Game Development: The New Face of the Digital World

Game development has become a rapidly growing and highly popular field in recent years. The increasing interest in game developer salaries and career opportunities is leading many people to pursue this field. So, how does one become a game developer, and what can you expect on this journey? In this article, I will share from my own experiences, covering everything from the essential steps for aspiring game developers, to the software you can use for game development, and the training you can take.

How to Become a Game Developer?

To become a game developer, you first need to have an interest in this field and possess the necessary skills. Here are the basic steps you should take on this path:

1. Education: It is essential to get training in game development to build a solid foundation. This education can be obtained from computer engineering and software engineering departments at universities, as well as through various private courses and online platforms.
   
   So, you don’t necessarily have to attend “Game Development” departments at private universities, which may be set up just to take your money. It is possible to make progress with your own effort and research. There are two important factors here. The first is not to give up. You will get very tired and deal with a lot of trivial problems during this process.
   
   It is crucial to keep working and researching without giving up. The other important thing is to choose well where to start, how to research, and which area to focus on. Can your opinion change during this process? Of course, it can. I just don’t recommend leaving a job half-done. When you leave something halfway, you might feel like you’ve wasted your time. And frankly, this feeling can lead you to quit developing entirely. A developer’s advice is to take a little break if you fall into this situation. You will notice that you work more productively and with better focus when you return.
   
   And make sure to research in English. It is very difficult to find Turkish resources, and even when you do, the content may not be very comprehensive.
    
2. Programming Languages: The most common programming languages used for game development include C++, C#, Python, and Java. It is important to learn at least one of these languages well.
   
   Most game development programs support the C# language. Therefore, learning this language well is quite crucial. However, remember that there are game development programs with their own software languages. The biggest example of this is Unreal Engine. Although it offers the chance to use C#, it also has its own programming language. In fact, in some overseas job postings, knowledge of this language is a requirement.
    
3. Game Engines: Learning popular game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot can give you a significant advantage in game development. These engines help you develop your games faster and more efficiently.
   
   Although I generally use and recommend Unreal Engine, I emphasize that it is challenging. If you want to start with an easier program to build a foundation and then switch to something else, you can look at Unity. Although some aspects of it can seriously frustrate developers, it is an easier program to start with.
    
4. Building a Portfolio: Creating small projects and compiling them into a portfolio to showcase your skills can help you in job applications and your career.

Game Developer Salaries

Game developer salaries vary depending on the level of experience, the company you work for, and the country you are in. Let me start by saying that you should choose this job not because you think you will earn a lot at first, but because you really love it. This is because there are certain periods when you might not earn any money at all. Of course, if you work for a game company, you can have a regular salary.

Abroad, a new game developer typically earns an average annual* salary of between $50,000 and $70,000, while an experienced developer can earn two or even three times that amount. In Turkey, the situation is a bit different. The game development sector in Turkey (excluding mobile game development) is still emerging, and although it varies depending on experience and the size of the company, it generally ranges between 17,003 - 20,000 TL per month.

However, if you are considering working in Turkey, I suggest not setting your salary expectations above this range, at least at the beginning; otherwise, you might face some disappointment and frustration.

Developing Mobile Games

Developing mobile games has become one of the most popular and profitable segments in the field of game development today. It is also the most developed sector in terms of game development in Turkey. Developing games for Android and iOS platforms offers the opportunity to reach a wide audience. The process of mobile game development generally consists of the following steps:

• Idea Development: Finding an engaging and original idea is crucial for a successful mobile game. The biggest problem in the mobile game sector is that there are too many games that are copies of each other. An original idea can make you stand out significantly in this regard.
• Design and Prototyping: After creating the basic mechanics and design of the game, it is necessary to make a prototype to test the playability of the game. This stage is much simpler in mobile games compared to other platforms, so I don’t think you will have much difficulty here.
• Development: This is the stage where you develop the game using programming and game engines. Since mobile games are often referred to as "time killers," they tend to be simpler. You might think about creating a game with great graphics, innovative mechanics, or a compelling storyline. However, these are not typically expected from games on mobile platforms. Therefore, making a game with simpler mechanics and easy to understand would be more sensible. In this regard, I recommend using Unity because of its ease of use and simple learning curve.
• Testing and Publishing: After testing the game on different devices and making necessary adjustments, it is published on platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Google Play is more affordable in terms of pricing but has a lot of copycat games. The App Store, on the other hand, is more expensive in terms of pricing, but there are significantly fewer copycat games.

Game Development Programs and Courses

There are many programs and courses you can use in the game development process. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Unity: One of the most popular game engines used for both 2D and 3D games. It is an ideal choice with its extensive educational resources and community support.
• Unreal Engine: A powerful game engine especially preferred for high-quality graphics and large projects.
• Godot: An open-source and free game engine, particularly popular among independent developers.
• Coursera and Udemy: You can find comprehensive courses on game development and earn certificates on these platforms. However, be cautious of money-trap courses that add no value!
• GameMaker Studio: This tool is ideal for 2D game development and mobile games, standing out with its user-friendly interface.

Digital Game Development

Digital game development is a field where technology and creativity intersect. This process includes various disciplines such as game design, software development, graphic design, and sound design. To be successful in the digital game development process, it is important to continuously follow new technologies and improve yourself. It requires constant research and adaptation to new technologies.

In conclusion, game development is a career path that requires a great deal of creativity and technical knowledge, but while it progresses slowly at first, it becomes highly rewarding over time. For those who want to advance in this field, being equipped with the right education and tools is the key to a successful career.

If you have any questions in mind or if you want to consult about something else, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at any time. Even if it's a topic I can't help with, I can guide you to the right sources and people. I hope your path in game development remains clear, my friend. And I’ll end my writing with a quote I really love:

There is no problem that reason and logic cannot solve.