Here's how to start making your own games

Building your own video game developer has never been easier, as more and more design tools and digital distribution channels are becoming available for indie game devs.

We’ve already covered what kit to use to start on your journey, so now let’s find out from a real game developer which skills you need and what challenges you’ll have to overcome.

Republic of Gamers spoke to Dan Pearce, game director of independent studio Four Circle Interactive. Dan’s developed several games over his career, winning the BAFTA Young Game Designers Award at the age of 16.

The studio’s latest game, 10 Second Ninja X, a side-scrolling puzzle platformer, is now available on PS4, Xbox and PC.

ROG: Hey Dan, thanks for speaking to Republic of Gamers! What are some of the challenges when developing a game?

Dan: The biggest challenge when developing a game, especially if you're just starting out, is fatigue. It is very, very easy to become tired of a project and lose motivation to work on it. Whenever I hear developers saying that their project is "90 percent done," someone usually responds "the first 90 percent or the last 90 percent?" Polishing a game to be the quality you want at release is always a real test of endurance but the first time you do it is the hardest by far.

What skills are crucial to being a game designer?

The most important skill a designer can have is communication. You need to know what you're making, what the finished product is going to look like (even if the final product ends up totally different) and know exactly the right way to express your ideas to other people, be they artists, programmers or even press. This applies double if you're working on something innovative or technically ambitious.

10 Second Ninja X - Announcement Trailer | PS4 , PS Vita by PlayStation

How important is it to have a powerful PC when creating a game?

Using good hardware is a tremendous help, but it's not essential. Honestly, if you're just starting out making games, you don't want to be trying anything too complicated or graphically intensive. Really, you should be making something simple enough that it can run on any decent PC from the past five years without any problems. Starting out with basic 2D games can be very cheap, but obviously the higher fidelity the game you're making is, the more expensive the hardware is going to need to be.

Finally, what's your advice for an aspiring game designer?

Just keep making stuff!

It can be design documents, scripts, concept art or prototyping. Get as many ideas down as you can and refine them as you go. It will massively improve your skills as a designer, allow you to get feedback and maybe even help bolster up your portfolio if you apply for a designer position at an established company.

 

So there you have it: stay focused, clearly communicate what you’re trying to create, and keep making and designing things. If you do fancy making a game with impressive graphics, then the ROG Strix GL553 is more capable of helping you create a masterpiece.

 

By Luke Graham

 

For other info on how to create your own games/apps:

Getting into game development: tools and tech to get started