Game development is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. There is so much to learn, and it is easy to feel lost or discouraged.
But if I could go back and start fresh, I know exactly what I would focus on to make the journey easier and avoid common mistakes.
So if you are a beginner game developer, here are three things I wish I knew when I started game dev.
1. Build a strong foundation
Game development is tough. Even making a simple game requires multiple skills, including coding, art, sound design, and game design. If you ever want to sell your game, you also need to learn business, marketing, localization, and hiring people.
Since mastering all these skills takes time, the best way to start is by following tutorials. They provide structured learning so you are not completely lost.
The most important things to learn first are:
- How to use a game engine like Unity, Unreal, or Godot. It does not matter which one, since skills are transferable.
- How to code. You do not need to be an expert. Just understanding variables, loops, and if-statements will help a lot.
If you are more interested in the art side of game development, you can team up with a programmer. But even then, I strongly recommend learning the basics of coding and how the game engine works. It will help you work more efficiently, communicate better with other developers, and troubleshoot small issues on your own.
The goal is to build a solid foundation so you can keep making progress without feeling completely overwhelmed.
2. Do a Bit Every Day For the Fun of It
Game development takes time. Even small projects can take weeks, months, or even years to finish. And when you are a beginner, progress can feel painfully slow. But here is the thing. Slow progress is still progress.
If you do a little bit every day, whether it is coding, making art, or learning a new tool, you will build up your skills much faster than you think.
At the start, you should do it for fun, not for instant success. If your main goal is to make money right away, game development might not be the best path. It is a long-term journey, and the people who stick with it are the ones who love the process, not just the end result.
That does not mean you should not dream big. Ambition helps keep you motivated. But in the beginning, focus on learning, experimenting, and enjoying the process. The skills you build now will set you up for success later.
3. Everybody Thinks They Suck (Imposter Syndrome)
At some point, you will feel like your work is not good enough. You will look at experienced developers and think, Wow, I will never be that good. You will doubt yourself, question if you are wasting time, and maybe even feel like quitting.
But here is the truth. Every single game developer has felt this way. Even professionals with years of experience still struggle with self-doubt.
This feeling is called Imposter Syndrome, and it is completely normal. Your brain tricks you into thinking that everyone else knows what they are doing except you. But in reality, every developer is constantly learning, struggling, and improving, just like you.
The best way to fight imposter syndrome is to track your progress.
- Save your old projects.
- Keep your early artwork.
- Write down small wins.
Whenever you feel like you are not improving, look back at where you started. You will be shocked at how far you have come.
And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Feeling like you are not good enough does not mean you are failing. It just means you are growing.
Final Thoughts
Game development is a journey, not a race. You do not need to know everything right away. Start small, learn at your own pace, and most importantly, have fun.
If you stick with it, keep learning, and push through self-doubt, you will get better. One day, you will look back at your early work and realise just how much you have grown.
Take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. You got this! 💜
