How do solo devs make an entire game themselves? M - eviltoast

So, the question seems vague but I will elaborate.

I’m a software developer, but I don’t do games; yet I have an urge to try and make something.

It just seems so overwhelming, I know I want to make a game where the main character is a cat and you have to complete missions, but where do you even begin. Where does the art come from? How do you refine your idea, if all you know is you want a cat game? How do you choose an engine? Do you just start with the basics and get a cat walking around and see what comes next? If you can’t hash out the idea then so you have a right to even try and make a game? Is it best to follow tutorials to get used to making games? I feel the answer to that is no as before I become a software developer, tutorial hell was a thing and I realised I needed to make things for me to actually learn.

Sorry for all the questions, this was just a stream of thought.

  • Gamma@beehaw.orgEnglish
    2·
    1 month ago

    Another thing you can do to boost game count is participate in jams! They’re IMO the best way to quickly learn parts of the process, but make sure you’ve got a bit of use in your engine of choice first or it can be a lil overwhelming

    • xapr@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
      2·
      1 month ago

      Ah, yes, I forgot about game jams! They sound like they would really help you spend some concentrated time on game dev and design and progress quickly. Thanks.