Are you eager to unleash the full potential of your craft and create games that truly captivate players? If so, then it’s time to enterprising!
If you have aspirations to be a successful video game designer, developer or artist, then it is essential to master the actual craft. Don’t let others’ opinions about your project dictate whether or not you feel satisfied with it – instead focus on all aspects of creating one of the most memorable experiences for players through every aspect of development!
Despite the typical perception that game creation is an arduous process requiring considerable investment of time and money, there are actually numerous paths toward achieving success in this field. In fact, anyone can become an indie game developer or utilize inexpensive software and assets to produce their own titles; no experience necessary!
However, if you want your game to stand out among its peers and enjoy a more enduring legacy than a mere novelty then it’s essential to apply what has proven effective in the industry: learn from those who have already succeeded at making games compelling and enthralling for players. This article provides an assortment of insights gleaned from developers such as Ryan McLeod (PixelJunk), Mark Essen (Klei Entertainment), Robin Hunicke (Funomena) as well as artists like Will Wright (Spore) which can help any aspiring game creator succeed!
1. KISS
When you’re crafting your game pitch, it’s essential to consider who your audience is and its composition. Gaining insight into this will help you craft a project that is tailored specifically towards its needs!
If we’re talking about the players of today, then what makes sense? Gaming has evolved over the years, and as such – so has their audience. There are quite a few age groups out there; from millennials all the way down to older gamers who still enjoy playing games .
DON’T BLOW ON YOUR IDEAS
If you can’t be bothered to invest time taking the plunge into getting started with a project, consider focusing on element-based prototypes before making a real commitment. These offer an opportunity for experimentation without incurring expenditure or irrevocable commitment – which could prove advantageous as well! We’ll introduce you to some of my favorites in just a moment!
Creating a prototype is a great way to get your feet wet when embarking upon any kind of game development project, whether it’s for mobile apps, web games, desktop applications or console games. By exploring the various features and functions of your concept, you can gain valuable insights about what should come next, what might not work at all and gauge how successful will it be if launched as a playable product.
2. MAKE A TO-DO LIST EACH DAY
One of the most effective ways to maximise productivity is by creating a checklist and checking off each task as it’s completed.
Make a list of everything that needs to be done for your project – then, cross off each item once it’s been completed.
Creating a to-do list can be tedious, but it helps you keep track of tasks, stay focused on what needs to be done, and stick with any given schedule.
3. TAKE SOME WALK-INS AND MAKE THEM WORK
The adage, ‘If you wouldn’t say yes to an opportunity, then don’t bother anyone with a proposal’, holds true in both gaming and development.
What if there were no more game jams? What if every pitch meeting felt like work? How could we possibly find time for our creative goals and ambitions?
Walking into a space unannounced is the most ideal way to discover a company’s rhythm, take stock of its culture, and watch firsthand how they operate – all without impeding on their flow.
What are your plans this week? Are you looking to join an existing project or perhaps drop into a new one as an intern or freelancer?
By opening up your roster to new faces, you’re encouraging them to be part of your team; giving them not only access but also confidence into making the effort.
4. HIRE A WRITER OR CONCEPTOR
Placing a writer or conceptor on your team can be an exceedingly clever decision, assuming you’re creating a game for yourself. If not, consider engaging one for either their writing or design expertise; it could prove invaluable in crafting captivating copy and visuals to promote your creation!
With programming, designers have considerable latitude when it comes to style. Take the time to find out what type of coding languages are most appealing to them (such as JavaScript), and how they prefer to structure their programs – both these choices will influence the build process itself!
5. START A STUDY GROUP OR CLUB
If you’re itching to share your knowledge with others, it may be time for a venture! From basic get-togethers at coffee shops to delving into the esoteric and more advanced, there are countless options.
Start with simply gathering a group of game developers from your neighborhood or school. If this doesn’t yield results, try expanding the circle by inviting practitioners from other disciplines such as graphic design and art; programmers; teachers; and so forth.
By combining forces, you can offer more specialized gatherings that will yield greater benefits, such as working on game development projects together; offering professional services like SEO consulting or video production; or launching an award-winning app (or games)!
Unlock the power of groups by leveraging their collective wisdom. You’ll achieve your ambitions faster and more efficiently than ever before!
6. DO PRODUCT DEMOS AND LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW
If you’ve got something to pitch, but are unsure how best to do so, consider doing a demonstration of your game. This is an ideal means through which to convey the game’s mechanics and strategy – along with its overall appeal!
For instance, if you have a new project in mind, you could create a prototype and demo it in front of potential investors or venture capitalists. Alternatively, if you’re unsure what categories would appreciate seeing your app initially then perhaps design a teaser that showcases the basic features such as graphics and gameplay before leading on into more complex elements like storyline; characters or dialogues.
7. LOOK AT WHERE YOU CAN USE YOUR INNER GAME TO MAKE MONEY
It is virtually impossible to generate a full-time income from one’s artistic endeavors, so if you are aspiring towards making a living through game design then it’s vital that you take into consideration using your inner game as a means of generating supplementary income.
There are innumerable ways for game creators to monetize their creations. From app stores and e-stores to affiliate marketing schemes or even crowdsourcing efforts, there are many avenues available for them to acquire revenue. Ultimately, it all comes down to finding which works best for your particular project scenario!
Conclusion
Unleash your inner game creator! Dare to dream and don’t let anyone prevent you from achieving greatness.
Are you ready to unleash your inner game creator? We are! We invite you to join our community, where you can get assistance with any aspect of your creative process – from idea generation to publishing success. Don’t hesitate!
Let’s revel in our joy as we create!
