Have you ever dreamed of creating your own game but didn’t know where to start? The road to game development can seem daunting, especially with the plethora of tools, programming languages, and resources available. 

But fear not! We’ve asked the Lithuanian Game Developers Association to help create a guide for budding game developers, highlighting the journey from learning the basics of game programming to mastering game engines and crafting your own games.

Let’s start.  

A Beginner’s Guide

Embarking on a game development journey begins with foundational knowledge. A staple resource for beginners is the extensive game programming guide from Stanford University, active since 1995 and brimming with insights on everything from basic concepts to advanced algorithms.

Navigating Game Engines: Unity and Unreal

Crucial to any game developer’s toolkit are the Unity and Unreal engines. These platforms are elucidated through comprehensive tutorials on their respective YouTube channels, Unity and Unreal, covering the spectrum from introductory lessons to the creation of complex game worlds.

Introductory Resources for Game Creation

For those seeking a succinct introduction to game development, GMTK’s YouTube channel offers an accessible starting point. Meanwhile, Computer Enhance delves into the intricacies of performance-aware programming, catering to those looking to understand the technical depths of game creation.

Building Your Game from Scratch

Handmade Hero is an invaluable resource for developers interested in the granular details of creating a game from the ground up, providing a step-by-step guide to implementing various features and techniques.

Expanding Your Development Skills: Programming, Art, and Sound

The right tools are pivotal in game development. Roadmap.sh offers guidance on selecting programming languages, while OpenGameArt and FreeSound are excellent sources for free game art and sound assets, respectively.

Learning from Open Source Projects

Exploring open source projects like Frogatto, Minetest, and others can provide deep insights into the practical aspects of game development.

Understanding the Business Side of Game Development

For those ready to venture into the business realm of gaming, resources like GamesFund.vc, PlayVentures.vc, and Raw Fury offer guidance on funding, pitching, and starting a game company.

Finding Inspiration Along Your Development Path

Lastly, for a dose of motivation and advice, the Road to GameDev blog shares personal experiences in the game development journey, encouraging aspiring developers from the beginning of their quest to mastery.

Starting your game development journey is an adventure filled with challenges, learning, and triumphs. With these resources at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to creating something truly great.