I've been working with algorithms and building small programs, which has been fun, but I'm ready to take on a bigger project. I've always wanted to create a video game because I love gaming, but I have no idea where to begin. I know Python and can pick up other languages if necessary, but I feel a bit lost. What are some tips or advice to help me kickstart my game development journey?
4 Answers
The type of game you want to make influences your approach. If your game is going to be more than just simple text in the terminal, using a game engine is essential. Think about texture loading, 3D rendering, and physics. Every game has an initialization phase and a game loop that runs it, so familiarize yourself with these concepts. If you want to build your own engine, be prepared for some math work—think vectors and geometry! Otherwise, choose an existing engine or library that fits your needs.
Getting started with game development can be easier if you break it down into manageable parts. Start with basic functions like setup() to initialize the game and loop() to handle the game's ongoing actions. You’ll also need to manage inputs to control what happens in your game. For a head start, check out pygame-ce, as it simplifies a lot of processes. Most games follow the same fundamental structure, so once you grasp the game loop with pygame, you can explore more advanced engines like Unity or Unreal.
Is it okay if I don't have a concrete game idea yet? I'm just excited to start making something! Also, would using OOP principles be helpful in game design since most of my current projects don't utilize classes?
It's hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer since game development can vary widely. Depending on what you want to create, you might want to start with the basics first and refine your concept along the way. Think about whether you want to focus on coding, art, or game design, as they lead to different starting points. It's cool to pivot from growing your own ideas to playing around with existing resources, just like cooking!
A classic way to learn is by making a simple game like Pong! It covers essential elements like initializing the game screen, player control, scoring, animation, and more. Plus, you'll get a sense of how the game loop works. You can find a Python implementation of Pong online, study the code, and try enhancing it. Once you master that, consider diving into something more complex like a Doom-style game. Just be aware that 3D games often require languages like C for better performance, and game dev involves a significant learning curve, but it's rewarding!
Pygame is great for beginners, but Unity definitely offers more features for complex games. It really depends on what you're aiming for!