Game Development - where to start?

[Shykon]

Hey guys,

I am an IT student that has just graduated & has nothing to do. I've got a ton of free time & have decided i want to make a game during my free time.

I am looking to create a 2D RPG game, that i would hope to get on steam someday.


The question is.....where to start? what programs etc.


Any tips would be much appreciated!


Thanks,


Shykon

[Bsmunban]

Heya Shykon,

Can I ask what degree you graduated in and also, what you would be interested looking into, or getting into for that matter? Mostly, the higher end programs used are Maya | 3D Animation Software | Computer Animation | Autodesk which is used by the graphical modelers, however for a 2D application, I'm unsure of what programs are entirely used.

For a quicker option and this also ticks the 2D box rpgtoolkit.net > home > latest news could be useful for you, however I'd be unsure, providing the work put in, how the rights of the work would be assigned.

To finish though, I have a friend on a games development project and it's coming a long rather nicely. Currently, it's been funded by fundraiser and is seeking a private investor, however is working on a prototype in order to advertise for that. This project is always looking for skilled and beginner programmers, graphical artists, modelers and this could be suitable for you, if you were looking to get involved with a games development. The link to the website is Embers of Caerus - News

If you would like to join this, or are interested in it, I'd be more then happy to put you through to someone who can hopefully get you a position on the project.

[Shykon]

Hi Bsmunban,

I graduated with just a general degree in ICT (Didnt do honors as it was a ptime course). Unfortunately my degree had no course content to do with game development.
All i know if that i have always wanted to develop a game. I figured with all the free time i have, now would be a good time to get into it. I figured a 2D game would be the easiest (i had some experience with a game maker called Byond? when i was young). I'm not very artistic & not much of a designer (though i have created a few models with cinema4D in the past). A 2D sprite is much easier than a 3D model imo, so i don't think that would be much of a problem.

I've looked at rpgtoolkit and a few others, but to me they seem too easy, basic and not alot of good.....i could be wrong though. I will look into this more when i get home.

I just took a quick look at Embers, looks very impressive. I'd be interested, but the thing is....i have no experience. I'd probably be pretty useless?

Thanks,

Shykon

[Bsmunban]

Firstly, congratulations on the graduation and even if the course wasn't specifically designated for games development, it's still something one can get involved in. Your best bet is to probably to take the programming aspect of the development process - Did you cover any programming languages in your course?

Of course, graphical modeling can also be broken into. Personally, i used to think that it was only for artistic people who could draw and take the image they created and then make a graphical model. However, it really isn't so and providing the artist has learnt the tools within the program (Autodesk, which I linked is mostly used) then they're fully considered an artist in their own right. However that's for whether you wish to get into that aspect of it

Even with no experience, I'm pretty sure a spot would be open, as they're taking trainee's and also experienced members to fill their positions, so providing the dedication is there, that's certainly recognized. If you was willing to get involved you can just chuck me an inbox and I'll get in touch with some people

[Shykon]

Hey Bsmunban,

Sorry for the late reply, it's been a busy week. I did not really cover any programming languages, though i did do some very basic C++ & VB in college.

I think exactly the same about graphical modeling being for only artistic people, but hey, i guess it's worth trying. This is what has always put me off modelling & even web design. Right now i'm not sure what i want to go into job wise. I've always wanted to do networking, but finding a entry level networking role around here is near enough impossible, even help-desk roles are hard to come by. My only other options really would be web (i have a friend in a top web design company that could put a good word in, providing i got good at programming, design or both). Computer repair (though this would be min wage unless i started my own business). Database (everyone wants 5+yrs exp & qualified). Which leaves programing, modelling and in general game development (but then again, these jobs are like gold dust).

Having free time & no idea what to do, i figured i should learn something & maybe get a little project on the go. I would be willing to fill a position if one was available, but i am curious as to what i would do. Also do you have any idea how much time/week they expect you to work on the project? I am probably going to pick up some retail work for some cash within the next 2-4weeks, so i am just wondering how much time they would expect me to put in?


~Shykon

[Bsmunban]

Likewise with me, what a week it has been haha

Sadly jobs are scarce right now and it's a hard industry to get into, however once you do get involved and get that experience you're going to be able to nail a decent job. I've seen various programming/networking jobs which pay beautifully, however they're just looking for highly experienced individuals which is a hard position to get into. Getting the experience is the best thing and you can obviously capitalize on that once you're able to get into better jobs.

This project doesn't necessarily have a time scale or set times you can work. It's very flexible and allows you to work around your own life/job, however the only condition is that you get the jobs that you're given done. They're very understandable and will very much so help you break into the whole process.