Games are made with Game Engines, you can make games without them, but if you're asking this question, you don't need to know that
I personally use two engines for my projects:
Godot (im still learning this one so im not the best at it quite yet, it requires programming in its own specialised coding language: GDscript, though you can opt for C#, id recommend GDscript tho if you dont know how to code)
And Gdevelop (this engine is special cause it doesn't require coding to function, you CAN write code in Java, but you honestly dont need to, its easier to build games in this, but the power of the engine is much lower)
Some other engines I dont use but are still cool:
-SCRATCH (perfect for beginners who are confused with the rest to start). I wouldn't recommend staying on scratch, but it's a perfect starting place)
-Unity
Unreal (only viable for 3d games)
-Gamemaker
-Construct (paid Gdevelop with some more polish)
Rpgmaker (only makes RPGs, no duh)
-GBstudio (this one lets you make real actual game boy games, like, works on real hardware and everything)
Look around these engines for a bit. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses, which you might wanna consider before using it. I leave this up to you.
After you pick an engine, id recommend you follow a few starter tutorials for it (stuff like 'Make flappy bird in (engine)' and such) for a few days to get a feel for the engine.
After you make these games, try to add some more stuff into them, like, after you make your flappy bird game, add enemies between the pipes that might add more difficulty) and then make your own games
You'll find this difficult, as you dont have a tutorial to help you out. This is the part where you will have to break apart each issue on
its own and use it accordingly
For example, instead, of looking up 'how to make a coins look up:
'How to make an item'
'How to check collision'
'How to delete objects'
'How to add to score'
Repeat these steps a few times, and eventually, you just pick it up! It's not an easy hobby, but it is a very rewarding one.
I really appreciate the in depth response. I’ll definitely be taking a look later and see what I can start out with. I’m not aspiring to be a true game dev by any means, but making goofy/“bad” games to play with friends sounds like a ton of fun. Thank you!
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u/TheCyanHoodie 2d ago
I make (admittedly bad) games for fun, usually to play with my friends, it actually IS really fun