I'm feeling a bit lost when it comes to starting with a game engine. I can follow tutorials and everything makes sense, but once I open the engine, I totally blank out. For someone just beginning, what kinds of projects do you recommend? Should I build small systems, mini-games, simple experiments, or work on a practice project?
4 Answers
It depends on which engine you're using. If you're new to programming too, make sure to get the basics down first—like understanding variables, functions, and loops. After that, try out a short game tutorial and once you're comfortable, create small games on your own. A good way to learn is by making simple 2D clones like Tetris.
Learn the features of your game engine first! Experimenting with different capabilities can help you understand how they work. For instance, try making a simple game like Pong. Break it down into components: paddles, a ball, scoring zones, etc. This method gives you practical tests to see if your gameplay is functioning correctly. Plus, participating in game jams can boost your skills!
You're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed at first! What really helps is to set micro-goals. Instead of trying to build a full game right away, focus on tiny things—like moving a character or making a button work. Stack those small wins and suddenly, it becomes much less daunting!
Unity has some built-in tutorials in the IDE that can be super helpful. Instead of just watching or reading, you get to actively do it as you learn. I found that really useful! You might want to check those out to get your feet wet.
That's interesting! Which specific tutorial did you find the most beneficial?
I want to start with 2D games since they seem simpler for beginners. Thanks for the tips!