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Best way to start coding indie games? (self.programming)

submitted 2 years ago by JocularGargoyle to c/programming

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Hey, folks! My son (currently 15) is interested in getting into game development. He's taken a class in Python in school and enjoyed it, but I know Python won't be enough. I don't think he's interested in ever making big, AAA games, but more along the lines of Undertale (which was made in Game Maker Studio) or Bug Fables (Unity).

There are just so many choices and so much content out there that I don't know where to start. Do you have any suggestions for which language(s) to learn or software (like Game Maker Studio) that you've found helpful? Thanks!

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[–] greybeard@lemmy.one 6 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I know you have a lot of opinions on this, so I'll recommend something different: Gamejams. They are a great way to flex that skill, try new things, and be a part of a group all at once. And another tip from another amateur game developer: Use Itch.io for sharing work.

[–] Spzi@lemm.ee 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

This is my favorite comment because it highlights social interactions. The other comments are great on the tools side, but I think getting in touch with other people (also people from other trades, like artists) and gamers is very important. Both gamejams and itch.io were also an integral part of game design studies when I attended a few years ago.

Extra Credits: Fail Faster - A Mantra for Creative Thinkers

[–] greybeard@lemmy.one 2 points 2 years ago

Yeah. I make games for gamejams once a year or so and it is always so rewarding to try new things, have a deadline, work with friends, and have almost nothing on the line. Spend a weekend playing around and see what happens. At this point I have a decent portfolio of jam games built up, and each time I learn something new and interesting.