My Journey into Game Development: Reflections and Lessons Learned

🎮Game development can be a rewarding and enjoyable side project, as it allows for creativity and immediate visual impact.

📚Consistency is key to making progress in game development, but it's important to find a balance and avoid burnout.

🔄Scope management is crucial in game development to prevent feature creep and ensure a focused development process.

🎨Collaboration with talented artists can help overcome the challenge of creating visuals and improve the overall quality of the game.

💡Learning game development requires embracing the Dunning-Kruger effect and continuously seeking new knowledge and skills.

Is Unity a good game engine for beginners?

—Yes, Unity is a popular choice for beginners due to its intuitive interface, extensive community support, and powerful features.

How can I stay consistent with my game development side project?

—Set achievable goals, allocate dedicated time, and maintain a schedule that works for you. It's important to have fun and avoid turning it into a chore.

How do I avoid feature creep in game development?

—Define a clear scope and prioritize the essential features for your game's minimum viable product (MVP). Resist the temptation to add excessive features before completing the core gameplay.

What if I'm not good at art for my game?

—Consider collaborating with talented artists or purchasing pre-made assets to ensure high-quality visuals. Focus on your strengths, such as programming and design.

How do I overcome the imposter syndrome in game development?

—Accept that learning game development is a continuous journey, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Embrace the opportunity to learn new skills and take it one step at a time.

00:00In this video, I reflect on my journey into game development over the past three months and share my experiences.

02:27I discuss how I chose Unity as my game engine and the importance of having flexibility in development.

03:39I talk about the challenge of staying consistent with side projects and share my approach to avoid burnout.

04:41I address the issue of scope management and the importance of prioritizing essential features.

06:36I share my experiences with art in game development and the benefits of collaborating with talented artists.

07:49I discuss the Dunning-Kruger effect and the continuous learning process in game development.

09:10I answer common questions about Unity, consistency in development, avoiding feature creep, art challenges, and imposter syndrome.

09:58In conclusion, I offer recommendations for those interested in pursuing game development as a side project.