Who doesn’t love playing games? Almost everyone enjoys games because they offer compelling advantages and strong appeal, sparking curiosity and challenging players to try them out. Creating games might seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you might think. In fact, you can even create your own games. Here, we will explore various ways to make games for beginners, starting from scratch.
Learning how to make simple games from the ground up is a fun and beneficial process. With the increasing popularity of games playable on smartphones, many individuals are starting to learn how to create games with their own gameplay styles and even sell them.
Consequently, a wide variety of game types are now available in app stores, both free and paid. These games are fundamentally created using different methods but often share similar core concepts.
Before diving into creating games with your own gameplay styles and concepts, it’s essential to learn and understand coding using at least one programming language, especially if you want to customize the visuals and mechanics of your game.
Programming languages are crucial because they form the very foundation of game development. Therefore, learning how to make simple games from scratch necessitates understanding coding principles and applying them using programming languages.
Contents
1 Programming Languages Used in Simple Game Development
2 Steps to Create Your Own Game From Scratch
3 Essential Skills for Game Development
4 Key Considerations in Game Development
Programming Languages Used in Simple Game Development
As previously mentioned, programming languages are fundamental in game creation. Developing games for mobile devices can be achieved using various programming languages.
If you have a solid grasp of even just one programming language, you already possess sufficient foundational knowledge to create a mobile game. However, for more complex games designed for computers or consoles, you’ll need a broader and deeper understanding of programming languages.
Here are several programming languages frequently used in game development:
- JavaScript
The first programming language commonly used in game development is JavaScript. Learning how to make games using JavaScript is not overly complicated. You can create mobile games with your own designs and concepts relatively simply by combining JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
Currently, many people are proficient in JavaScript, meaning they already have at least one basic skill needed for creating games with their own unique designs and concepts.
- Java
Another popular programming language for game development is Java. Java is a widely used language for creating games on Android mobile devices. You can utilize Java to develop games with customizable visuals and mechanics using Android Studio.
Games built with Java are known for being efficient, fast, and easily personalized. Fundamentally, Java is a programming language that is relatively easy to learn and use.
- Swift
Next is Swift. While Java is prominent for Android, Swift is the programming language of choice for developing applications and games on iOS mobile devices.
Swift is a relatively newer programming language created specifically for iOS devices. It has become a favorite among beginner programmers learning how to make games for the first time in the Apple ecosystem.
- C Programming Languages (C, C#, C++)
Furthermore, the C programming family, including C, C#, and C++, are extensively used in game development. These languages are employed to create more intricate and complex applications or games.
A significant portion of games played on computers or consoles are developed using a combination of C, C#, and C++. These programming languages are more complex and can be challenging to learn, especially for beginners. Therefore, if you aspire to a serious career in application, software, or game development, learning and mastering these languages is highly recommended.
Steps to Create Your Own Game From Scratch
Creating your own game from scratch is a rewarding and valuable endeavor. Especially now that the popularity of mobile gaming on Android is booming globally, you can potentially sell and distribute your own creations.
To create a simple game from scratch, you need to start with the fundamentals. Initially, it might seem difficult and challenging, but it’s crucial to learn everything from the ground up rather than outsourcing your project to experts prematurely.
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Beyond programming languages, which are the cornerstone of game development, here’s a guide outlining the steps to create a simple game from scratch:
- Research and Conceptualize Your Game Idea
The first step is to research and conceptualize the game you want to create. Conduct research and gather information about the skills needed to bring your game to life. Additionally, identify the features you want to implement. Consider the type and concept of game you envision, and the features you plan to build and incorporate. Research and determine what’s needed to make your game a reality.
- Create a Design Document
Once you have conceptualized your game, the next step is to create a design document. This document is a concise outline of your game, including its concept, visuals, and the steps required for development. To create an effective design document, consider these elements:
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Skills: Your existing skills are valuable assets. If you lack certain skills, you might need to invest in hiring professionals to assist with the design document.
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Language: The language you use in your document is important for clearly specifying the development process.
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Game Visuals and Features: Consider the visuals and features of your game. If you plan to modify features in the future, anticipate and document aspects that require attention and flexibility.
- Choose Your Software
The next step in making your game a reality is selecting the appropriate software. For simple mobile games on Android, specific software might not be essential. However, more complex games will require specialized software, such as design and 3D modeling tools.
- Start Programming
After choosing your software, begin coding. While some complex games necessitate dedicated game-making applications, simpler mobile games might not. Decide on the programming language you’ll use and start developing your designed game.
- Test and Market Your Game
The final steps are testing and marketing. Thoroughly test your game to identify and eliminate bugs. This debugging process can be time-consuming, so allocate sufficient time for testing.
Once you are confident in your game’s quality, it’s time to market it. Marketing can be streamlined by hiring a marketing consultant. This concludes the basic steps to create a simple game from scratch.
Essential Skills for Game Development
Game development can be both easy and challenging, requiring a set of fundamental skills. Here are some essential skills for making games:
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Programming Languages: This is a fundamental skill. Start with a simpler programming language suitable for beginners.
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Software Proficiency: Understand the software you choose for game development. Learn how it works through online tutorials, many of which are readily available. Practical exercises using your chosen software will greatly enhance your learning.
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Framework Knowledge: Frameworks are tools that assist in writing code more efficiently and in a structured manner. They speed up coding, simplify processes, and promote organized code.
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Problem-Solving Abilities: Game development is not always straightforward. You’ll often encounter complex challenges and difficulties. Game developers need strong problem-solving skills to effectively address issues with resourceful and solution-oriented approaches. Good problem-solving minimizes issues effectively and judiciously.
However, the specific skills and knowledge vary depending on the type of game. The most critical aspect is developing well-honed skills. With strong skills, you can find optimal solutions to even the most significant challenges in game development.
Key Considerations in Game Development
To realize your game development aspirations, start by learning how to make simple games first. This approach allows you to progressively develop skills for creating more complex games. If you are interested in making your own mobile games, consider these guidelines before starting:
- Define Your Game Idea:
The first thing to consider is your game idea, including the genre. Game genres are diverse, ranging from VR and action to FPS (first-person shooter), 2D platformers, battle royale, RPG, and many more.
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After deciding on the genre, think about the unique selling points and appeal of your game. Technical aspects like sound effects, visual concepts, and music are also important and should be carefully considered.
- Choose Your Tools:
Next, determine and install the necessary tools. Developing Android games requires basic tools, primarily the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) and IDE (Integrated Development Environment) Android Studio. Android Studio is the official tool for Android application and game development.
These tools are essential, but their effective use requires understanding of the Java programming language. These tools also offer advantages, such as providing access to hardware acceleration through standard APIs like OpenGL or Vulkan.
- Select a Graphics Engine:
Game development, whether simple or complex, can be significantly streamlined by combining an IDE with a graphics engine. Popular engines like Unity and Unreal Engine are favored by developers because they offer user-friendly interfaces, even for beginners.
A key difference is that Unity uses C# programming language, which is well-suited for simpler 2D games. Games built with Unity are generally resource-efficient and can run on Android smartphones.
Unreal Engine, on the other hand, is better suited for 3D games with complex graphics. It uses C++ and is often used for games designed for PCs and consoles. Unreal Engine’s advanced graphics capabilities demand more resources, requiring high-specification smartphones for mobile gaming.
- Start Game Development:
The final step in Android game development is to begin building your game using your design, concept, and prepared tools. This development phase requires proficiency in programming languages and a good understanding of algorithms. You also need to prepare other resources like theme songs, sound effects, logos, and more.
From the above explanation, making games might seem complicated, requiring coding and programming language expertise. However, you can still create your own games even without deep coding or programming language skills.
Here are examples of applications or websites you can use for game creation without coding:
- AppsGeyser:
AppsGeyser is a website that allows you to create games without coding. It offers a straightforward menu, making it easy to understand, enabling you to create your own game quickly. To use AppsGeyser, visit their website through your computer browser.
- Quickappninja:
Quickappninja is a popular site among no-code game creators. To use Quickappninja, first register on their website, then select “Create Game Now,” choose your game type, edit your chosen game template, and finally configure the settings for your game.
- Draw Your Game:
Draw Your Game offers a unique approach. You can use your own hand-drawn images on paper and integrate them into your game. To use Draw Your Game, you’ll need drawings of your game elements on paper and the Draw Your Game application downloaded on your Android device. This provides a simple way to create Android games for beginners, allowing you to experiment with your desired game types and concepts.
This information provides an overview of easy ways to make games for beginners. Hopefully, this article will inspire readers to be more creative in honing their skills so that creating a game becomes an achievable goal. Good luck, and have fun experimenting!
Creating Games with Stencyl
Now you know that creating your own game is enjoyable and insightful, especially by manipulating objects and logic. Notably, you won’t need to write a single line of code. To create games with Stencyl, prepare the following:
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Plan Your Game:
- Start by writing a basic description. Outline your game’s basic concept in writing so you have a clear direction as you work.
- Create sketches. Draw basic sketches of your desired game screens. They don’t need to be detailed, but capturing the core elements is helpful.
- Choose a game development method. Select a method for game creation. Stencyl, for example, allows game building using object scripts.
Steps to Use Stencyl:
- Install Stencyl on your device. Stencyl is a program for game creation that requires no coding. You’ll use logical tools to manipulate game objects.
- Stencyl is free to use if you intend to publish your game online. Like other free versions, a Stencyl logo will appear at the start of your game.
- Start a new game. When you first open Stencyl, you’ll see recommended example games. You can use these as inspiration to understand how they work.
- To start creating a new game, click the outlined box labeled “Click here to create new game.”
- Select a Kit. Kits provide pre-made assets and objects that can help you build and run your game faster and easier.
To create a game by selecting a kit, choose “Blank Game.” You can also explore kits created by other users for inspiration.
- Input game information. Before starting game development, input information like:
- Name: The name of your game.
- Screen size: Screen size affects the art. If unsure, try 640px width and 480px height.
- Familiarize yourself with the layout. Understand Stencyl’s layout. The Dashboard shows games you can access and edit. Here, you can also adjust game settings. Adjustable settings include:
- Scenes: Shows the actual game with all assets.
- Resources: Lists all objects and assets, including actors, backgrounds, fonts, scenes, logic, sounds, and tilesets.
- Settings: Allows you to customize how the game works, including controls, gravity, collisions, screen settings, and more.
- Create actors. Every game needs actors, which are objects that move or interact within the game. You’ll need actors for each interactive object.
To create actors, click “Actor Types” in the Resources menu, then select your desired actor type. Options for creating actors include:
- Create player and enemy actors: Open Actor Editor > Properties Tab > Select group.
- Choose behaviors (walk, jump, stomp): Click Behaviors Tab > Click Add Behavior > Choose Behavior > Choose.
- Configure controls: Use the menu to select keys for moving actors right and left.
- Create a scene. Scenes are events players see while playing. They include backgrounds, objects, and actors.
To create a new scene, click Scenes in Resources > Click the outlined box > Enter new scene name. To modify components, use these tools:
- Background: Click Create.
- Tile: Click and drag with the mouse to place tiles.
- Place actors: Click Actors Tab and switch to available actors.
- Add gravity: Click Physics Tab in the window > Go to Gravity box > Input 85 to simulate realistic earth gravity.
- Test your game: Don’t be immediately satisfied. Test your game. Use the “Test Game” button on the top screen to try it out.
- Add enhancements: Don’t just replicate existing games. Add elements like difficulty levels, timers, and other features.
- Create Site Lock: Upload your game and use site lock to prevent it from being played outside permitted sites. Click Game Settings > Loader > Site Lock.
Creating online games without deep coding knowledge is indeed easy. There are still more easy ways to make games using Stencyl, which is accessible for free. What are you waiting for? Create games according to your creativity now!
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