Rookie Game-makers

[RPGamer]

My friend and I have been dreaming of creating our own games for a few years now, but we aren't sure where to start. I was hoping some of you might have some advice on where to begin and where to advertize once we get a game created.

[RPGamer]

We were thinking about starting with an alienware computer, from what I've heard, it is very easy to customize. We aren't sure what system to use (Ubuntu, windows 7, 8, etc.). We aren't exactly sure what we need yet, but we want to start gathering what we will need before we are out of high school. So.. if anyone is experienced, please spare a few moments to help out a few rookies.

[BasiliskWrangler]

Start small.

Use a cheap laptop or outdated computer. If you don't have one, ask around- someone always has an old computer or laptop sitting in a closet. Use only free software (Ubutnu, Blender, GIMP. LibreOffice). This is literally all you need to start. Your initial venture into game development should cost not much more than $0.00.

Then, one of you needs to learn how to program (C++ or Java), the other needs to learn graphics (Blender and GIMP). Read books, follow game dev blogs and watch YouTube tutorials.

First goal: make a Breakout clone (Google it if you don't know what that is). This is one of the simpliest games in the world. When you perfect that, try a Pac-Mac clone, or even a Mario-style clone.

If you and your friend work well together and can make simple games that other people approve of (such as "Wow, you made this? How cool!") then you can start planning a real game. Now you can buy some real equipment and and start a website.

[RPGamer]

Is it a bad idea to plan on what I will do with my real game long before I have what I need to make it?

[BasiliskWrangler]

Is it a bad idea to plan on what I will do with my real game long before I have what I need to make it?

Not at all. Keep notes and develop the game on paper. When the time comes, you'll be all ready to start on it. My advice above boils down to this: don't make your dream game the very first project you ever attempt. Sharpen your skills at programming and project management first. I personally know a dozen very talented people who thought they could just become a game developer because they had a great idea and a lot of motivation, but they failed because they didn't start small and learn what they needed before taking on a big project. A big project will crush you if you are not prepared for it, and you can only learn how to manage big projects by completing smaller projects first.

[Randomizer]

It's not a bad idea to plan ahead since in a text heavy game like Eschalon it takes time to come up with all that dialogue and quests. Some game makers run into the problem that they have a choice between making a shorter game to release it to make money or keep delaying to perfect it.

[Painted Lady]

Some game makers run into the problem that they have a choice between making a shorter game to release it to make money or keep delaying to perfect it.

Age of Decadence anyone?