Do you have an idea for a video game? Awesome! You’re not alone. Game developers, designers and artists make up the world’s fastest-growing profession. But where do you start? This guide will answer all your questions about equipment, tools and management tips that can help you on your way to becoming a successful game developer or designer.
Seek knowledge and training
If you want to become exceptional at games development and design, it’s a good idea to invest in knowledge and training. The gaming industry is constantly evolving and innovating, so keeping up with new developments and trends is vital.
There are plenty of affordable courses in aspects of games design and development. Sites like Udemy offer regular discounts and provide courses designed by experts in the field from all over the world. There are courses in pretty much every aspect of games design to suit all budgets and ability levels.
You can also access free tutorials and informational content online, so make the most of this while building your skills.
Game Engines
Game engines can be a valuable tool for games design and development. Some of the most popular game engine tools are Unity, GameMaker, Belnder, Godot and Unreal Engine 4.
The features vary between different platforms, as does the cost of various packages. While some platforms require a greater level of skill and coding knowledge, others are ideal for novices. GameMaker, for example, uses a simple point and click system and does not require programming knowledge.
Graphic design templates
There are plenty of different products available to help you create your characters, backgrounds and objects in the video game using simple graphic design templates designed to be easy for beginners to use.
The most popular set of graphic design software is Adobe’s Creative Cloud Suite (CC). It includes Photoshop, Illustrator and many other helpful programs that work across different platforms.
While some products, like Inkscape, are free to use, others charge for their software, and prices can vary considerably. Consider which features you need and compare products before investing.
Keep the user in mind when designing your game
When designing games, it’s vital to ensure you create a user-friendly interface. It’s essential to pay attention to what the user wants and respond accordingly. People will get frustrated quickly if they cannot play your game or stop playing it altogether.
Keep things simple and intuitive. Be consistent in your design and make your controls and interface as intuitive and easily understandable as possible. Avoid using too many buttons, or else the player will be overwhelmed with information they don’t need to know straight away.
Establish a clear goal for players. Before you start designing levels in your game, remember that there needs to be a clear objective of what the level is. Plan and decide on the type of level you want to create and what skills or items players will need to complete it.
If your game has a story element, don’t make the player wait too long for cutscenes. You’ll lose their attention if they are forced to watch an extended dialogue sequence before playing again.
Games design and development is an exciting hobby or career but can be daunting for beginners. However, with the right tools and approach, it will remain fun and rewarding. Who knows, with a bit of practice, you might even go on to design the next big thing in gaming one day!