After the basic design, I create a simple object that can appear on the screen.
This object will usually become the basis for the player character or a unit the player will control. After I draw it to the screen, I try to implement the basic movement controls.
These 2 simple steps help me build the momentum needed to actually make the game.
Few things stop people more than the empty project.
The hardest thing for most people is the first step.
It doesn’t matter who:
- Blank pages for writers
- Blank files for programmers
- Empty screens for game developers.
Having a framework to follow that gets the first steps going easily is important to consistent results.
If you don’t have an idea, copy one to start.
For some people, they have trouble with the base idea or design.
There are a huge number of games out there (the same is true for programs and articles). If you don’t have an idea of what you want to make, start by cloning one of the classic simple games. Then add some sort of unique twist.
This is especially valuable if you are just staring making games.
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
One reason you might be having trouble starting is you are making the first step too complicated.
Notice my first step has no game logic in it. It is super simple. Draw something on the screen. Your first step and the one after it should ideally be simple enough to do in 15 minutes or less.
If you find yourself struggling, make the next step smaller.