How to Start Designing Your Indie Game

Creating your own game might sound intimidating, but don’t let that stop you from trying. One of the best parts about creating your own indie game is that there are lots of programs and tools available for you. Knowing about these tools can help you be successful in creating your game.

Pick Good Software Tools

The first place to start is in selecting your software. The type of software you use is highly dependent on the type of game you want to create. If you are looking to create a text-based game, you might want to look into software programs like Quest or Twine. Stencyl on the other hand is great for non-text-based games. There are even programs that are specific to creating RPG games. In addition to the type of game you are making, you also need to be mindful of budget. Fortunately, some programs are free.  

Use Free Assets

One of the benefits of making your own game is you have total creative control. You can create anything you want. However, that doesn’t mean you need to create everything from scratch. Using 3D assets is a great way to create the world of your game without having to make everything yourself. Under certain circumstances, you can access 3D assets on Unity or Unreal Engine. Some platforms offer free access to assets. Do some research to find platforms that work for you.

Learn the Language

When creating your own game, you will likely need to learn some sort of coding language. Many of these languages are already associated with the software you will be using. Understanding the coding language can help you create the game without much outside help and you can understand the inner workings of the game. This will also come in handy when you need to make any fixes after the game has been launched. There are a variety of coding languages ranging from the basic HTML5 to the more complex C#. Make sure you are aware of what language your program is using and do your best to learn it enough to efficiently design your game.

Creating your own indie game is an exciting endeavor, but it does come along with its own challenges. If you make yourself aware of the proper tools though, you can easily overcome these challenges. Do some research about the best programs and tools available to you as you design your game.

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