How would I go about making my own game?

[itsmattxp]

I've been thinking a lot recently and have decided that I wanted to create my own game. I have no experience with computer science or any languages but I really am interested in learning. I have a few resources that have experience of 10 - 20 years+ of multiple languages that I believe would be glad to help as well. I'm not looking to create the next Final Fantasy or anything but maybe something like the games that are found on Android, iOS, or are similar to the indie humble games. What would be the best language to start learning for these types of things? How long do they usually take? I'm really interested in making a game like VVVVV but again have no idea how to start. Help me realize a dream!

[AznKhmerBoi]

For apple app store i suggest you use game salad.

Also do not forget that tied in first with programming is graphic artists.
Its very very crucial in game design unless you want to buy already existing ones.

Game art packs are pretty pricy and you dont exactly get what you looking for.
In the end befriend a graphic artist or self teach yourself and good luck.

[o.pwuaioc]

Actionscript for Flash games, Pascal, Python, Ruby, Java, and C/C++ are all excellent choices depending on the level complexity you want. There are other options for higher level stuff, like RPGMaker, for instance. Also check out how Charlie makes his games:

http://www.charliesgames.com/wordpress/?p=148

[noiseredux]

that reminds me. Over the Summer I read this book:



(I realize I'm not a teen, but as I knew nothing on the subject, it seemed a good intro book).

Anyway, I was all excited like "oh man, I'm gonna make Flash games for my PSP and PS3 and stuff!" and then I didn't do anything. Haha.

[Evildeadmanwalking77]

I've been thinking a lot recently and have decided that I wanted to create my own game. I have no experience with computer science or any languages but I really am interested in learning. I have a few resources that have experience of 10 - 20 years+ of multiple languages that I believe would be glad to help as well. I'm not looking to create the next Final Fantasy or anything but maybe something like the games that are found on Android, iOS, or are similar to the indie humble games. What would be the best language to start learning for these types of things? How long do they usually take? I'm really interested in making a game like VVVVV but again have no idea how to start. Help me realize a dream!

You and me both my friend. I've been majoring in Graphic Design and Computer Art which I'm hoping will help me. Programs like Adobe Flash can be usefull and Maya (which I think is MUCH better than Flash) is great for animation. It all really depends on what you want to do. It could take an entire team to make on video game, again depending on the complexity of the type of game you're creating. Programers, Artists both Graphic and drawing, Animators, etc. Just remember to stay focused and dedicated because alot of these programs can be complex to learn in the begining but are VERY rewarding in the end. Good luck! I hope you can accomplish your dream!

[brunoafh]

If you want to make a basic game check out Multimedia Fusion 2. Very good program for game making that requires zero programming knowledge.

[Hatta]

Try something like PyGame. Python is really easy to learn, cross platform, and there are lots of tutorials and examples to learn from. Learning python will be applicable to all sorts of situations where something proprietary would not.

[k.vlaros]

All the hardest work will be done on white boards, notepads, excel documents and a word processor. Art direction and assets are close runner ups to the preplanning. Programming is like a distant 3rd. So my advice is to do as much as you can before writing one line of code.

[GigaPepsiMan]

Speaking of which anyone know a good way of making a sports sim style game? It doesn't even need to have any fancy graphics (though they would be handy).

[itsmattxp]

All the hardest work will be done on white boards, notepads, excel documents and a word processor. Art direction and assets are close runner ups to the preplanning. Programming is like a distant 3rd. So my advice is to do as much as you can before writing one line of code.

I'm thinking of trying to make a bullet hell shooter since most of the gun patterns are from algorithms? I know that the game's development has to be extremely detailed before any line of code is written but since I have no idea what has to be written, is there like a check list or something of that sort that I have to make sure that I cover?