How Exciting is it to Learn Game Programming from Scratch? Gamers, Unite!

Illustration of playing games (Image Source: Unsplash/Glenn Carstens-Peters)

Who here doesn’t like playing games? Everyone must like it! Playing games is certainly not as difficult as you think– if you already know the rules and strategies that will be applied to the game you will play. Throughout the game, at first, you have difficulty playing it. But, after a while, you will be addicted. You can not only be good at playing games, but you can make your own games as well.

Learning how to make simple games is an experience you should try while exploring the characteristics of the game you want to play. In the era of technological digitalization, many people are starting to be curious and want to know how to learn game programming languages from scratch according to the character of the game they choose, which a wide audience can play. 

Are you curious about how exciting it is to learn game programming languages from scratch? Come on, gamers, don’t skip this article; read it until the end!

Must Know What Programming Language is Usually Used in Games

Before you start making games, you need to know what programming languages are commonly used to make games. Generally, the programming language widely used in making games is JavaScript. At the very least, when you have mastered this programming language, your dream game will be ready in your hands. 

In addition to JavaScript, you can learn other programming languages such as Java, Swift, and the C language package. Check out each of the advantages of these programming languages when making games.

Also read: Important Terms in Python that Students & Beginners Should Know.

• Java

Java is a popular programming language for creating games, especially on mobile devices with the Android operating system. Here, you can use the Java programming language to develop games customized in appearance and mechanics using Android Studio. 

A video game created using the Java programming language is also very efficient and in accordance with user personalization. Of the programming languages used to play games, Java is one of the easiest programming languages to learn. 

• Swift

Suppose Java is specialized for making games specifically for Android devices. In that case, Swift is a programming language for creating mobile apps and games specifically for mobile devices with the iOS operating system. 

Swift is a new programming language that was released in 2014. Thanks to its emergence, Swift is becoming loved by game developers and novice programmers who are learning how to make games from scratch. 

• C Language

Next up is the C language. All languages ranging from C, C++, and C# are used to create games. Compared to the other two programming languages, C specializes in game developers who want to make more complex games. 

Most games played on computer and console gaming devices are made with a combination of C, C#, and C++. If you intend to have a career as a game developer, you need to explore the C language more deeply. 

Start researching and conceptualizing the game

After understanding the programming languages usually used to make games, you start researching the game you will make. Think carefully about what game concept you want to present to the player. Will it be an epic adventure in a vast fantasy world, a fierce battle in space, or a simulation of life in a metropolitan city? The choice is yours; this is the right time to plan out the vision and mission of the game you want to create.

Once you have an idea of the game concept, the next step is to develop an engaging storyline. A good story will motivate players to keep playing and exploring the world you’ve created. Think about what characters will be in the game, their main goals, and how the conflicts in the story will be solved.

In addition, it’s also important to plan for interesting gameplay mechanics. Will the game have intense combat with a complex combat system, or will it focus more on exploration and puzzle-solving? Consider additional features such as character customization capabilities, multiplayer modes, or integration with other platforms such as social media.

Conceptualize the design of the game you want

The design concept is one of the cores of creating the appearance and visualization of the game you will make. The design concept includes a simple outline of the game player’s navigation path. 

For example, the concept, appearance, gameplay, and whether there is gamification in it. The design concept also involves setting the game’s visual aesthetics, including color selection, typeface, and interface design, making it easy for players to interact with the game. An attractive, easy-to-understand design will make the gaming experience more enjoyable and invite players to continue playing.

In addition, the design concept also needs to consider technical aspects such as game performance and hardware requirements. Ensure the game you create runs smoothly on various platforms and does not require device specifications that are too high. Testing and getting feedback from beta players is important during the development process. This will help you fix any bugs and adjust the gameplay and design that may be needed.

Choosing software to make games

When it comes to learning game programming, deciding on the software is something you’ll want to consider. For simple games played on mobile devices, sometimes you don’t need specific software. Meanwhile, if your game has a very high level of complexity, of course, you will need more specific software such as design software or 3D-based.

One of the most popular software used in game development is Unity. Unity is a game development platform that provides various powerful features and tools and supports multiple platforms such as PC, mobile, and console. Unity also comes with an intuitive visual editor, making it suitable for beginners and experienced developers. 

Besides Unity, there is also Unreal Engine, a very powerful game development platform, especially regarding graphics and visuals. Unreal Engine also comes with various features, such as blueprints for game development without coding and support for VR and AR.

Start with designing the coding syntax

Once you’ve decided on the software you want to use to make your game, the next step is to design the coding syntax. Some games require game development software, while others do not. A wide range of software can be used, depending on the type of game you want to make and your personal preferences.

Choose a programming language that suits your needs and skill level. If you are a beginner, choose a programming language that is easier to learn, such as C# or GML. However, if you already have experience in programming, you can try a more advanced programming language like C++.

After choosing a programming language, design the coding structure and overall game logic. Make a clear plan of how the game will function, including gameplay mechanics, player interaction, and storyline. By designing your coding syntax well, you can develop your game more efficiently and effectively.

Testing the game you’ve made and ready to market

Finally, you need to test the game that you have built. This testing is essential to double-check whether there are bugs or other problems that must be fixed before the game is released to the public. Testing can be done manually by playing the game directly and noting any bugs or issues that arise, or you can use automated testing tools or software to detect bugs more efficiently.

During the testing process, test various aspects of the game, including gameplay, graphics, sound, and game performance on multiple platforms or devices. Test the network connection and stability if the game has a multiplayer mode.

Also, remember to get feedback from beta players or external testers. Feedback from actual players will help you fix any bugs you may have missed and make any necessary adjustments to the gameplay and design.

Also read: 6 Programming Languages Suitable for Beginners, Which One to Learn First?

How about after you read the article above? Surely you can’t wait to try it, right? Well, you can immediately create and express according to the character of the game you want to make and what kind of game characteristics you wish to present to game lovers. So what are you waiting for? Implement the methods above and start designing your own game!

Source:

• CodingStudio

By Reyvan Maulid | UMN News Service

English translation by Levina Chrestella Theodora

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan , di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara. www.umn.ac.id