Game development is a challenging endeavor. These 20 tips are designed to make the process a little easier and help you succeed.
Getting Started
Tip #1: Start Now
Don't wait for the "perfect" moment to begin. The best time to start was yesterday; the second best time is now. Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities.
Tip #2: Scope Low
Game development often takes longer than expected. Avoid overwhelming yourself by starting with a small project, perhaps one that revolves around a single core mechanic.
Tip #3: Quitting is Okay
If your initial scope was too ambitious and the project becomes unmanageable, don't be afraid to quit. Recognizing and cutting your losses can save you time and frustration.
Tip #4: Actually Finish Something
While quitting is sometimes necessary, completing a project, even a small one, is crucial for learning and improving your skills. Each finished game makes you a better developer.
Learning and Improving
Tip #5: Stop Copying Tutorials
Avoid "tutorial hell" by learning to apply concepts independently. Use tutorials as a guide, but focus on customizing and building upon the knowledge gained to create your own unique features.
Tip #6: Cycle Through Your Workflow
When you get stuck on one aspect of development, switch to another area. This allows you to stay productive and return to the original problem with a fresh perspective. For example, if you are stuck on code, switch to creating art assets.
Tip #7: Make a Game Design Document
For projects lasting more than a couple of days, create a game design document. This document provides a basic outline and saves time by clarifying your goals and plans.
Tip #8: "This But That" Rule
Overcome creative blocks by taking inspiration from existing successful games and adding your unique twist. Find something that's proven to work and change or add on to it.
Tip #9: Make Marketing a Priority
Consider your target audience and how you want them to feel when playing your game. Thinking about marketing early on can help you shape your game's design and appeal.
Tip #10: Don't Do It Just for the Money
Game development isn't a quick path to riches. Successful games often take years to develop, and even then, success is not guaranteed. Focus on your passion for game creation.
Technical Aspects
Tip #11: Your Game Engine Doesn't Matter
The specific game engine you choose is not as important as mastering its fundamentals. Beginners should start with user-friendly engines like Godot or Unity.
Tip #12: Make Your Game Feel Good First
Prioritize making the core mechanics feel responsive and satisfying. This can often be the most important factor in creating an enjoyable gaming experience.
Tip #13: Don't Take Criticism Personally
Separate your self-worth from the feedback you receive on your game. Focus on constructive criticism and identify recurring concerns to improve your game.
Tip #14: Failure Is a Good Thing
View failures as learning opportunities. Each mistake provides valuable insights for improvement.
Tip #15: Save and Document Everything
Maintain a well-organized repository of code, assets, and documentation. This allows you to reuse elements, find inspiration from past projects, and track your progress.
Ideas and Execution
Tip #16: Execution is More Important Than Your Idea
Don't be afraid to share your ideas; the execution is what truly matters. The way you implement your idea and make it unique is what will separate it from the rest.
Tip #17: You Have to Get Lucky, But Luck is Not Everything
While luck can play a role in a game's success, a well-designed and enjoyable game is essential for attracting and retaining players.
Tip #18: Choose a Style and Stick With It
Maintain a consistent art style throughout your game to create a cohesive and professional look. Avoid mixing drastically different styles.
Tip #19: Prototype Your Game
Before diving into full development, create a prototype to test the core gameplay mechanics and determine if your idea is actually fun.
Tip #20: Find Balance Between the Robust and the Duct Tape
Strike a balance between writing clean, scalable code and taking shortcuts to save time. Focus on efficiency without sacrificing the overall quality of your game.