Game Making, No it's not what you think.

[phazonluigi]

Ok, So Now that the new Mini-Game Comp has started I really want to win it, I don't even want 1st place I just want to be in the top 5.

So by now you're thinking " He wants us to make his game" No, I don't.
I Don't even need small code I only want one thing. Such things I ask for are Tips and techniques.

How do you guys keep yourself inspired to keep on making such game? How Do you guys Take Initiative? I mean I get a very good Idea and all for a game, but when it gets to the programming I get.... Lazy.S o How do you guys keep Programming without giving up because when I do start programming I end up going into some sort of roadblock and it gets annoying to see that your code seems like it is making sense and it should do what you expect it to, but then it fails you in alot of aspects.

So I just want to know how you guys keep focused.
Thanks
The Pl

[Zero Kirby]

Pure discipline.

That's all I can say. It's your fault if you're getting bored and if that's the only problem, you'll have to train yourself to continue.

[Miaxis]

If you got the basic things down (and it´d be ready for an engine test), just play it again and again until you remember how awesome this is. My way.

[phazonluigi]

Yeah Ok I'll try that.

@ Zero Kirby: How would I do that? I understand what you mean but like how would I submit myself to it?

[Bigbowsa]

I keep myself on my work by thinking about how much people will like the game. Sometimes...it doesn't work though.

[phazonluigi]

Yeah I guess other people motivate you to keep it going huh?

[Morrad]

If you want to get started and don't get programer's block, what I usually do is implement the main movement first of the character and then add an enemy, and then go to level design. After that, I just build along the way. If I need another enemy, I make that and I program other objects, but I only make those objects when I make the part of the level that has them.

I usually try to treat programming a game as if I'm playing the game, if you undertstand what I mean. Build along the way and don't try to do all objects at once and then make the levels. Try to do both at the same time and it will be much more fun.

This post has been edited by Morrad on Jun 9 2008, 03:30 PM

[LocoRoo]

THREE WORDS:
Self-discipline (or is that 2 or 1 words?). And those words have probaly been said in this topic.

[Boomb]

I like to program, and that makes the whole thing a lot easier.
Thats my tip, learn to enjoy it.

[Soiyeruda]

Basically what everyone said:

-Self Discipline. If you can't learn how to fix a glitched code, then teach yourself to fix it, or ask someone else to help you. If you're procrastinating, tack in an extra project and switch between them. Don't want to code? Then why are you making a game in the first place?

-Do everything as you go. Instead of getting everything you need right away, get whatever you need when you really need it. If you want World 2 Backgrounds, wait until World 1 is completed.

-Keep practicing. Programming can be hard, but keep at it. Just remember that programming isn't the only problem. You need to take alot of things into account.
Is my game presentable? Is it not impossibly hard? Are the graphics eyesores? Should I use a common SMW sprite, or a completely original one? Am I able to actually program this ability onto my character? Stay within your limit, basically.

-Create a bunch of random engines. That's seriously what I have done. If you can make a few game engines that you can use over, then that can motivate you to do other things for your game. For example, my Minigame I plan on entering plays alot of March of the Minis (DS Game).

Why do this idea you ask? First of all, it's original. Most people prefer to do Platformers, so mine will stand out.

Second, I can actually program it. In the past, I made a game previous to this that worked similarly, so right away, I know exactly how to program my game. This only leaves problems like Sprites, Sound, and Level Design.

The more you know, the easier it becomes.

-Make sure you love what you do. Think of real Video Game Companies. Nintendo, for example. Not one person makes a game. It takes many people doing separate jobs. For example, there can be a separate group who specifically work on the physics and the engine in the game. Graphic Designers will determine how the game will look. Musicians create the music of the game, and so forth. Sure, if you're making a fangame, you can do everything yourself, but usually, many people use sprites made by other people, and music that was ripped for use, so in reality, they still aren't making the game "alone".

Those are some of my tips/other tips that have been extended

This post has been edited by Soiyeruda on Jun 10 2008, 08:35 AM

[phazonluigi]

Thanks Soiyeruda I'll Try those.