Show your serious expression! When it comes to endless entertainment, nothing beats the power of an engaging game! Channel your interest and talent in technology by developing video games or mobile apps that you and your friends can play. You can also brainstorm to design fun activities for specific events like parties or road trips.
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Method 1 of 3: Designing a Video Game
Step 1. Determine the genre of the game
By choosing a main theme, you can narrow your focus when designing and designing your game. To choose a genre, specify the type of game you like, the objectives or missions of the game, and the experience you want to bring to the players.
For example, if you like games that can be enjoyed with multiple people, you could create a multiplayer online role-playing game
Determining the Genre of Video Games
If you like adrenaline-fueling things, Choose an action or adventure game.
If you enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries, choose a strategy or puzzle game.
If you like being a certain character, create role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.
If you like a little violence and bloodshed, design a first person shooting game.
Step 2. Create an engaging story with multiple plots that players can choose from
The most important thing in video games is the delivery of a story that attracts the player's interest. Think of the overall problem that the player needs to solve and develop a story from that problem. Make sure there are several ways to “win” the game so that players can get more fun or entertainment.
For example, if your game goal is to find an urn of gold, create characters such as the evil leprechaun who protects the urn, as well as various events that occur in the player's journey (e.g. the appearance of a magical rainbow)
Step 3. Add more difficult levels to keep players interested
Don't let the game end after the player completes the first objective or task. Keep the game going by adding new challenges to the story, as well as various levels that players can unlock as the game progresses.
- The existence of beginner levels and more complicated levels gives the opportunity for more people to play your game. This form of inclusion will not exclude anyone.
- You can create different levels for the same goal or task, or you can create levels that get progressively more difficult throughout the story.
- For example, you could offer easy and hard levels to kill a bad leprechaun character. You can also design for the first step (eg searching for the leprechaun's lair) to be completed easily, then making the next step (eg entering the nest) more difficult, and so on.
Step 4. Design your video game with a storyboard
Before getting into the realm of coding and development, you need to have a clear plan and vision of how the game will run and how it will look. Create a storyboard by drawing the main scenes in the game in each frame (frame), along with details about what happened in those scenes. Place each image in order according to the storyline in the game.
- Add details such as the actions the characters take in each scene, the background of the scene, the special effects or sounds that appear, and so on.
- For the leprechaun example above, for example, the first frame shows a character searching for a leprechaun's lair or cave in the forest. The storyboard you create should include a description of the forest, the animals or elements the character encounters, as well as specific information (eg whether the character can run, jump, or even swing from tree to tree).
- The more in-depth the information and images you create in the storyboard, the easier the development phase you will go through because the better prepared you are.
Step 5. Download an easy-to-use program if you are a novice game developer
You don't have to have great coding knowledge to create video games. There are several drag-and-drop programs that allow you to enter storylines, characters, actions, rewards, and other aspects of the game, as well as programs that automatically write game code. With this program, you can focus on telling the story and concept of the game, instead of getting hung up on the technical details and coding.
- GameMaker Studio and Unity 3D are two of the most popular examples of programs for video game development.
- Choose the free version of the program if you are constrained by limited funds. Keep in mind that the free version of the program offers very limited options and features.
Step 6. Learn coding if you want to create more complex and unique games
Through coding, you are free to modify and create unique features in the game. You can take classes or online tutorials to learn the basics of coding on your own and start developing your game.
- Some of the programming languages commonly used in game development or design are JavaScript, HTML5, ActionScript 3, C++, or Python.
- After mastering the basics of coding, learn the application programming interface (API) for your chosen coding/programming language. This interface basically contains a series of instructions regarding the interaction of the code with other software or programs.
- Open source game development programs also offer additional support and code samples for creating games.
- For example, if you want a game character to be able to climb a leprechaun's cave wall, you can find ready-made coding sequences for climbing moves, then apply and modify them to suit your game.
Step 7. Prototype the game by focusing on the main features
Think of this prototype as a rough draft of the game. Don't think too much about small details like the color of the earrings the character is wearing. Focus on building on the main aspects of the game (eg what happens when your character catches a leprechaun or how many gold jars you need to find in order for your character to move on to the next level).
- If you are a beginner, make the prototype as simple as possible. You can always expand on it later.
- Be open to receiving opinions or ideas as you develop your game. Also, show a willingness to give up things that you initially hoped would work, but didn't.
Step 8. Test the game and make final edits
After prototyping the game, it's time to play it to find out how smooth it is. Complete each section and level thoroughly while checking all the features and paths/paths the character takes. If something isn't working well or needs improvement, write down those things so you can use them as a reference when fixing those elements.
- You can also ask friends and family members to test the game. Ask them to provide honest feedback regarding the experience of playing the game you are developing.
- Don't just test game functionality. Test the fun level too! If the gameplay is boring or slow, find ways to make the game more enjoyable (eg by adding more challenges or special effects).
- You can test the game several rounds/times until you are satisfied with the final result of developing the game.
Method 2 of 3: Developing Mobile Games
Step 1. Look for a simple game concept, but it can make the player addicted
The key to creating a successful mobile game is a concept that is easy to understand and play, but interesting and challenging enough for players to keep playing. Outline the game's basic idea or story, then think of ways to make the game seem endless (eg by adding different levels, challenges, and objectives/tasks).
- For example, if you want to make a meteor shooting game, include more difficult levels with faster falling meteors, or set goals for players that allow them to get new launchers or weapons if they can shoot 15 meteors in 5 seconds.
- Think about the most popular or favorite games when brainstorming. What do you like about the game? How will you make the most of those aspects in the game you are developing?
Step 2. Decide which platform to use based on features and budget
There are two largest mobile platforms, namely iOS (operating system on iPhone) or Android. While they share some similarities, each platform is different in terms of the freedoms you have as a developer, as well as the money you want to spend or earn. For example, the Android platform provides more flexibility through various functions and special features because Android is an open source platform.
- The iOS platform is considered to make it easier for application developers because the programming language (Swift) is not widely used compared to the Android platform (Java).
- You have a greater chance of making more money if you use iOS. The App Store generates almost double the revenue from selling Android apps (from Google Play).
- You can also develop games for both iOS and Android. However, you will have to spend more because each platform has a different coding structure and requirements.
- If you want to develop games for both platforms, it's a good idea to start with one platform first because you have limited time and funds. Once you've developed a game for that platform, you can convert it to make it compatible with other platforms.
Step 3. Design the game using colorful graphics and features typical of mobile devices
After having a concept, determine the appearance and execution of the game. Clear and bright graphics are usually better suited for small smartphone or tablet screens. You can also take advantage of all the interesting functions or features on your mobile device (eg tilt your phone to drive a car or swipe the screen to swing a sword).
- Add sound effects to enrich players' experience. You can include anything from catchy background music to the roar of the crowd every time, for example, a character in a game scores a goal.
- You can design your own game graphics using a program like Photoshop, or hire a graphic designer if you want a more professional image or look.
- Check the platform design requirements first. You can find a list of requirements on Google Play or the App Store.
Step 4. Build the application using a developer program or open source framework
Beginners can use a drag-and-drop program to create games without any coding. If you know or have coding skills, use an open source framework (eg Phaser) which can provide you with support, plug-ins, and blueprints for developing games.
- One of the most popular game development programs is GameSalad. This program allows you to create ready-to-use 2D games, without having to write a single line of code.
- Drag-and-drop programs are easy and convenient to use, but they also have limitations regarding the customization and control at your disposal.
- Try outsourcing the development steps to make the process easier if you're not an experienced coder or app developer. The funds you spend to hire professional product design services will not be in vain.
Step 5. Monetize your game if you want to earn
The most effective way to earn from your app is to set a monthly download or subscription fee. If you want to offer the game for free, you can still monetize it by adding aspects such as in-app purchase content, premium content, or ads.
- You can also offer “freemium” apps. People can download your game for free, but have to pay if they want more advanced features or a richer gaming experience.
- For example, in-game purchase content is coins (the currency in the game world) that players can use to allow their characters to have new outfits. Players can also use these coins to play the game without being distracted by ads.
- There are various advertising services that you can choose from. For example, a fairly popular option for Android apps is Google AdMob.
- Be careful not to put too many ads. Do not let the players feel annoyed or disrupted the playing experience.
Step 6. Submit the final game results to the platform review party
If you develop games for iOS, you can use the App Store. If you make an Android game, you can upload it to Google Play. The platform will review your game and determine whether the game can be displayed or offered on the platform's app store.
- You can get approval from Google more easily than Apple. Once submitted to Google Play, your game is usually available on the app store within a few hours.
- To upload apps to Google Play, you need to create a Google Play Developer account and pay a fee of 25 United States dollars or around 350 thousand rupiah.
- To submit an application to Apple, you need to join the iOS Developer Program and pay a fee of 99 dollars per year (approximately 1.4 million rupiah).
- If the game is rejected, make the necessary changes based on the feedback you receive, then resubmit the game as often as you want.
- You can appeal the refusal to Apple's app review board if you feel the refusal is unfair.
Method 3 of 3: Creating Another Type of Game
Step 1. Design a board game if you want a classic game
When designing a board game, you don't have many limitations. Determine the number of players you want, the goals and rules of the game, and how the players win the game. Free yourself to be creative as you decorate the player's board and pawns.
- If you need inspiration, combine elements from your favorite board game. For example, if you like the game Monopoly, incorporate elements of buying and selling in the game you are designing.
- Use existing materials to create a game board. Boards can be made of cardboard, wood, or even cloth.
- You can also reuse old game boards. Cover the board with paper and decorate it yourself as you wish, then use the pawns for your new game.
Step 2. Think of a party game if you are hosting an event
You can fill the "silent" moments at the party by inviting guests to engage in games. Think about the demographics of the guests in attendance. If guests come from different age groups and interests, create games that everyone can play, and that don't require special skills or athletic abilities.
- Match the game to the party theme. For example, if your party is having an underwater theme, you could play a game of “dragon snakes” but change it to “sea snakes”.
- If your guests enjoy drinking soda, you can have a drinking game. For example, have each person balance a spoon over his or her nose. Whoever drops the spoon must drink a glass of fizzy drink.
Step 3. Design a game to play on a road trip when you start to get bored
As well as helping you as a passenger to pass the time on a 10 hour road trip, for example, the fun games also keep you awake if you're driving. Look for activities that don't use any properties, and include views of vehicles passing by so that even drivers can participate in the game.
- For example, you and your players can search for each letter in the alphabet on a sign or sign that is skipped. Start with the letter "A" that you see on the "Pizza Hut" sign or logo, then the letter "B" on the "Bandung" sign, and so on.
- Avoid games that require players to write or read, or take up a lot of space. Games like this are difficult to play in a car.
Step 4. Use cards if you want to create a portable game that is easy to play anywhere
Card games are a practical and fun alternative to board games. Design a game that requires only one deck of cards so you don't have to carry extra gear. For example, think of variations of classic card games like Solitaire or 41.
- Keep the rules as simple as possible. If it's too complicated or inconvenient, card games can actually irritate the players and won't be fun.
- You can also create a game that can be played alone with one deck, for example, or add a second deck for multiple players. That way, you can keep playing anytime, anywhere!
Tips
- Make sure there are some ways or paths that allow the players to win the game. Thus, the game will feel more challenging and exciting.
- Learn coding if you want more unique or varied design options.
- If you are a beginner, use a drag-and-drop program to design games easily.
- Put your ideas on a storyboard before you start making games.
- Take advantage of the typical features of mobile devices (eg tilting the device or swiping the screen with your finger) when designing game applications.
- Choose iOS or Android for the game you want to build based on the design skills you want to have, as well as the money you're willing to spend and want to make.
- Get inspired by other games you love.
