Nowadays, almost anyone can aim at creating their own video games. Thanks to easy-to-use software you can accomplish that, considering that you have plentiful creativity to spare. Nevertheless, the key to reaching this goal is keeping the control in your hands, at all times. Here are the main tips that will aid you to create your first video game.

1. Conceptualize the Video Game

The very first thing you should do is conceptualizing the video game. This step is necessary, especially if you want your game to contain an ounce of substance, at the very least. Don’t assume that the ideas will come by themselves, and they will flow. If you go down this path, the results won’t meet your standards, and you might need to continually come back and make improvements.

Therefore, try to visualize the kind of game you wish to create. Nevertheless, you should have realistic plans, considering that it’s the first time you’re attempting the creation of such a complex undertaking.

2. Get Organized

After you’ve pinpointed the storyboards and the main details of the game, it’s time to organize your ideas. In this respect, you could easily use a word processor or spreadsheet, to simplify the process. For instance, you should separate your information in categories such as what needs improvement, ideas, features you should add, so on and so forth. Crafting a simple workflow such as this one will allow you to concentrate on developing the game, as opposed to wandering between ideas.

3. Don’t Forget to Back-up

Getting your ideas organized is a key step. However, as soon as you do that, you should back up all those ideas by creating a design document. The primary goal of this document is to record all your ideas, so that you don’t miss something important.

Additionally, doing so will allow you to visualize your concepts, so that everything becomes vivid in your imagination. When your imaginary world reaches a certain stage, creating that world will be much easier, because then, your world won’t appear as if it’s made up – it will seem utterly real.

What is more, backing up your ideas keeps things easy and in order. Another piece of advice would be to save each stage of the game creation process. In this way, you can compare and contrast the changes you’ve made.

4. Pick the Right Software

In the condition in which you don’t want to start from scratch, you should pick appropriate game-making software that meets your level, in order to get things done. The good news is that there are numerous free and premium alternatives to choose from. You should determine what you want to achieve, and then, make the sensible choice. 

5. Learn a Programming Language

Even if you select a type of software for crafting your first video game, it still pays off to learn a programming language. If you wish to pursue game making you’ll soon realize that knowing a programming language is of utmost importance. One of the main tools you could start with is C#. This is an object-oriented programming language, which is relatively easy to learn. So, you might consider this option, as well.

6. Carefully Build the Characters

The next step is moving on to the creation of the characters – the heart and core of your video game. Each video game is built around a bunch of characters and interactive environments. After deciding on the gender of your characters, you should pinpoint the personality type, as well as the strength and weaknesses. Typically, aspects such as time-period, gender and theme narrows down the character’s particularities.

As you might expect, animation is a crucial element that defines the character’s personality. Simply put, the universe you put together should be coherent. You must think of each tiny detail. Only if your game and characters are coherent will the players actually enjoy playing your game.

7. Construct the Environments

Video games are so much more than fighting unusual creatures and uncovering hidden treasures. Although these elements add a lot to the charm of the game, there is more to it. That being said, the atmosphere of the game is of crucial importance.

You should build the environment in a specific way, so that you make your game distinguishable. Evidently, you’ll require professional images and videos. You can use programs to create pictures, or take pictures yourself, if you want them to have a realist feel to them. Still, note that you’ll need a professional machine, or a fly drone.

Bear in mind, however, you should be doubly careful regarding where you can fly your drone. That’s because FFA has strict rules concerning this.

8. Make Something Playable

As soon as you’ve made your characters move, and you’ve created the environment, it’s time to make it shoot. Irrespective of the type of game you’ve built, you should make it play, to get the feel of what’s working and what’s not. An extra tip would be asking other people you trust to play the game for you, and share their feedback.

9. Don’t Design a Linear Game

Nowadays, video games are tailored with the player’s needs and expectations in mind. That could be translated into choice. In plain English, different players have different preferences when it comes to the routes of the game. While some might like to hack and slash, others might prefer following quests and others like interacting with non-player characters.

In other words, you should add diversity to your game, to offer your players plentiful opportunities.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

We cannot stress enough the fact that each successful video game depends entirely on the trial-and-error process. What we’re trying to say is that making mistakes actually pays off. This is, in fact, one of the ways in which you can challenge your thinking and think outside the box. Restricting yourself will only limit your capabilities. Don’t be afraid to take chances, since, some of the best ideas come from mistakes.

As long as you’re open to making improvements, and you’re determined to take other people’s feedback into consideration, you’ll be on the right path. And, remember, trying is the key to succeeding! Good luck and don’t give up!