What’s the Best Way to Start Creating Your Own Video Game?

Choose a game engine like Unity or Godot, then pick a specific game type to create. Don’t stress about figuring everything out at once—just focus on the first step and ask for help if you're lost. It might take a while, but you’ll get there eventually!

Finishing a few simple projects helped me a lot. Look for tutorials that guide you through specific techniques, and remember, game development is broad. You’ll deal with coding, graphics, music, and storytelling, so don’t be afraid to explore these areas as well.

I initially started coding my own game engine from scratch! I began with a simple game like Snake and gradually added features like better rendering and sprite support. It’s essential to take manageable steps—don’t underestimate how much you can learn just by tackling small challenges!

Before diving into game engines, it's crucial to understand some basic programming. If you jump into an engine tutorial without knowing the underlying language (like JavaScript, C#, or C++), it can get pretty confusing! Start with some programming basics.

I recommend doing the Unity learning pathways. Finish them all—don’t get sidetracked by trying to make your own game midway. Completing these pathways will give you a nice portfolio and a solid understanding of game development. Plus, Unity offers free resources until you hit a revenue milestone, so it's an excellent starting point!

The best way to build your confidence in game development is through practice. There’s no shortcut—tutorials are just the foundation. Start small with simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe, then try out Battleship or Sokoban. These will let you grasp basic mechanics without overwhelming yourself. Remember, experimenting and problem-solving on your own is key! As your skills grow, you can tackle more complex games. Try to code your own mechanics instead of just following tutorials blindly—learn by doing!