Creating Games-How to Get Started

By Peter Dobra
Many people dream of being on the development team of a game. This article will give you a quick how-to on making the jump between casual player and game developer.


Everyone loves games. There is a magic about them that captures the heart. It could be the brilliant plot, majestic graphics or even the sheer stupidity of the game. I admit, I have spent many an hour playing strange, pointless flash games, and not regretted a minute of it. Except for one game...
Do you know why we love games? Hidden away inside of us is a thirst to understand how they are made. A wonder as to how you might one day be a part of a games creation. I have spent four years off and on working on games, the largest game I was a part of now boasts more than 100,000 downloads. It really isn’t hard to break into the world of gaming; the difficulty comes when you have no idea how to proceed. I am going to list a couple easy to follow tips that will get you started on the road of game development. Before I give the list, you need to know who is involved. On most small, independent game development teams there are between ten and twenty people assisting in the creation of the game, sometimes with small groups of assistants working with a few of the core team members. I am talking about online crews. I have never met any of the people I have worked with. The internet is a wonderful thing.

1. Become involved. There are always games being developed that are offered online for Beta testing. For those that don’t know what Beta testing is, that is when the game is offered to either a large or small group of people that play the game, while actively searching for glitches and reporting any that are found. Typically the game will have forums set up for bugs and suggestions to be posted at. Visit those on a daily basis. Before you post, read every previous post to understand what has been suggested and what has been rejected. This way you don’t leave a first impression of being another regular forum poster. You leave the impression that you are an intelligent, well composed individual. Yes, even online first impressions count.

2. Stick around. Team members WILL be reading and posting on the forums. They will notice you if you can provide help to new members, or create powerful arguments in favor or in opposition to a new idea for the game. Sometimes, just because of your obvious dedication you will be approached and offered a chance to join the team. If you have any skills that may be helpful, feel free to mention them in a few of your posts. In my experience, the most valued members are ones who can crunch numbers, communicate in a polite, clear manner to other members, know any kind of code or are a walking encyclopedia. It all depends on what sort of game you have become involved in.

3. You have joined the team! Congratulations! You will be given assignments and your skills will be put to good use. Just don’t expect to get paid. Most independent game developers work on the game with their spare time, creating teams of volunteers around the world. Really, there isn’t much to getting involved, it is just knowing how and breaking past the first barrier of player to team member that is the most difficult.