How to Make a Game? Everything About Game Coding

Game coding is a dynamic and interdisciplinary process that involves creating a game from scratch. This process requires integrating various skills such as software development, design, storytelling, visuals, sound engineering, and marketing. In projects conducted with game studios, dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of professionals can work together. These teams can develop games specifically for various platforms like PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or mobile, or they can optimize a game to work across all platforms.

How to Make a Game?

A game can be developed by professionals specialized in different fields. Similarly, small game teams can create various interesting games. Bright Memory: Infinite, developed by a single game developer using the Unreal Engine, is a good example of this. With enough time and patience, anyone can bring their own game to completion. In this process, various tasks such as coding the game, level design, art direction, environment and character modeling, sound design, storytelling, and editing are meticulously carried out. Through necessary testing and additions, bugs in the game are eliminated, and in the final stage, the game is released on the platforms it was launched for.

What Steps Are Followed When Making a Game?

Game development is a highly creative process that requires following these fundamental steps:

• Determining the Game's Genre and Concept: Before starting to design a game, you need to decide who your target audience is. To generate revenue from a game you've spent months developing, it's crucial to accurately identify your target market. You should choose one of the game genres such as FPS, RPG, TBS, MMORPG, or Adventure, and create a unique product in that field.
• Creating a Game Design Document (GDD): The GDD is a comprehensive summary of your game, containing important details about its mechanics, genre, story, and structure. By clarifying details such as which programming language you will use, how you will prepare the visual concept, and how you will select the music, you can create a thorough roadmap.
• Choosing a Game Engine: Modern advanced games are all built on comprehensive game engines. Game engines are critical for the success of a game as they simulate real-world physics conditions, allowing for the development of realistic and enjoyable games. Developers can use popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine during the game development process, or they can create their own game engines.
• Creating the Game: After the design and prototyping phase, you can start bringing the game to life. In this stage, you will undertake tasks such as preparing the environment, defining objectives, designing levels, bringing characters to life, developing animations, and completing sound effects.
• Testing, Releasing, and Marketing the Game: After testing the game, you can prepare it for release. At this stage, you can also get support from QA test experts. Once the game is released, another important task is to market it effectively. To boost sales, you can create a dedicated website for the game, advertise on different platforms, use social media, and prepare engaging game demos.

Which Languages Can Be Used for Game Development?

Choosing which programming language is better to start game development with can be a confusing process. However, some languages stand out due to their developer support and versatility. Here are 5 programming languages commonly used for game coding.

1. C++

C++, the object-oriented version of the function-based classic C language, is among the most preferred languages in game development. With the C++ programming language, you can optimize and efficiently process complex algorithms, large volumes of data, and intensive graphics. Mastery of C++ is crucial for developing 3D games in powerful game engines like Unreal Engine or CryEngine.

Advantages:

• Used by Unreal Engine
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Massive community support

Disadvantages:

• Difficult and complex programming language for beginners

2. C#

C#, a modern object-oriented programming language, offers practical and versatile usage. Identified with the Unity game engine, C# makes it easier to develop 2D and 3D games. Due to the user-friendly structure of next-generation game engines, you don't have to deal much with technical details and can focus directly on game mechanics and functionality.

Advantages:

• Seamless integration with Visual Studio
• Full compatibility with Unity
• Fast and efficient usage
• Strong community support

Disadvantages:

• Not very suitable for low-level game architecture

3. Python

Python, one of the most popular programming languages in recent years, is also a good choice for starting game development. With Python, you can create game logic and mechanics, develop basic algorithms, and prepare prototypes with less code. Thanks to game engines like PyGame, Godot, and Ren'Py, making games with this language has become quite practical.

Advantages:

• Ideal for prototyping
• Strong community support
• Easy to learn

Disadvantages:

• Very limited hardware control
• Inability to manage memory

4. Java

Java, widely preferred in back-end and closed systems, can also be used for game development. While not as powerful as C# or C++, Java still has its unique advantages for game development. For instance, Java code can be easily run on any device with Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed, regardless of various platform supports. With support from game engines like jMonkeyEngine, LibGDX, and Jake2, mobile or online games can be developed more quickly. Especially if you want to develop applications and games for Android, you should give Java a try.

Advantages:

• Opportunity for game development for Android
• Ease of cross-platform usage
• Active developer community

Disadvantages:

• Limited access options for low-level hardware

5. Swift

Swift, a fast, concise, and modern programming language, is also commonly preferred for game development. If you want to develop high-performance applications and games to run on iOS environments, you must learn Swift. With Apple's programming language Swift, you can develop applications and games specifically for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS platforms.

Advantages:

• Opportunity to work within the Apple ecosystem
• High-performance development

Disadvantages:

• Limited platform support
• Limited game engine options

What Skills Are Required to Make Games?

The essential skills required to make games can be listed as follows:

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as C#, C++, Java, and Python, and actively using these languages on game engines
• Being passionate about game development and accepting mistakes as part of the process
• Ability to do 2D/3D modeling using modeling programs like Maya or Blender
• Knowledge of game engines and specializing in one
• Keeping up with developments in the gaming industry, game styles, and trends
• Developing storytelling skills to create engaging games
• Analytical thinking and focus on fictional progression processes
• Developing good communication skills and inclination towards teamwork

As a game developer, you can also progress in different areas such as Indie, Hyper Casual, or 3D. You can attend Bootcamp training organized by Techcareer.net to specialize in game development. After improving yourself in a certain area, you can participate in Hackathon competitions to test your skills and establish important connections. By following Techcareer.net, you can stay informed about current topics in the software world and easily apply for job opportunities that will shape your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to develop a game alone?

Yes, while bringing a game to life alone is a long and challenging process, you can develop games in various fields, especially in indie and Hyper Casual genres.

What are the most popular game engines?

Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot are among the most popular game engines.

What qualifications do I need to apply for job listings?

You can apply for job listings for which you have the skills and competencies specified by employers.

Where can I apply for job listings?

You can apply for job listings through the Techcareer.net job listings page, where you can find the most suitable job listings for you.

What are the requirements for participating in Bootcamps?

To apply for Bootcamp training, certain application conditions such as age, residence, and education may be required. You can explore the most suitable training for you on the Techcareer.net bootcamp page, and after checking the participation requirements, you can easily apply.

Are Bootcamp trainings paid?

Bootcamp trainings organized by Techcareer.net are completely free of charge.