How to Get Started with Making Your Own Video Games

Malena Rose Features

Volume 27, Issue 10

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own video game but weren’t sure where to start? As a fellow game design student, I get it—it can feel overwhelming at first. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a AAA studio to begin. You just need some passion, creativity, and a few key steps to kick things off.

Find your idea

Start simple. Think about the games you love and what makes them fun. What unique twist can you bring to a familiar concept? Don’t overthink it—your first project doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s about learning.

Choose the right tools

For beginners, platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine are free and beginner-friendly with tons of tutorials. Prefer something simpler? Try GameMaker, Construct3 or RPG Maker, which are perfect for 2D projects.

Learn the basics

Pick up basic coding (C# for Unity or visual scripting in Unreal). Websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or even YouTube tutorials can be lifesavers. Don’t worry if you’re not a coding genius—many tools help simplify this part.

Start small

Think “Tetris” small. Start with a basic prototype—a single level, one mechanic. It’s better to finish something simple than to abandon something ambitious.

Playtest and improve

Let friends play your game. Their feedback is gold. Watch how they interact with it to identify what’s fun (or frustrating).

Join a community

Connect with other game developers. Sites like itch.io, GameDev Reddit can inspire and motivate you. Also make sure to join our universities Discord servers and servers for Game Jams.

Game Jams are by the way a perfect opportunity to learn game dev. You can find out more about them here.

Remember, every gaming legend started somewhere. Whether your first game is a pixelated platformer or a quirky puzzle, the most important thing is to just start. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see your game on Steam!

Malena Rose
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