Stressed About My Future in Game Development – Need Some Guidance
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DigitalDreamer42
Hey everyone! I'm 18 and really aspiring to be a game developer, but this year didn't go as planned—I couldn't get into university due to some frustrating circumstances in my country's education system. Now I'm stuck waiting until December, which feels like an eternity, and I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed. I want to show my parents I'm capable and not just a letdown, especially since I'm the oldest and have some responsibilities on my shoulders. I've only learned C in high school, and I'm unsure where to go from here. I've always been passionate about gaming and storytelling, and I'm also a digital artist. Can anyone offer advice on what I should focus on in the meantime? I'd really appreciate your help!
Answers
You’re still young, don’t beat yourself up for not getting into university right away! Keep practicing your art, and focus on improving your C skills. If you want to jump into game development, knowing C can be a big help. Ignore those negative inner voices that tell you to procrastinate. Just keep doing your best and remember, your parents want to see you succeed, even if they might seem cautious.
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Remember, you truly can learn game development as a hobby while waiting. Plenty of resources are available online to get you started and help you refine your skills! Just focus on what excites you, and don't rush the process.
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Just a heads up: if coding feels overwhelming, it’s okay to start with simpler projects. Try making small games in 2D using libraries, or explore visual scripting in engines like Unreal—they're approachable and can be a lot of fun!
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For game development, I'd recommend sticking with C or diving into C++. You might want to check out YouTube for a beginner-friendly course—Harvard’s CS50 is a great place to start, but it assumes some prior knowledge. Take it easy, and focus on learning the basics before diving into complex stuff. Just experiment and have fun with coding, like playing around with loops and variables. It's all part of the learning process!
DigitalDreamer42: Really appreciate the detailed advice! I'll definitely check it out.
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You don’t need to learn coding right away if you’re more into design and storytelling. Focus on a game engine like Unity or Unreal—you can explore how they work while learning some programming on the side. Plus, joining a game jam can be a fun way to push yourself to create something without stressing over perfection.
CreativeSpirit10: That's a great idea! I've heard game jams can be really motivating!
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Hey! Don’t stress too much about your age. It’s completely okay to take time to figure things out. Go at your own pace with coding and game development. Also, consider exploring design-focused courses or pathways at universities if that interests you—there’s a lot of value in creative skills too! Don’t let societal pressure dictate your path; pursue what you love.
DigitalDreamer42: Thanks! I'm trying to stay true to what I enjoy, even with the pressure.
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ArtisticMind123: Thanks for the encouragement! I needed that reassurance.