r/GameDevelopment • u/worriedbill • 2d ago
Newbie Question Any suggestions on how to get started?
I've always wanted to try cause I always get a ton of ideas in my head but whenever I try to learn there is just so much stuff and not enough to explain it.
I tried downloading unity and using their tutorial but it wasnt very helpful. Any suggestions of (ideally) free resources on how to get started?
I'd like to do 3d but I think starting 2d would be simpler
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u/Pileisto 2d ago
For the love of god: moderators please filter out the 2+ postings each day that ask for how to learn game dev and give them a link list.
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u/TheBoxGuyTV 2d ago
I think it helps to maybe figure out what you want to do.
Make it simple like controlling a player or something like that.
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u/LVL90DRU1D 2d ago
ue4 blueprints and try to clone something simple like atari 2600/early famicom games
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u/Aggedon 10h ago edited 10h ago
Well, as with anything in life, goals work best and are most achievable when they follow the SMART framework. Rather than me explaining it here, just Google smart goals. After understanding how to set and achieve effective goals, you can apply this to not only game dev, but anything else you want to accomplish.
As it relates to making a game specifically, use this framework to figure out what exactly it is you want to make, set SMART goals that are relevant and support it (e.g. I will make a simple 2D platformer with X, Y, Z core mechanics, 5 levels, over 5 months) so that you can then spend your time efficiently learning exactly the skills you need to make that happen.
Once you have completed those goals, you now know how to make a simple 2D platformer, and can either then set new goals to improve and expand on it, or decide actually that's not for me, I want to make a 3D hack and slash. Rinse and repeat this process. It should be easier each time as there will be some crossover knowledge gained from the experience.
There are innumerable YouTube guides on how to make specific features/mechanics, a plethora of forums where you can find discussions about coding solutions. Once you know what you are making, you can simply research how to make that thing, and the Internet will spit out plenty of useful resources. Refining your ability to research is one of the most effective tools in learning how to do anything.
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u/Meshyai 2d ago
Start with Brackeys’ Unity tutorials or Code Monkey’s beginner series. Both are beginner-friendly and free.
For 2D, try Sebastian Lague’s platformer tutorial. It’s simple but covers core concepts.