What it takes to become a successful game developer
Professional game developers require creative and critical thinking abilities, along with an impressive and varied skill set. They also need determination and passion.
How to become a game developer
Becoming a game developer relies heavily on two personal traits: determination and passion.
Determination involves your dedication to acquiring the knowledge and skills you’ll need to begin your journey into game development.
Passion describes the endless drive required to use your newfound knowledge and skillset to complete your first game.
We want to make sure you know what steps you can take to become a game developer and why they are important.
Here are some of the things you’ll want to do to become an amazing game developer.
Learn
If you’ve come to the Unity website wondering how to become a game developer, you probably want to know if you can learn game development without attending a school. You’ll be happy to learn (see, you’re already doing it) that the answer is yes!
People from all over the world are curious about diving into the limitless world of game development. Furthermore, people who have already been developing games for some time are generally happy and eager to share their wealth of knowledge with newcomers.
You can find everything from general overviews to very specific learning resources on this site and many others for all facets of game development.
There are entire subreddits devoted to game development, with beginners and pros alike talking about their journeys. If you’re not sure what type of video game you’d like to create, a little research can help you decide on your direction. Or learn how to code for games from numerous online resources, including our very own and very free Create with Code course.
The web is filled with learning resources that will help you get acquainted with all you’ll need to know to begin creating games. Plus, speaking with people on the same journey as you will keep you keen to start your own project.
Practice
Perhaps the most demanding part of becoming a game developer is putting your newfound knowledge and skills to the test. The best way to do this is to start a practice project! Practicing will allow you to familiarize yourself with the working environments and design requirements of your first game.
The single best way to learn game development is by doing, and creating practice projects is the primary way new developers start their journey into game creation. With each attempt you make, you’ll learn something new, and you’ll be ready to take on new challenges the next time.
Why not practice on some games that have already been made? Check out Unity’s microgames and follow our step-by-step walkthroughs to create, modify and share your first game!
Persevere
Here’s what you should know as you begin your journey into game development: everyone started where you are. Game development is daunting for everyone who is new to it. But manage your expectations for yourself, start with reasonable goals, and execute. Rinse, repeat, and keep at it. That is what success looks like in game development: continue to show up, do the work, and build on those skills.
Over time, your practice runs will get easier, and you will get better. Try your best to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself, and be sure to have fun! You’re starting to make games! The process should always be exciting, and you should feel good about any progress you make.
Unity has been an advocate of indie game makers for almost 20 years. New creators are the heart and soul of Unity Technologies, and we think the world is a lot better with more people creating new things. So keep learning, keep trying, and above all, start creating. This is how you will become a great game developer.