5 answers
Gio
Student
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how to code and make a video game
how do I code because I'm trying to make a video game what should I do??? btw I'm 14
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5 answers
Tatiana T. Scott
Software Engineer, Former Forensic Scientist
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tatiana T.’s Answer
Great question and can be an exciting journey for you. There are so many different ways to go about it actually, and it also depends on your learning style, game style, programming language interest, etc.
The way that I would go about it is, I would start by taking a look at a bunch of different websites and do their intro project - and see if I like it. If you start a project and want to continue then perfect. Otherwise, if you start it and don't enjoy it try something different until you find the perfect one.
I assume you are a gamer? Take a look at some of the games that you play. They might have a way to learn and create something. For example: Fortnite Creative, Roblox Creator Hub.
Otherwise, here are a few next steps to checkout and see if anything excites you. Good luck!
https://develop.games/
https://lorenzo.itch.io/on-small-games
https://gamemaker.io/en
https://store.steampowered.com/app/375820/Human_Resource_Machine/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/979120/Autonauts/
The way that I would go about it is, I would start by taking a look at a bunch of different websites and do their intro project - and see if I like it. If you start a project and want to continue then perfect. Otherwise, if you start it and don't enjoy it try something different until you find the perfect one.
I assume you are a gamer? Take a look at some of the games that you play. They might have a way to learn and create something. For example: Fortnite Creative, Roblox Creator Hub.
Otherwise, here are a few next steps to checkout and see if anything excites you. Good luck!
Tatiana T. recommends the following next steps:
Fabian Badillo
Technical Program Manager in Cloud Supply Chain
2
Answers
Aurora, Illinois
Updated
Fabian’s Answer
There's a bunch of online game platforms that you could use based on your experience and as you learn more. MakeCode Arcade is a good one from Microsoft
https://arcade.makecode.com/
https://arcade.makecode.com/
Rashida White
UX Research and Design / Game Audio and Sound Design
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Rashida’s Answer
Hello,
The type of video game you want to make will also depend on the type of code you can learn. If you have yet to give that much thought, check out the article from Juni, which suggests a few languages (Java, Python, and Ruby). I also added other game engines (Pico-8 and Godot) to explore and potentially learn to help you execute your vision. Good luck and have fun!
Game Programming for Teens: A Step-by-Step Guide - https://junilearning.com/blog/guide/game-programming-for-teens-a-step-by-step-guide/
Pico 8 - https://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php?page=resources
Godot: https://godotengine.org/
The type of video game you want to make will also depend on the type of code you can learn. If you have yet to give that much thought, check out the article from Juni, which suggests a few languages (Java, Python, and Ruby). I also added other game engines (Pico-8 and Godot) to explore and potentially learn to help you execute your vision. Good luck and have fun!
Rashida recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Gio!
How to Code and Make a Video Game
Creating a video game is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, especially for someone who is 14 years old and eager to learn. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with coding and game development.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Programming
Before diving into game development, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of programming. Here are some key concepts you should familiarize yourself with:
Variables: These are used to store data that can change during the execution of a program.
Control Structures: Learn about loops (for, while) and conditionals (if, else) which control the flow of your program.
Functions: Functions allow you to group code into reusable blocks.
Data Structures: Understand arrays, lists, and dictionaries for organizing data.
You can start learning these concepts through online platforms like Codecademy or Khan Academy.
Step 2: Choose a Programming Language
For game development, several programming languages are popular. Here are a few options:
Python: Great for beginners due to its readability. You can use libraries like Pygame for simple games.
JavaScript: Ideal if you’re interested in web-based games. Libraries like Phaser.js can help you create browser games.
C#: Widely used in game development with Unity, one of the most popular game engines.
C++: Used in many professional games but has a steeper learning curve.
Choose one based on your interest and the type of games you want to create.
Step 3: Learn Game Development Frameworks or Engines
Once you have chosen a programming language, it’s time to explore game development frameworks or engines that will help streamline your process:
Unity: A powerful engine that uses C#. It has extensive documentation and community support. Ideal for both 2D and 3D games.
Unreal Engine: Uses C++ and is known for high-quality graphics. It may be more complex but offers great capabilities.
Godot Engine: An open-source engine that supports multiple languages including GDScript (similar to Python). It’s beginner-friendly.
Start with tutorials specific to the engine you choose; both Unity and Godot have excellent resources available online.
Step 4: Start Small
Begin by creating small projects. This could be as simple as making a basic platformer or puzzle game. Focus on completing one project before moving on to more complex ideas. This will help reinforce what you’ve learned without becoming overwhelmed.
Here’s a simple project idea:
Create a character that can move left and right using keyboard inputs.
Add obstacles that the character must avoid.
Implement scoring based on how long the player survives.
Step 5: Join Online Communities
Engaging with other developers can provide support, feedback, and inspiration:
Join forums such as GameDev.net or subreddits like r/gamedev on Reddit.
Participate in game jams (like Ludum Dare) where you create games within a limited timeframe; this encourages creativity under constraints.
Step 6: Keep Learning
Game development is an ever-evolving field; keep up-to-date with new tools, techniques, and trends:
Follow YouTube channels dedicated to game development tutorials.
Read books about game design principles (e.g., “The Art of Game Design” by Jesse Schell).
By continuously learning and practicing your skills, you’ll improve over time.
In summary, start by learning programming basics, choose an appropriate language, explore game engines or frameworks, work on small projects first, engage with communities for support, and keep expanding your knowledge through various resources.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Codecademy
An interactive platform offering coding classes in various programming languages including Python and JavaScript which are relevant for beginners in game development.
Unity Documentation
The official documentation for Unity provides comprehensive guides on using their engine effectively for both new developers and experienced programmers looking to refine their skills.
GameDev.net
A well-established online community focused on all aspects of game development where users can share knowledge, ask questions, and find resources related to coding and design principles in gaming.
God Bless You!
JC.
How to Code and Make a Video Game
Creating a video game is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, especially for someone who is 14 years old and eager to learn. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with coding and game development.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Programming
Before diving into game development, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of programming. Here are some key concepts you should familiarize yourself with:
Variables: These are used to store data that can change during the execution of a program.
Control Structures: Learn about loops (for, while) and conditionals (if, else) which control the flow of your program.
Functions: Functions allow you to group code into reusable blocks.
Data Structures: Understand arrays, lists, and dictionaries for organizing data.
You can start learning these concepts through online platforms like Codecademy or Khan Academy.
Step 2: Choose a Programming Language
For game development, several programming languages are popular. Here are a few options:
Python: Great for beginners due to its readability. You can use libraries like Pygame for simple games.
JavaScript: Ideal if you’re interested in web-based games. Libraries like Phaser.js can help you create browser games.
C#: Widely used in game development with Unity, one of the most popular game engines.
C++: Used in many professional games but has a steeper learning curve.
Choose one based on your interest and the type of games you want to create.
Step 3: Learn Game Development Frameworks or Engines
Once you have chosen a programming language, it’s time to explore game development frameworks or engines that will help streamline your process:
Unity: A powerful engine that uses C#. It has extensive documentation and community support. Ideal for both 2D and 3D games.
Unreal Engine: Uses C++ and is known for high-quality graphics. It may be more complex but offers great capabilities.
Godot Engine: An open-source engine that supports multiple languages including GDScript (similar to Python). It’s beginner-friendly.
Start with tutorials specific to the engine you choose; both Unity and Godot have excellent resources available online.
Step 4: Start Small
Begin by creating small projects. This could be as simple as making a basic platformer or puzzle game. Focus on completing one project before moving on to more complex ideas. This will help reinforce what you’ve learned without becoming overwhelmed.
Here’s a simple project idea:
Create a character that can move left and right using keyboard inputs.
Add obstacles that the character must avoid.
Implement scoring based on how long the player survives.
Step 5: Join Online Communities
Engaging with other developers can provide support, feedback, and inspiration:
Join forums such as GameDev.net or subreddits like r/gamedev on Reddit.
Participate in game jams (like Ludum Dare) where you create games within a limited timeframe; this encourages creativity under constraints.
Step 6: Keep Learning
Game development is an ever-evolving field; keep up-to-date with new tools, techniques, and trends:
Follow YouTube channels dedicated to game development tutorials.
Read books about game design principles (e.g., “The Art of Game Design” by Jesse Schell).
By continuously learning and practicing your skills, you’ll improve over time.
In summary, start by learning programming basics, choose an appropriate language, explore game engines or frameworks, work on small projects first, engage with communities for support, and keep expanding your knowledge through various resources.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Codecademy
An interactive platform offering coding classes in various programming languages including Python and JavaScript which are relevant for beginners in game development.
Unity Documentation
The official documentation for Unity provides comprehensive guides on using their engine effectively for both new developers and experienced programmers looking to refine their skills.
GameDev.net
A well-established online community focused on all aspects of game development where users can share knowledge, ask questions, and find resources related to coding and design principles in gaming.
God Bless You!
JC.
Rory Foulger
Education Programs Manager
1
Answer
Urbana, Illinois
Updated
Rory’s Answer
Hi! there are lots of ways to learn to code video games! I recommend starting with a no-code platform like https://gdevelop.io/, and then you can move on to coding on platforms like Unity, Unreal or Godot. Godot is easier to learn, and Unity or Unreal are better for when you want to transition into a real career in game dev.
There are also opportunities in less well known languages, like Wolfram Language (https://www.wolfram.com/wolfram-u/courses/computational-thinking/creative-computation/). Learning Wolfram will help if you want to go into academia in a variety of STEM subjects.
Good luck!
There are also opportunities in less well known languages, like Wolfram Language (https://www.wolfram.com/wolfram-u/courses/computational-thinking/creative-computation/). Learning Wolfram will help if you want to go into academia in a variety of STEM subjects.
Good luck!