Tips For First Time Game Makers

[Johnny-Boi]

So I plan to start my first game in unreal engine blueprint mode soon, (a side scroller probably) does anyone have any tips for me, or things I should know, I've already seen some tutorials on how to use it in general.

[Levent]

I assume you have some knowledge of a programming language? 

[Zalosath]

5 minutes ago, Johnny-Boi said:

So I plan to start my first game in unreal engine blueprint mode soon, (a side scroller probably) does anyone have any tips for me, or things I should know, I've already seen some tutorials on how to use it in general.

One thing at a time. I sometimes find myself halfway through a particular feature and get completely side tracked by another, this isn't great as sometimes you may forget where you were on your previous feature. 

 

Use the MoSCoW method to make a list of everything that you MUST have, SHOULD have, COULD have, and WON'T have. 

 

The won't have section doesn't mean you'll NEVER add those ideas, it just means that in this specific iteration of the methodology that you select you won't add this feature. Nothings stopping you from adding it to the next one, though.

 

Speaking of methodologies, it's a good idea to find one which is best for you, although they're typically reserved for larger projects, nothing is stopping you from using one now.

 

And most importantly, don't let anyone make you stop. If you're feeling unmotivated, move to a different feature (slightly going a-back on my previous tip there ) or a different part of the game entirely. 

 

Good luck!

[Johnny-Boi]

8 minutes ago, Levent said:

I assume you have some knowledge of a programming language? 

No actually, that's why I'm using blueprint mode. But I'm about to start learning python and html for school 

[PorkishPig]

Python isn't really ideal for game design. It is usable, but doesn't perform as well as C++ or C#. I would suggest getting comfortable with Unity or UE4, see Unity Learn or UE4 Documentation. HTML, which is different from HTML5, has little relevance in game programming.

[Johnny-Boi]

@PorkishPig I know, it's a requirement for 8th grade. How hard is it to learn C++?

[PorkishPig]

7 minutes ago, Johnny-Boi said:

@PorkishPig I know, it's a requirement for 8th grade. How hard is it to learn C++?

Python is an excellent language to start with. C++ has a bit of a learning curve, especially in terms of syntax, but it will come more naturally once you get your first language down.

[TheHoodieGuy02]

C++ is rather hard, but understanding Blueprint is a good way to go. BP is basically slightly dumbed down (but more straightforward) C++, and most of the syntax commonly used in UE4 are represented in BP. If you can master BP (and have some understanding to C/C++ basics), you could translate your own BPs to C++ by hand without you realising it. 

 

There is an option for using Python in scripting department, but most other UE4 devs uses either BP and/or C++ anyway, so expect less collab works and more script conflict and inconsistencies if you're assigned to do so.

 

And if you're getting started, don't even think much about performance yet. It's an entire rabbit hole to delve through, so nail the basics first. If it comes to actually distributing your game, at that point, you can think about optimising performance of your game.

[Sauron]

2 hours ago, Johnny-Boi said:

No actually, that's why I'm using blueprint mode. But I'm about to start learning python and html for school 

then learn the basics of programming first and then maybe come back to unreal engine.

[Guest]

Finish the damn game. 

Keep your scope small. Never expand it. 

 

Don't except your team to do anything. 

[straight_stewie]

Games are tough for people who aren't already programmers or artists.
Games are tough for people who are already programmers or artists.
Games are just tough.

My advice is to stick with it, even if you feel like it's taking too long or you are getting bored. Your first game probably won't be fun to make, and it definitely won't be fun to play. But trust me, there is almost no better feeling than seeing a GUI application (which is ostensibly all a game really is) actually work the way you intended it to.

[the sff pc dude]

On 8/3/2020 at 1:36 PM, Johnny-Boi said:

@PorkishPig I know, it's a requirement for 8th grade. How hard is it to learn C++?

dude, c# syntax is nasty enough for first time learners, c++ is even older.
Once you master/get really good at a specific programming language, its really easy to learn a different one under a day, because you will already know how everything works/functions, all you would need to know is the syntax/commands.
Please tell me what type of game will you make?

[Johnny-Boi]

5 hours ago, the sff pc dude said:

dude, c# syntax is nasty enough for first time learners, c++ is even older.
Once you master/get really good at a specific programming language, its really easy to learn a different one under a day, because you will already know how everything works/functions, all you would need to know is the syntax/commands.
Please tell me what type of game will you make?

i'm doing a side scroller, and maybe a platformer. 

[the sff pc dude]

8 minutes ago, Johnny-Boi said:

i'm doing a side scroller, and maybe a platformer. 

ye stick with python fn

[Johnny-Boi]

3 hours ago, the sff pc dude said:

ye stick with python fn

alright, will do