How to Create Your Own Video Game (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Designing a video game is no small feat, but if you have an idea that's too good to miss, it's best to start trying right away. With the massive growth of independent development, making a game has never been easier or cheaper. Follow this guide to get started designing and creating the game of your dreams and then sharing it with the world.

Steps

Part 1 of 7: Building the Foundation

Step 1. Choose your gender

While every successful game is unique in its own way, nearly all of them fall into a specific genre. Decide what kind of game you want to create, and study other games in that genre. Here are some common genres:

• Arcade
• Shooter
• Puzzle
• Platform
• Car racing
• Adventure
• Infinite race
• Role playing game
• First Person Shooter
• Role-playing games in a Manga key
• Tower Defense
• Horror
• Combat
• Comedy
• Survival

Step 2. Choose your platform

The platform you choose to develop your game will have a big impact on the development itself. It will determine how the game is controlled; smartphone games, for example, use the touchscreen and gyroscopes inside the phone, those for PCs are designed for keyboard and mouse and those for consoles are controlled with a joystick.

• There are exceptions to these rules, but it will generally be easier to design a game for a specific control method.
• If you want to make an iPhone game, you will need to submit it to the Apple store from a Mac computer.

Step 3. Write the preliminary design

A few pages should be enough to describe the heart of the gaming experience you want to create. Write down the basics of your game and try to figure out if your idea is really suitable for a video game.

Step 4. Start with an underlying philosophy

This principle will serve as a driving force for the game. These are very simple sentences that explore the essence of the game. Review them often to make sure the game still meets these goals. Some examples of underlying philosophies:

• This game simulates the economy of a space station.
• This game allows you to play as a living car.
• This game must test the reflexes of the player.

Step 5. Write down the characteristics of the game

Features are the elements that distinguish your game from others of the same genre. Start by listing your ideas and concepts. Turn these concepts into sentences that describe the game action. Try to list 5-15 characteristics. Eg:

• Concept: building a space station.
• Feature: Build and manage your own personal space station.
• Concept: asteroid damage.
• Feature: Struggle to survive environmental hazards such as asteroids, solar storms and comets.
• Writing the characteristics first will allow you to insert and develop them later in the project document. Listing them at this early stage will allow you to stay focused on the project and avoid continuing to add ideas in later stages.
• Keep tweaking these features until you are satisfied and feel that they represent the game you want to make.

Step 6. Take a break

Put the preliminary projects in a drawer and don't think about it for a week or two. You will have to look at them in the future from a new perspective. In this way you will understand if it is really worthwhile to develop your project, or if you need to revise some element.

Part 2 of 7: Writing the Project Documentation

Step 1. Go into details

Project documentation is the backbone of your game. Contains detailed descriptions of the mechanics, storyline, setting, aesthetic design, and other aspects of your game. The format of this document is not as important as its content.

• Documentation is especially important if you are leading a team of programmers and artists. Make sure it is addressed to them and not to the end user. Avoid being vague, and describe in great detail how each game mechanic works.
• Not all games have them, and no two documents are alike. Use these steps as guidelines, but feel free to organize your document however you like.

Step 2. Prepare the table of contents

Every single aspect of the game must be listed in the table of contents. The only thing you don't have to put in is the story, unless the story is deeply connected to the game mechanics.

• Approach the table of contents as you would a game instruction manual. Start with broad sections, such as Character Creation, Combat, and Main Interface, and then delve into each of these sections with subsections.
• Think of the table of contents as a game outline. You will need to go into great detail for each entry on the table.

Step 3. Fill in each section of the document

Once you've prepared the table, start describing the mechanics. Spend time on the details to avoid confusion when planning. Each mechanic should be fully explained, to avoid confusion when it's time to implement it.

Step 4. Have another person on the team read the document

In your approach, game design can be a very collaborative process. Advice from others can help you stay focused on your goals, and can point out things to review.

Part 3 of 7: Start programming

Step 1. Decide on an engine

The engine is the basis of the game. Contains many development tools that simplify the creation of a game. It is much less time-consuming and less complex to build a game from an existing engine than to build one from scratch. There are many engines designed for independent developers.

• Engines make manipulating graphics, sounds and artificial intelligence much easier.

• Different engines have different strengths and weaknesses. Some are more suited to 2D graphics, while others are designed for 3D graphics. Some engines require much more programming knowledge than others. There are many game development tools that you can use without any coding and language experience. Here are some examples of independent development engines:

  • Gamemaker Studio - one of the most used 2D engines
  • Unity - a 3D engine famous for its portability and ease of use
  • RPG Maker VX - a scripting engine designed for 2D RPG (the traditional style for JRPGs)
  • Unreal Development Kit - a 3D engine that can be adapted to many types of use.
  • Source - a very popular 3D engine that is updated and changed often
  • Project Spark - a 3D graphics engine optimized for the average user.

  

  Step 2. Get to know your engine, or find someone who knows it

  Depending on the engine you have chosen, you may have to go through a fair amount of programming. Even the simplest motors take time to learn how to manipulate them. If programming is beyond your abilities, you will need to learn how to do it or hire someone.

  • This will be the start of the team building phase. If you don't know how to program, your first job will have to be that of a programmer. You will be able to worry about the graphics and sounds later; you will need to be able to make a working prototype before the project can continue.
  • There is a large community of independent developers that you should join. People agree to participate in projects for all kinds of motivation and compensation. It is especially in this case that it will be useful to have drawn up an excellent project document, because you will make everyone understand how much you care about your idea.

  

  Step 3. Make a prototype

  Once you are familiar with the engine you created, prototype the game. This prototype will serve as a basic test of the game's core functionality. You don't need any audio or graphics, all you need is simple cubes or stick figures and a small test area.

  • Continuously test and refine the prototype to make sure it's fun. Take note of anything that doesn't work or you don't like, and reconsider the mechanics involved. If the prototype isn't fun, the finished game probably won't be either.
  • There will always be features that seemed simple or feasible that won't work when the game was created. You will likely have to modify the prototype many times as you correct errors.

  

  Step 4. Refine the controls

  The most basic functionality of a game is user interaction with some kind of control. Use the prototype to make sure the controls are as perfect as possible.

  Games with poorly implemented controls will lead players to frustration. Games with perfect controls will allow players to assert their skills

  Part 4 of 7: Creating the Graphic and Sound Elements

  

  Step 1. Consider the needs of your project

  Depending on the size of your project, your artistic needs will vary a lot. Some games are made using only simple shapes and colors, while others feature complex worlds created by large teams of artists and sound engineers. Set yourself realistic goals and assume accordingly.

  • Most indie games are created by small teams, often made up of one person. If you want to do the whole project yourself, keep in mind that you will need a lot of time, especially if you plan to create all the graphics yourself.
  • There are many free items available on the internet that you can find in development communities. Always make sure that what you are using does not infringe someone's copyrights.

  

  Step 2. Prepare drafts

  To start evaluating the visual aspects of the game, you will need to implement the graphics in your prototype and then start developing the prototype in the actual game.

  • You can use many different styles. Pixel (intentionally retro) graphics are one of the most common styles used by independent developers. This is because pixel graphics are typically the fastest and least expensive to produce which still allows for a nice looking game.
  • If you have more time and enough resources, you can also consider using 3d. 3D modeling is also possible with just one person, but it takes a lot of time to get more complex details. Keep in mind that a 3d model also needs to be textured.

  

  Step 3. Design the world, or structure, of the game

  When you have some graphics to use, you can start building the game itself. Depending on the genre of game you are creating, you may need to build levels or game zones. If you are creating a puzzle, you may want to start designing your own puzzles.

  

  Step 4. Keep adding graphics to the game as it develops

  Depending on the style you choose, there are different software that you can use for development. Some of the most popular include:

  • Blender - is probably the most widely used open source software for 3d modeling. There are a myriad of tutorials available online to quickly learn how to use it in depth.
  • Photoshop - this is an essential program for creating textures and for making much of the 2d art. It's expensive software, but if you can't afford it, consider using GIMP, the free, open-source Photoshop alternative. GIMP has nearly all the features of its Adobe counterpart.
  • Paint.net - this is the open source alternative of Paint Shop Pro and allows you to easily create 2d art for free. This software is particularly suitable for pixel art.

  

  Step 5. Record the audio elements

  Audio design is an essential component of the gaming experience. The choice or absence of music, the choice and how to use sound effects and dialogue can greatly influence the relationship between the user and the game.

  • You can find many powerful free programs for audio recording and music creation on the internet. You can use them if you don't have a big budget or if you work independently.
  • Make your own sound effects with objects you have around the house.

  Part 5 of 7: Putting it all together

  

  Step 1. Play your game as much as possible

  As you build every aspect of the game, experience it firsthand to make sure it's still fun and consistent. If a zone or idea seems weak or poorly implemented, refine or eliminate it. When all the levels, puzzles or game areas are complete, play them to make sure the game is fun from start to finish.

  

  Step 2. Stay focused on your underlying philosophy

  During the development process, you should always check that your game complies with that philosophy. Make sure you stick to the feature list, and don't complicate the project with too many additions.

  

  Step 3. Continuously refine the game

  Always reevaluate the graphics, sounds and game mechanics to smooth out the less convincing aspects and highlight the distinctive traits of your project. The ability to refine the game quickly will be greatly influenced by the graphics style you have chosen.

  Part 6 of 7: Test the Game

  

  Step 1. Start the bug search

  Once you've made a game that works from start to finish, it's time to start looking for ways to check it out. Finding bugs in your game and fixing them is key to ensuring the best possible playability.

  

  Step 2. Try things you wouldn't normally do

  You will need to take into account every possible way a user can interact with the game. Make sure that the rules of your game cannot be bypassed or broken by ill-intentioned players.

  Searching for bugs can take a long time, almost equivalent to the time it takes to create the game. The more people can help you with your search, the more problems you can find and fix

  

  Step 3. Prioritize bug fixes

  If you have a long list of bugs, and only a short time to fix them, be sure to address the serious bugs that can ruin the game experience first. For example, if there is a bug that can allow a player to earn an infinite number of points in a game based on a points ranking, you should make sure that that bug is fixed immediately.

  

  Step 4. Observe other people playing

  Invite some friends to try your game. See how they face your challenges, and how they interact with your world. They will probably try to do things you never thought of.

  Part 7 of 7: Releasing the Game

  

  Step 1. Check your engine's rules for releasing compiled programs

  Each engine supports specific platforms, and some require different licenses to be released on each platform. For example, with Game Studio, you will be able to release games on Windows and Mac OS X with the Standard version, but you will need to upgrade to the Pro version and pay an extra fee to release versions for portable devices.

  

  Step 2. Create high expectations

  Near the release date, it begins to attract attention. Drop some screenshots and videos of your game on the most popular forums. Contact specialized websites and let them know that your game is about to be released (be sure to include information about the price, where you can buy it and what game it is).

  Create a company website during production so that you can have a good number of users following you. Having your own forum for your video game is a great way to make sure that fans have a place to talk about the game; keeping the site updated regularly will help you attract more attention

  

  Step 3. Decide on the distribution service

  Some independent developers host their game on their own websites, but you may find that the application will cost you a lot in hosting fees, and some hosting services just can't handle the load of a successful game. There are many popular platforms for releasing independent games on PC and Mac OS X:

  • Steam
  • Desura
  • Humble Store
  • GOG
  • Games for portable devices will typically need to be released in their respective stores (Apple's App store, Google's Play Store, etc.). The same goes for console games (Xbox Live, Playstation Network, etc.).
  • The different services will take different percentages on the sale of your games. Do your research on each of them to choose the best one for you. Most services will have representatives available to you with whom you can speak directly as a developer.

  

  Step 4. Support your game

  Once the game is released, support it as much as possible with bug fixes and additional content. Digital distribution allows games to be updated faster than in the past. The greater the number of users who play your game, the greater the chances of some bugs being discovered. Do what you can to correct these errors as soon as possible.

  Advice

  • There is no single way to create a game. Think of this guide as an overview, and choose the process that works best for you.
  • There will be some people who will not believe in you, but if you take your commitment seriously remember that you can do it.
  • Don't expect to make millions overnight. Creating a game should be your passion; earning will be a bonus.