Game Development is an incredibly rewarding journey. Creating a world from scratch, bringing characters to life, making them move, speak, and interact with the environment you build—it’s an experience that can make you feel like a “Game God” in every sense.
In this article, we’ll talk about how you can start your game development journey on your own. I’ve been a self-learner throughout my life, and I’ve found success working in the tech space, so I know what it takes to start making money online with something you love. Here are some key points to keep in mind to ensure that your game dev journey is both enjoyable and potentially profitable.
Choose a Game Engine You’re Comfortable With
Many people will argue that the engine doesn’t matter—that it’s more about understanding the basics. While that’s true, having an accessible starting point can help you jump into the process. Why not choose an engine that’s relatively easy to use? Unity, for instance, is user-friendly, versatile for both 2D and 3D games, and supports mobile, web, and desktop platforms. That’s why I started with Unity in my early days.
Pick an engine that allows you to focus on game-building so you can learn the essential steps involved in creating games. Avoid diving into a complex engine like Unreal at the start, as its advanced features can be overwhelming for beginners.
Focus Primarily on the Programming Side
Game development is a broad field involving game design, asset creation, animations, and more. As a Game Programmer, it’s crucial to concentrate on and improve your coding skills. Learn how Unity scenes are structured, and practice your C# programming. C# in Unity operates by responding to gaming events, which makes it an excellent programming language for beginners.
Spend time exploring Unity’s APIs, understanding how to structure your scripts, and refining your gameplay logic. Don’t feel pressured to learn everything about game development right away—focus on programming, and other skills can come later as needed.
Build Your Online Presence
Your online presence is your digital footprint, and it’s often the first impression companies get of you. Create a blog or YouTube channel to document your game dev journey. Share your projects, no matter how simple they are. The goal is to show the world that you’re continuously learning and improving. Remember, consistency is more important than perfection. Show that you’re committed to this journey, and quality will follow.
Contribute to Online Game Dev Communities
Once you’re invested in game development, it’s time to start contributing to the community. Don’t wait for years—begin now by making posts on platforms like Medium or Reddit. Share your thoughts on game dev issues, write tutorials, and join discussions on LinkedIn and other social networks.
Active participation will allow you to connect with others, get feedback, and learn from those who’ve been in the field longer.
The Power of LinkedIn and Professional Connections
LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for growing your career. Create a professional profile, join Game Dev groups, participate in discussions, and make connections not just with fellow developers but also with recruiters, hiring managers, and industry professionals.
Get involved by posting your work and engaging in conversations. Building genuine connections here can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations.
Start Freelancing
Freelancing on sites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you gain real-world experience while building a portfolio. Create a profile showcasing your projects, and start bidding on small gigs. Securing just a few projects a month, even if they’re small, will keep you active in the game development market. It’ll help you gain confidence, improve your skills, and grow a portfolio with reviews that could make you stand out for future full-time roles.
Publish Games on Platforms Like Steam and Itch.io
If freelancing gigs aren’t coming through, consider making small games and posting them on Steam or Itch.io for extra cash or free feedback. Publishing your games provides valuable feedback from actual players and helps you refine your game development skills.
Source Game Assets Efficiently
Creating assets from scratch can be time-consuming, so focus on programming and use available resources for other aspects. Many platforms, including Unity’s Asset Store and Itch.io, offer free or affordable game assets like characters, environments, music, and UI elements. These assets can help you put together a polished game faster.
Be Genuine About Your Experience
Be honest about your level of experience, even if you’re just starting. Quality always speaks louder than quantity. A single well-made project can impress companies more than multiple unfinished ones. Genuine experience and dedication are qualities companies look for, so focus on creating something of value.
Use GitHub for Your Projects
GitHub isn’t just for storing your code—it also showcases your coding style and version control skills. It’s a valuable addition to your portfolio, and potential employers or collaborators can check your work on GitHub to get a sense of your capabilities.
Skills Are Essential, but Integrity Goes a Long Way
While technical skills are essential in game development, integrity is what truly sets a developer apart. Being trustworthy, taking responsibility for mistakes, and maintaining a positive attitude fosters stronger collaboration and builds respect within teams.
When presenting your work experience, be honest and transparent. Avoid exaggerating or overstating your skills and accomplishments; focus on the genuine contributions you’ve made and the projects you’ve completed. Authenticity goes a long way, as employers value sincerity and are more interested in seeing what you can genuinely offer. A single, well-executed project often speaks louder than a long list of inflated experiences.
Professionalism and a commitment to personal growth make you memorable to employers, colleagues, and industry contacts, leading to long-lasting relationships and future opportunities. In a competitive field like game development, integrity not only helps in career advancement but also establishes you as a reliable and respected developer, proving that character is just as important as technical expertise.
Good luck, and happy game developing!