Newbie - How to get started ? Thread

Hey guys,

I want to make games. It's as simple as that.
Creating a game ? Doesn't seem so simple.

But I still WANT to do it. Even if it would take me 2 years to make a simple game.

I have so many great ideas I would love to put into a game or multiple small games. I checked out what engines I should use, and for my preferences "Source SDK" seems like a great choice.

You also have to note that I don't have any experience in programming. I heard I'd have to learn C++ to implement items/guns etc.

I would totally do that. Even if it takes me 2 years or even longer. I will do it.

I would want to start with basic "Walking Simulator" experiments and go on from there (or stay there).

But now I need an introduction. Learning C++ on the internet seems possibly (learncpp.com)

But how do I get started with Source SDK.

Or how do I get started at all. Do I even need C++ ?

Please don't tell me to give up. I won't. I really want to do this. As I already said, even if it would take many years.

I don't want to make money with games. I just WANT to do it. So many creative energies and motivation lately.

Please help me.

The language you must learn/know depends on the engine you plan to use, not sure if Source SDK uses c++ but if it does, then yes you have to learn it.

Engines usually come up with examples you can play and then see how they work, together with useful documentation and, if it is not enough, you can search for tutorials on google/youtube; of course knowing the language used is a must.

Hi Newbie,

Here are a few simple ways to get started making games:

1) Download a "MiddleWare" package that lets you make games with a low amount of programming needed such as one of the following;

- GameMaker by YoYoGames
- Unity 3D by Unity
- Unreal 4 Engine by Epic Games
- BlenderGame by Blender 3D

2) If you want something that requires you to apply some programming skill and compile yourself, you can check out;

- Source SDK by Steam
- Torque 2D/3D by GarageGames
- Build by Ken Silverman
- Doom, Quake by John Carmack

Option 1 is the easier option. If you enjoy programming, then option 2 might be more interesting for you.

Check out some of those developer suites and let us know if you've got more questions about making games.

@ Micro Creations : Before confusing yourself with engine and language, why don't you specify what kind of game you want to make?

Maybe the entusiasm faded away

Hi there,

Great to hear you're looking at making games, I started out in a similar position to you where I didn't know any coding or how to use any engines, and had to teach myself through various tutorials and help from other devs/forums etc. Currently I am halfway through my first game (and still learning things), but it took me around 18 months of learning and trying different prototypes etc to get to the point where I was ready to start such a project.

From the sounds of it you have a lot of ideas, I would probably start by what Draakhex suggested and try some of the tutorial projects that engines come with and try to dissect them to get used to how they work, if using Unity they have great tutorials / demo projects and various support / help options. I started out with a huge amount of game ideas (which I still have aside for the future), but from starting out I found that I ran with an idea, managed to get a prototype running, then realised that while I had basic gameplay mechanics working the skills/time/resources to make that prototype into a full game that could stand out from a mediocre one were beyond me at that time. It wasn't time wasted as I learnt a lot with each prototype and idea I played around with, and I have ideas I can revisit in the future once I have more knowledge.

It might be worth starting with focusing on a small game just to get one completed so you can get a better idea of exactly how much work is involved, even for a small project. It all depends what you plan to make really. Also you say you have a lot of creative energy and motivation lately (which is great!), but make sure you can make that last for the whole time you're making a game, there are days when you'll hit setbacks and need the energy to power through.

Best of luck to you

Matt

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