Q&A for How to Make Computer Games

To begin, learn a 3D game engine such as Unity. Numerous books and online tutorials are available to guide you through its features.

You could start with Code.org, a website designed to teach you programming. It gradually introduces more complex concepts, helping you develop the skills to create your game.

You cannot create a game like GTA as your first project, even with C++ knowledge, because such games involve massive teams and extensive resources. Instead, begin by developing a very simple 2D game, like one where you move a character in a small world. Use this as a prototype, incrementally adding features like coins or enemies to build your skills. This iterative process will effectively prepare you for more complex game development.

The time it takes to develop a computer game varies significantly. You could create a simple game in as little as an hour, while more complex projects may require months or even years to complete.

You will typically use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to create games. For Java, IntelliJ IDEA is often recommended. If you are using C#, C, or Visual Basic, Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition is a popular choice, and for Python, PyCharm is a common recommendation.

When developing for personal use, you have creative freedom, unburdened by external restrictions or formal distribution processes. For commercial gain, you must meet legal and platform requirements, prepare extensive documentation, and ensure your game appeals to a wide audience to recoup development costs.

Unreal Engine 4 is a strong contender. While it is free to use, be prepared for a substantial download of approximately 5GB, so a good internet connection is recommended.

To create virtual objects, often 3D models, I personally use Blender. Its learning curve can be steep, but you'll find it to be very useful software once you master it.

You can start by selecting a popular, free, and community-supported game engine such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Cry Engine. These engines often provide extensive online documentation and tutorials, making them excellent starting points for beginners.

Creating an online competitive multiplayer game can be challenging, particularly for beginners. As a more accessible alternative, you might consider developing a split-screen game instead.

Yes, Kodu is a free and simple program available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. You can try it out to see if it suits your needs.

You may or may not incur costs when making computer games. Some game engines are free to use, while others offer both free and paid editions, providing options based on your project and budget.

You might consider using Microworlds EX. To learn the application, you could get the book "Coding for Kids" by Camille McCue, Ph.D. Although it is aimed at younger audiences, this book offers a great introduction to the basics of code.

You can use any programming language for game development, though some offer distinct advantages. You should research various languages and their applications to choose the one best suited for your project.

To achieve the highest quality graphics, you might consider using C++ with Unreal Engine. However, because C++ presents a significant learning curve, it is often beneficial to learn a simpler programming language first.

You might consider using Twine, which you can download or access directly online. If you opt for its web-based version, a stable internet connection is essential.

Code.org's "Beyond an Hour of Code" offers courses that teach you how to create apps, games, and even web games or websites.

Begin by learning a programming language you find comfortable, such as Python or C#, which are excellent for beginners. Once you have a grasp of the basics, practice by creating simple games. Alternatively, you could learn the programming language specific to your chosen game engine.

Consider learning JavaScript, C#, and Python. You might start with JavaScript due to its relative simplicity, then transition to others after grasping fundamental programming concepts.

For very basic games, you can use visual programming tools like Scratch or GameMaker, which minimize or eliminate the need for writing traditional code. However, for more advanced games, you will generally need to write some code.

To develop a big PC game, you will need a game engine (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), proficiency in a scripting language, and a powerful PC for testing. If you prefer not to create your own 3D models, you can acquire free and paid assets from various online marketplaces.

To create a game like Clash of Clans, you will either need to learn programming yourself or hire experienced programmers. Programming is essential as it defines all the game's rules, logic, and mechanics.

Unity is an excellent choice for developing 3D games like Grand Theft Auto. However, you should be aware that it requires coding knowledge.

Engaging in hacking activities is illegal and can have serious legal consequences. You should reconsider developing an application designed for such purposes.

You can minimize the risk of viruses by carefully avoiding unofficial or suspicious websites. Always download software directly from the official developer's site. If you suspect an issue, promptly scan your system using your antivirus software.

You can use tools such as Source Filmmaker (SFM), which is available for free on Steam.

To make your game work online, research how your chosen engine or programming language handles network connections (such as TCP/UDP ports) and implements multiplayer functionality. Then, develop the online components within that framework.

Stencyl is an excellent choice for creating simple 2D games. It is user-friendly, requires no coding, and is available for free. You will find comprehensive tutorials and a web guide to help you get started quickly.

To create a game like Shadow Fight, you could use game engines such as Construct or Fusion. For visuals, hand-draw your images, then scan or photograph them to digitally refine or paint over in software like Photoshop, and use a tool like Spriter for animation. Be aware that a game of this scale typically requires a team of at least three people and months of dedicated effort.

You can develop Android games using the Android Software Development Kit (SDK), found on Google's developer website. This kit offers extensive tutorials and primarily supports Java or Kotlin, not a variant of JavaScript.