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3 min read Game Development

Starting Your Journey in Game Development

Ever played a game and thought, “I want to make something like this”? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through how to start game development, choose the right engine, and keep learning through hands-on practice.
Starting Your Journey in Game Development
Photo by orva studio / Unsplash

Have you ever played a game and thought, “I want to make something like this someday”? That’s where most game developers begin — with a spark of curiosity and creativity. Game development is one of the most exciting and rewarding fields out there today, blending art, technology, and storytelling into one powerful medium.

If you’re thinking about stepping into this world, the good news is that it’s more accessible than ever. Whether you want to build mobile games, create immersive VR worlds, or design the next big indie hit, the tools and learning resources are right at your fingertips.

Where to Begin

Start simple. Before diving into complex graphics or advanced mechanics, focus on understanding how a game works — from movement and physics to logic and user interaction. You don’t need a fancy setup, even a basic computer can run beginner-friendly tools.

Learning some basic programming will help, especially languages like C# for Unity or C++ for Unreal Engine. Don’t worry if you’re new to coding — there are tons of tutorials, YouTube channels, and online communities ready to guide you step by step.

Unity Engine

If you’re new to development, Unity is one of the best places to begin. It’s user-friendly, extremely popular among indie developers, and supports 2D, 3D, and VR games. Unity uses C#, a relatively beginner-friendly language, and offers a massive library of free assets and documentation to help you bring your ideas to life quickly.

Games like Hollow Knight, Cuphead, and Monument Valley were made using Unity, showing just how powerful it can be for both small teams and big studios.

Unreal Engine

If you’re aiming for stunning visuals and cutting-edge performance, Unreal Engine is a great choice. Built by Epic Games, Unreal is known for its high-quality graphics and professional-grade tools. It uses C++, but also includes Blueprints, a visual scripting system that allows you to build gameplay without writing code. Unreal is often used for AAA titles and cinematic experiences but is also free to use for learning and small projects.

Games like Fortnite, Gears of War, and Valorant were built on Unreal, showcasing its world-class capabilities.

Keep Creating, Keep Learning

The most important thing in game development is practice. Start small — build a basic platformer, a simple puzzle, or a short narrative experience. Each project, no matter how simple, teaches you something new about design, programming, art, or sound.

Join online communities or Discord servers for feedback and support. Game jams (like Global Game Jam) are fantastic ways to challenge yourself and meet other creators.

Conclusion

Game development is a journey — a mix of learning, failing, experimenting, and creating something uniquely yours. Don’t let the complexity scare you off, every developer once started exactly where you are now. Choose your engine, start with a small idea, and bring it to life one line of code at a time.

Beginner-Friendly Courses to Get Started

Here are some great beginner resources to kick off your learning:

Unity (Beginner Courses)

Unreal Engine (Beginner Courses)

Published by:

Ankit Thapliyal

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