Starting a career in game design can be both exciting and challenging. For new designers, finding the right tools and materials can make all the difference. Having access to the right game development resources for new designers is key to getting started on the right path. In this article, we’ll highlight the best resources that will help you create engaging, fun, and polished games, even if you’re just getting started.
1. Game Engines
The foundation of any game design project is a powerful game engine. For new designers, finding an engine that is easy to learn but robust enough to create professional-quality games is essential.
- Unity: One of the best game development resources for new designers is Unity. This game engine is widely used across the industry because it offers a huge community, a vast library of tutorials, and supports both 2D and 3D game development. It’s a flexible tool that allows you to build games for almost any platform.
- Unreal Engine: If you’re looking to develop high-quality, photorealistic games, Unreal Engine is another fantastic option. It has a steep learning curve but offers endless possibilities once you get the hang of it. Plus, there’s a large number of resources available for beginners.
Game Development Resources for New Designers
2. Tutorials and Online Courses
Learning to use game development tools can be overwhelming at first. Thankfully, many game development resources for new designers include tutorials and courses designed specifically for beginners.
- Udemy: This online learning platform offers a wide range of courses on game development, covering everything from coding to design principles. You can find beginner courses on Unity, Unreal, and even specialized topics like 2D game art.
- YouTube Channels: Many YouTube channels provide free, high-quality game development tutorials. Channels like Brackeys, for example, offer easy-to-follow lessons on how to use Unity, create animations, and build game mechanics.
3. Asset Stores
Creating all the visual elements of a game from scratch can be time-consuming, especially for new designers. Fortunately, there are plenty of asset stores that provide pre-made assets, saving you time while you focus on other areas of development.
- Unity Asset Store: As one of the best game development resources for new designers, the Unity Asset Store offers thousands of ready-made assets. You can find character models, environment textures, sound effects, and more. Using these assets can speed up the development process, allowing you to focus more on gameplay design.
- Unreal Marketplace: For those using Unreal Engine, the Unreal Marketplace provides similar resources. From props to animations, these pre-built assets can help you create a polished game even when you’re new to design.
4. Coding Resources
Understanding coding is a fundamental part of game design, even if you’re just starting out. Luckily, there are many game development resources for new designers focused on teaching programming languages that are essential in game development.
- Codecademy: This platform offers beginner-friendly coding lessons. If you’re new to programming, start with languages like C# (used in Unity) or C++ (used in Unreal Engine). Codecademy provides step-by-step lessons that are easy to follow and perfect for beginners.
- Stack Overflow: As you learn to code, you’ll likely run into challenges. Stack Overflow is an excellent resource for finding solutions to coding problems. Many game developers, both beginners and experts, share their knowledge and help troubleshoot common issues.
5. Game Design Books
Sometimes, the best way to understand game development is by going back to the basics with a good book. There are many great books on game design that serve as useful game development resources for new designers.
- “The Art of Game Design” by Jesse Schell: This book is a must-read for new designers. It breaks down game design into easy-to-understand concepts, focusing on the experience of the player and what makes games fun.
- “Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design” by Scott Rogers: This book provides practical advice for designing all kinds of games, from mobile to console. It’s filled with examples, making it easy for new designers to grasp important concepts.
Conclusion
Starting your journey as a game designer may seem daunting, but with the right game development resources for new designers, you can learn and grow quickly. From powerful game engines like Unity and Unreal, to learning platforms like Udemy and Codecademy, there are plenty of resources to guide you every step of the way. By taking advantage of tutorials, communities, and asset stores, you can create amazing games, even as a beginner.
