Who doesn’t love playing games? Most people enjoy gaming because of its captivating nature and strong appeal, sparking curiosity and a challenge to try. Creating games might seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you think, and you can even make your own. This article will explore various ways to learn game coding for beginners, starting from the ground up.
Learning how to make simple games from scratch is a rewarding process that offers valuable benefits. The increasing popularity of smartphone games has inspired many to learn how to code games with their unique gameplay ideas and potentially sell them.
Consequently, app stores are now filled with games of diverse genres, available both for free and purchase. While the methods for creating these games vary, they often share fundamental concepts.
Before diving into creating games tailored to your specific gameplay and concept, it’s essential to learn and understand coding using at least one programming language. This is especially crucial if you want to customize the visual aspects and mechanics of your game.
Programming languages are the cornerstone of game development. Therefore, learning how to code simple games from scratch requires a grasp of coding principles 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
5. Creating Games with Stencyl
1. Programming Languages Used in Simple Game Development
As mentioned earlier, programming languages are crucial for game development. Creating mobile games can be achieved using various programming languages.
If you have a solid understanding of even one programming language, you possess a sufficient foundation to create a mobile game. However, more complex games for computers or consoles demand broader and more sophisticated programming language skills.
Here are some commonly used programming languages:
- JavaScript
JavaScript is a frequently used language in game development. Learning how to code games with JavaScript isn’t overly complicated. You can create mobile games with your own design and concept using a combination of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
Many individuals today are proficient in JavaScript, meaning they already possess at least one fundamental skill required for creating games with their personalized designs and concepts.
- Java
Another popular language for game development is Java. Java is a prevalent choice for creating mobile games on the Android operating system. You can utilize Java to develop games with customizable visuals and mechanics using Android Studio.
Games built with Java are known for their efficiency, speed, and ease of personalization. Java is generally considered an accessible and user-friendly programming language to learn.
- Swift
Next is Swift. While Java is favored for Android, Swift is the programming language used for creating applications and games on iOS mobile devices.
Swift is a relatively newer language specifically designed for iOS devices. It has become a favorite among beginner programmers learning how to code games for the first time in the iOS ecosystem.
- C Programming Languages
Furthermore, the C programming family, including C, C#, and C++, are also used in game development. These languages are employed to create more intricate and complex applications or games.
Many games played on computers or consoles are built 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’re serious about a career in application, software, or game development, learning and mastering these languages is highly recommended.
2. Steps to Create Your Own Game From Scratch
Learning how to create your own game from scratch is an enjoyable and valuable endeavor. Especially with the growing popularity of Android gaming worldwide, creating and selling your own games presents a significant opportunity.
To develop a simple game from scratch, you need to start with the basics. Initially, it might seem challenging and demanding, but it’s essential not to outsource your game development project to experts immediately. Instead, focus on learning everything from the ground up.
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Besides programming languages being the primary foundation for creating games with your own design and concept, here’s a guide to the steps involved in making a simple game from scratch.
- Research and Conceptualize Your Game
The first step is to research the concept for the game you want to create. This involves gathering information about the skills required to bring your game to life and identifying necessary features. Consider the type and concept of game you envision, as well as the features you plan to build and implement. Research and determine what’s needed to make your game a reality.
- Create a Design Document
Once you have a conceptualization of your desired 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 its development. When creating a design document, consider the following:
- Skills
Your existing skills are a vital asset. Lacking necessary skills might require hiring professionals to assist with the design document, which can be costly.
- Language
Pay attention to the language used in your design document. Clear and precise language aids in specifying the game development process.
- Visuals and Game Features
Consider the visuals and features of your game. If you anticipate modifying features in the future, plan for aspects that need attention and flexibility.
- Determine Software
The next step in learning how to code games and realizing your game idea is selecting the software. Simple mobile games for Android may not require specific software. However, more complex games will necessitate specialized software, such as design and 3D software.
- Start Programming
After choosing your software, the next step is to begin coding. While complex games may require dedicated game-making applications, simple mobile games might not. Decide on the programming language you’ll use and start developing your designed game.
- Test Your Game and Begin Marketing
The final steps involve testing your created game to identify and eliminate bugs. This testing phase can be time-consuming, so allocate sufficient time for thorough testing.
Once you are confident in your game, it’s time to market it. This concludes the guide on how to create a simple game from scratch. Marketing and sales can be simplified by hiring a marketing consultant to manage this aspect.
3. Essential Skills for Game Development
Creating a game can be both straightforward and challenging, requiring a set of fundamental skills. Here are some essential skills for game coding:
- Programming Languages
Programming language proficiency is a must-have skill. Start with a simpler language if you’re a beginner.
- Software Proficiency
Understanding the software you’ll use for game development is crucial. After selecting your software, learn its functionalities through online tutorials, which are widely available. Mimicking creation processes using your chosen software can facilitate practical learning.
- Frameworks
Frameworks are tools that aid in writing code more efficiently. They help streamline coding, making it faster, easier, and more structured.
- Strong Problem-Solving Skills
Game development is not always a smooth process. You’ll likely encounter complex challenges and difficulties. Therefore, game developers need strong problem-solving abilities to effectively address issues and find solutions. Good problem-solving skills help minimize problems effectively and judiciously.
However, the specific skills and knowledge required vary depending on the game’s type. The most crucial aspect is developing well-honed skills. With strong skills, any challenge can be addressed with effective solutions.
4. Key Considerations in Game Development
To realize your game development aspirations, start by learning how to code simple games first. This will pave the way for creating more complex games as you progress. If you’re interested in developing your own mobile game, here are key considerations before you begin:
- Define Your Game Idea
The first step is to define your game idea. This includes determining the genre you want to pursue. Game genres are diverse, ranging from VR, action, FPS (first-person shooter), 2D platformers, battle royale, RPGs, and many more.
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After deciding on the genre, consider the unique selling points and appeal of your game. Technical aspects like sound effects, visual concepts, and music integration should also be carefully planned.
- Tools You Will Use
Next, determine and install the essential tools required for Android game development. Creating Android games necessitates specific basic tools.
Commonly used tools include the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) and IDE (Integrated Development Environment) Android Studio, which is the official tool for Android application and game development.
Both tools are vital, but using them effectively requires understanding the Java programming language. These tools offer advantages such as providing access to hardware acceleration through standard APIs like OpenGL or Vulkan.
- Graphics Engine Selection
Game development, whether simple or complex, can be streamlined by integrating an IDE with a graphics engine. Popular choices include Unity and Unreal Engine, favored for their user-friendly interfaces, especially for beginners learning game development.
The key difference lies in their programming languages and suitability. Unity uses C# and is well-suited for simpler 2D game development. Games built with Unity are generally resource-efficient, making them playable on a wide range of Android smartphones.
Unreal Engine, on the other hand, is better suited for 3D games with intricate graphics. It uses C++ and is often used for games targeting PCs and consoles. Unreal Engine offers advanced graphics but demands more resources, requiring higher specifications for smartphone gameplay.
- Start Developing Your Game
The final step is to begin developing your Android game, incorporating your design, concept, and the tools you’ve prepared. This development process requires proficiency in programming languages and a solid understanding of algorithms. Additionally, prepare other resources like theme songs, sound effects, logos, and more.
While learning how to code games might sound complex due to the need for programming languages and coding, it’s possible to create your own games even without coding expertise.
Here are examples of applications and websites that allow game creation without coding:
- AppsGeyser
AppsGeyser is a website that enables you to create games without coding. It offers a user-friendly menu, making it easy to understand and quickly create your own game. To use AppsGeyser, visit their website through your computer browser.
- Quickappninja
Quickappninja is a popular platform for creating games without coding or programming languages. To use Quickappninja, first register on their site, select “Create Game Now,” choose a game type, edit your chosen game, and finally, configure the settings for your created game.
- Draw Your Game
Draw Your Game offers a unique approach to game creation. 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, downloadable on Android devices.
These are some ways to create Android games for beginners, allowing you to experiment with your desired game types and concepts.
In conclusion, these insights into learning game coding for beginners aim to inspire readers to enhance their skills creatively. With dedication, realizing your dream of creating a game is achievable. Good luck and happy creating!
5. Creating Games with Stencyl
Now you know that learning how to code your own games is enjoyable and insightful, especially when manipulating objects and logic. Notably, you won’t need to write a single line of code. To create games using Stencyl, prepare the following:
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Plan Your Game
- Start with a basic description. Write down a basic description of your game idea. Having it in writing helps you visualize and work on it concurrently.
- Sketch some designs. Create basic sketches of the screens you envision. They don’t need to be detailed, but having a visual representation of elements is helpful.
- Choose a game creation method. Decide on the method you’ll use for game creation. One option is Stencyl, a tool that allows you to build games using object scripts.
Steps to Use Stencyl
- Install Stencyl on your device. Stencyl is a game development program that requires no coding. You’ll use logic-based tools to manipulate objects within your game.
- 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 creating a new game. Upon opening Stencyl, you’ll see recommended games. You can use these as examples to understand how they work.
- Begin creating your game by clicking the dotted-line box labeled “Click here to create new game.”
- Select a Kit. Kits provide pre-made assets and objects to help you build and run your game faster and more easily.
To create a game with a kit, choose “Blank Game.” You can also explore kits created by other users for inspiration.
- Input game information. Before diving into game creation, input information such as:
- Name: The name of your game.
- Screen size: The screen size, which affects the art. If unsure, try 640px width and 480px height.
- Familiarize yourself with the layout. Understand Stencyl’s layout. The Dashboard displays games you can access the source for. Here, you can also modify game settings. Key areas include:
- Scenes: Shows the actual game with all its assets.
- Resources: Lists all objects and assets, including actors, backgrounds, fonts, scenes, logic, sounds, and tilesets.
- Settings: Allows you to adjust game mechanics like controls, gravity, collisions, screen settings, and more.
- Create Actors. Every game needs actors, which are objects that can 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. Options for actor creation include:
- Create player and enemy actors: Open Actor Editor > Properties Tab > Choose group.
- Select behaviors (walk, jump, stomp): Click Behaviors Tab > Click Add Behavior > Choose Behavior > Choose.
- Configure controls: Use the menu to select keys for moving the actor right and left.
- Learn how to code games by creating a scene. A scene is what players see when playing the game. It includes backgrounds, objects, and actors.
To create a new scene, click Scenes in Resources > Click the Dotted Box > enter a 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 the Gravity box > input 85 to simulate realistic Earth gravity.
- Test your game: Don’t immediately release your game. Test it first. Use the “Test Game” button on the top screen to try it out.
- Add enhancements: Make your game unique by adding challenges, timers, and more.
- Create Site Lock: Upload your finished 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 quite easy. There are still more ways to learn how to code games easily using Stencyl, available for free. What are you waiting for? Create games according to your creativity now!
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