTHING by himself and he's got a below average reputation for making games.

Third: take it easy, it may sound complicated but you need to just calm down and think about the problems that you face.

Fourth: don't be too ambitious, some things may not go right

Fith: if you are lazy, you might make things that will annoy players ALOT, and you will recieve ALOT of criticism for it.

Sixth: for god's sakes, don't see FATAL as an example.

[elmarko98]

Ok but where do I start in learning how to make them though? Also thanks for the advice, never heard of some of the people you mentioned but I get you point.

[Blxz]

Google is most likely your friend.

From my own view, I'd suggest that you start with something VERY basic. Try coding a card game that you are familiar with or try and make a miniature parody of a real game that you like in the same genre as what you eventually plan to make. The point is to get some experience and figure out what works and what doesn't. if you start on your dream design immediately with no experience then you may crash and burn very rapidly.

[elmarko98]

Makes sense, I suppose while I learn I can develop my idea further. I'm going to need to do a lot of research for my idea though but I suppose I should focus mainly on learning how to make games first. Does anyone know any useful starter tutorials? And what programming languages are the most used and useful when it comes to game development?

[iSuck345]

Also ever heard of MathLabs? It can be used for games... maybe just flash games.

[Clawdius Talonious]

You may consider using something like Unity, where you can acquire a free version to fool with, as a standalone engine Unity provides a number of tools you can use to put together a game. It utilizes Javascript and Visual C♯ in order to flesh out the product, and in case you're not inclined to spend a lot of time on art but want some additional visual elements, there are a number of free elements in the Unity Asset Store. There are also a lot of helpful tutorials provided by the Unity team and community. Unity3D can be used for anything from a light weight flash style game, to higher end standalone titles, including the new Wasteland 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvNbuOenVPw

http://forum.unity3d.com/threads/113937 ... -for-Unity

Here's an article from Kotaku that may interest you, it suggests a number of alternative programs you can use for basic game development as well as some things for aspiring game developers to consider, and links to a few other articles that may be of interest to you.

http://kotaku.com/5979539/a-beginners-g ... video-game

[Blxz]

Since when did you become a mod clawdius? Also congrats.

[toaster Assassin]

Congratulations !! Are numbers are growing....soon my children, real soon

[Clawdius Talonious]

Since we've got the influx of new folks around I figured I had managed thus far without stepping on any toes, so I figured I'd see if I could pull my weight in something of an official capacity instead of just trying to field what newbie questions I could.

[Blxz]

without stepping on any toes,

The big one. And possibly the main reason I could never be a mod, I don't think I would like to have to restrain myself (or give up this sexy blue name colour). Still, all the power to you. Be gentle with me.

[1337]

(or give up this sexy blue name colour)

Actually the blue name prevails if you are mod as far as i know. (eg windexglow)

As for OP:
keep what was said above in mind. The biggest and mostly done error imo is that beginners (people without prior exposure to game dev related studies etc) try to add to much for their first games.

For your first game, don't think about multiplayer, sound, 3D, menus, ... it's more about getting your feet wet first and not jumping right into the water or you'll drown.

Either with an available lite game engine or with some easy graphics library, try first making your own version of small "retro" games like pong, memory games (where you have to match pairs), snake, space invaders, pacman, sliding games (reform a picture), tetris (and similar games like Dr Mario), tictactoe, arkanoid (bricks breaker)....

The first graphical game i did while learning to program (using old C and SDL) was my take on sokoban if i remember. I did all those above i believe before thinking about doing anything above beginners level.

After that, try adding features that you omitted first to those games. You can then start on sth a little more advanced, but still nothing like a full-blown RPG.

[DeZako]

I personally was trying to get the grip on Unity3d (had to stop due to some personal stuff) and it was pretty good.

[Magzpierz]

Also try not to get in a rut.

[skynet464]

Just one bit of advice: don't leave your laptop out were people can steal it.

[islesofurth]

i would sugest first you subscribe to a number of sites related to games.

1. http://www.gamesindustry.biz/ alot of bigshot post crap, but it tells you alot of news in the industry

2. http://gamedev.tutsplus.com/ they have alot of well explained tutorials here, great for noobs like us

depending on what interests you most, it would also be a good idea to subscribe to some other sites in art, sound, animation, design, code/scripting.

Im not sure what country your in but in Australia they have a number degree's related to gaming and media. Its not needed to get a job since its what you can do not what the paper says you can do that gets you a job, but you will meet alot of people in school also interested in doing the same thing as you. This could help start a small team.

KEEP EVERYTHING YOU MAKE, you need a portfolio if you ever apply to work for another dev such as Chris.