Making a video game is a big project, but the end result could be the most interesting programming project you'll ever complete. You'll learn more from tools that match your level of programming ability, so don't think that starting from scratch is the best option. Choose a programming language, integrated development environment (IDE), and/or game creation software that you can understand within fifteen minutes of opening the program/reading the manual for the program.
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Method 1 of 2: Selecting a Game Machine
Step 1. Learn about game engines
Most games are built with a specific "engine," which allows you to design events, characters, and so on without writing the code from scratch. Building a game engine from scratch will take years, so most independent developers use existing game engines. You'll only need to follow one of the steps in the following section, depending on your understanding of programming and how much time you want to spend working on the little details.
Step 2. Consider using a simple game builder
This tool requires very little programming knowledge, so it may not be suitable if you are interested in the programming aspects of game creation. On the other hand, the very simplistic approach of a game builder program can teach you a lot about your game, and allow you to refine high-level concepts first before you move on to a larger prototype. Here's an example of a simple free game builder:
- For mobile gaming, try MIT App Inventor or Game Salad.
- For games in an internet browser, try Scratch, or Snap! which is a more serious version of Scratch and is intended as a tool for programming introduction.
- For adventure games, use Visionaire.
- If you want to use a simple program that also has the option to program, try the free version of GameMaker.
Step 3. Try a more professional development interface
This option is a good option to get some experience programming games without having to actually start from scratch. While game engines and integrated development environments (IDEs) are widely available, the following are programs that are free and relatively easy to learn:
- For mobile games: ProjectAnarchy.
- For 3D games on various devices: Unity.
- For experienced programmers: LWJGL (Java based), SFML (C++ based).
Step 4. Choose equipment to build your own game engine
If you already have some programming knowledge and are determined to build your own game engine, here are a few ways to get started. If you've really never made one, you might need a guide.
- ActionScript will allow you to build a Flash-based game engine, and is a good choice to start with for intermediate programmers.
- Java is quite easy to learn. You will need the Java Development Kit (JDK), and Eclipse or another IDE for Java. If you're confused about where to start, read the Java guide.
- If you already know a certain programming language (especially C or Python), look for an IDE for that language. IDEs usually include a compiler and the ability to work with graphics, audio, and other code within the same project.
Step 5. Build your own game engine
If you're up for the challenge in the process and chose one of the cutting-edge tools in the previous step, you'll usually need to find a guide, support forum, or experienced game developer for advice on your preferred language. If you don't know how to get started or what to ask, here are some basic components you should build from the start:
- Client-side server, which translates user input and processes the results. Create an input system that can respond properly before you work on the graphics and game technicalities. If you're having trouble, read about "action listeners".
- AI for other characters to respond to user actions. For a simple project, have your character move and act on a specific path.
- The ability to render graphics, i.e. the ability to create and send instructions on the graphics card.
- A game loop that continues as long as the game is running. This loop must take user input, process it, process other game logic (such as enemy movement, background animation, and events triggered by other events), calculate what should be displayed on the screen, and send the information to the graphics card. Run this loop at least 30 times per second (30fps) if your system is strong enough to run it.
Method 2 of 2: Designing Games
Step 1. Finalize your concept first
Spend some time designing the core of the game before starting to program it. What is your game genre? Is your game 2D or 3D? How do players move through the game, whether by solving problems, following/creating a story, fighting enemies, and/or exploring? The more questions you answer and the more detailed your ideas are, the more time you'll save in the long run. If you decide to make major changes once you've started the programming process, implementing them can take a lot of time.
Simplify your idea as much as possible. A simple prototype that explains how your game works and provides several levels to play with is a good start. Once your prototype is complete, you can use it as a foundation for game development, or apply what you've learned in the making into a new project
Step 2. Complete the steps below in the order you like
Now, you have a lot of homework, but the results will be very satisfying later. If a team can divide tasks among members and work on them simultaneously, an individual must decide which task is the easiest to do or the most important at each stage. Read through the following steps and start with the tasks that interest you.
Step 3. Collect or create art assets
You'll need 2D images, and possibly 3D models and textures (patterns to be applied to the model), unless you're going to be creating a text-based game. You can delay the preparation of music and sound effects a bit, but it's a good idea to have them ready if you're going to publish your game. Simple icons, user interface, and fonts are the lowest priority when your game is new, but working on them will greatly increase player satisfaction.
- There are several places to find art assets cheaply or for free. Try looking at this makeschool.com list.
- Hiring artists will make a big difference. If you can't afford to hire artists, collect your own assets and show your artistically talented friends, or post them on game development forums or art forums for advice.
Step 4. Design the development of the story
This development will mostly be written as a planning document outside of game code, although if you're creating a story-based game, you may need to create a dialogue tree. Even if your game doesn't have a traditional story, your game should have the progression you planned for. "platformer" games may include movement and weapon improvements, and "puzzle" games may add new features and difficulty levels.
Step 5. Design the level of the game
Start with a simple area or level. Focus on the path the player takes in that level, then add additional paths (optional), more detailed graphics, and increasing difficulty (such as platform height adjustments or moving enemies).br>
Use light sources and dropping items to direct the player to the next position in the area. Use shadows to prevent players from entering dead ends or difficult paths, and use enemies for both purposes (depending on how your player is guided to get past the enemy). Well-designed areas make players feel that they are making decisions or exploring on their own, but are still helped to find clear paths with faint trails
Step 6. Adjust and optimize the graphics on the game
This step is not necessary if you are using a simple game builder program. If you want to venture further into the graphics system, you can start learning by creating effects on particles and shaders, or go into graphics code and delete code that the game doesn't use. Since graphics are almost always the point that determines processing speed, even 2D games usually go through significant adjustments, rewrites, and optimizations to reduce the load on the graphics card and processor.
Step 7. Get feedback from game testers
Once you have a simple game or a prototype of how to play, ask your friends to play it and give suggestions for the game. Find out what makes them happy and irritates them. Then, once your game is more complete, you can ask strangers or your casual acquaintances for advice, because they won't care about your success.
