Install Your First Video Game build

Step 1

Installing a modpack using the Technic Launcher is easy. If you don't already have the launcher downloaded, visit our download page to get the latest version.

Step 2

Type in the modpack name (Your First Video Game build) or paste the following url into the search box.

Step 3

Finally, click Install at the bottom right of the launcher after you select Your First Video Game build from the list on the left. The launcher will handle everything else!

Your First Video Game build Version 1.0

created by guddu on Minecraft 1.21.1
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The world of video game development is more accessible than ever before. Whether you're dreaming of creating the next big indie hit or just want to bring a simple game idea to life, modern tools and resources make it possible for nearly anyone to build a game from scratch. In this guide, we'll walk through the basic steps, tools, and resources needed to create your first video game.

Step 1: Define Your Game Concept

The first and most crucial step in developing a video game is having a clear idea of what kind of game you want to build. This includes the genre (action, puzzle, platformer, etc.), the theme, and the core mechanics. Ask yourself questions like:

What is the main objective of the game? Who is the target audience? What platform will the game be played on (PC, console, mobile)?

If you're unsure where to start, aim for simplicity. Many successful games began as simple, straightforward concepts that were easy to execute. For example, Flappy Bird is a simple tap-to-fly mobile video game developed in Vietnam by a single person, but it captivated millions of players.

Step 2: Choose Your Game Development Tool

Once you have a concept, the next step is selecting a game development engine. Game engines are software frameworks that provide the tools you need to create and run a video game. Here are three popular engines suitable for beginners:

  1. Unity

Unity is one of the most popular game engines in the world, known for its versatility and user-friendly interface. It supports both 2D and 3D games and has an extensive library of tutorials for beginners. Unity uses C# as its scripting language, which is relatively easy to learn. Many indie and professional developers use Unity, and the engine supports platforms ranging from PC to consoles and mobile devices.

  1. Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is another powerful game development tool, especially popular for creating high-quality 3D games. While it has a steeper learning curve than Unity, Unreal's visual scripting system (Blueprints) allows you to create game logic without needing to know how to code. If you're aiming for more complex graphics or more advanced game features, Unreal is an excellent choice.

  1. Godot

Godot is a free and open-source game engine that's perfect for 2D and 3D games. It's lightweight, easy to learn, and has a strong community of developers. Godot uses its own scripting language, GDScript, which is similar to Python and ideal for beginners who may find traditional coding intimidating.

Step 3: Learn the Basics of Coding (If Necessary)

For most game engines, you'll need some basic knowledge of coding to handle game logic, mechanics, and user interactions. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to get started with game programming:

Unity: If you're using Unity, you'll need to learn C#. Platforms like Udemy, YouTube, and the official Unity Learn website offer comprehensive tutorials. Unreal Engine: While Unreal uses C++, its Blueprint system allows you to avoid coding entirely if you're more comfortable working with visual scripting. Godot: If you're using Godot, GDScript is simple and designed with game development in mind. Its syntax is clean and easy to pick up, even if you’re new to coding.

Consider taking a short online course in game programming to learn the basics. Some great beginner-friendly resources include:

Coursera Udemy Codecademy YouTube tutorials

Step 4: Create Game Assets

Your game will need visual and audio assets like characters, backgrounds, sounds, and music. If you're not an artist or a musician, don’t worry! You can either create basic assets yourself, use pre-made assets from various online sources, or hire remote 2D/3D artists.

  1. 2D Art Tools Aseprite: A pixel art tool ideal for creating sprites and animations for 2D games. GIMP or Krita: Free, open-source alternatives to Photoshop that are great for creating 2D art.
  2. 3D Modeling Tools Blender: A powerful, free tool for 3D modeling and animation. MagicaVoxel: If you're making a voxel-based game (think Minecraft), this tool is excellent for creating voxel models.
  3. Music and Sound Effects Audacity: A free and easy-to-use audio editor for creating sound effects or editing game audio. BFXR: A simple tool for generating retro sound effects. Freesound.org: A vast library of free-to-use sound effects and music for games.

Step 5: Build the Game

Now that you have your game engine, concept, and assets in place, it's time to start building. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the development process:

Set up your project: Create a new project in your chosen engine and define basic game settings like resolution and platform. Develop the core mechanics: This includes coding or scripting how your game operates—player movement, interactions, physics, and so on. Design levels and environments: Lay out the various stages or levels your players will navigate. You can start with basic shapes or placeholders and refine as you go. Add assets: Import your game assets—such as sprites, sound effects, and 3D models—into the game engine. Test frequently: It’s crucial to test your game regularly to spot bugs and ensure mechanics work as intended.

Step 6: Playtest and Refine

Once the game is built, playtesting is essential. Get feedback from friends, family, or online communities and use their input to make improvements. Watch how others play your game to identify areas where they struggle or lose interest. Adjust the difficulty curve, fix bugs, and refine the user experience.

Step 7: Publish Your Game

When your game is polished and ready for players, the final step is distribution. Fortunately, there are several platforms to distribute your game, depending on the platform you’ve developed it for:

Itch.io: A popular platform for indie developers where you can publish both free and paid games. Steam: The most widely used PC game distribution platform. It has a fee, but Steam offers a massive audience of players. Google Play and Apple App Store: For mobile games, these platforms are the go-to choices for Android and iOS games.

Conclusion

Building your first video game can be a challenging yet rewarding process. Start small, stay patient, and use the plethora of tools and resources available to your advantage. Whether you’re learning to code, designing game assets, or testing your first level, every step brings you closer to making your dream game a reality. Happy developing! closer to making your dream game a reality. Happy developing!