Developing your own indie game can be both exciting and challenging. As a beginner, it’s essential to approach the process systematically. The process can very quickly become overwhelming. I have compiled these 18 hints to help you get started:

Define Your Vision and Concept:

• Clarify the type of game you want to create.
• Outline the core gameplay mechanics and features.
• Define the theme, art style, and overall aesthetic.
• Record all of this in a game design document for safekeeping.

Learn the Basics of Game Development:

• Familiarize yourself with programming languages like Python, C++, and C# 
• Become familiar with game development frameworks like Unreal, Unity, or Godot.
• Understand the basics of game design principles, including level design, player feedback, and user interface.

Choose Your Development Tools:

• Select a game engine or development platform that aligns with your vision and skill level (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot).
• If you want to avoid writing your own game code, learn to use the visual scripting options with your game engine of choice. 
• Explore graphic design tools for creating game assets (e.g., Blender, GIMP, or Adobe Creative Cloud).

Start Small:

• Begin with a small, manageable project to hone your skills.
• Focus on a single, achievable goal to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Set Up Your Development Environment:

• Install and set up your chosen game development tools.
• Create a version control system (e.g., Git) to track changes in your code and assets.

Learn and Practice:

• Take advantage of online tutorials, courses, and documentation.
• Experiment with sample projects to reinforce your understanding.

Build a Prototype:

• Develop a simple prototype to test your game concept.
• Use placeholder assets initially to concentrate on functionality.

Gather Feedback:

• Share your prototype with friends, online communities, or game development forums.
• Use feedback to refine your concept and identify areas for improvement.

Create a Development Plan:

• Break down your game into smaller tasks.
• Set achievable milestones to track your progress.

Develop Your Game:

• Begin coding, designing levels, and creating assets.
• Regularly playtest your game to identify and address issues.

Optimize and Polish:

• Optimize your code and assets for performance.
• Polish the user interface, graphics, and overall user experience.

Implement Sound and Music:

• Integrate sound effects and background music into your game.
• Consider using free or royalty-free resources for audio elements.

Test Rigorously:

• Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs.
• Consider beta testing with a small group to gather additional feedback.

Create Marketing Materials:

• Develop a trailer, screenshots, and a website for your game.
• Build anticipation by sharing progress updates on social media.

Prepare for Release:

• Set a release date and create promotional strategies.
• Submit your game to Steam, itch.io, or the App Store.

Launch Your Game:

• Release your game to the public and celebrate your achievement.
• Monitor player feedback for potential updates and improvements.

Learn from the Experience:

• Reflect on the development process and the reception of your game.
• Identify lessons learned for future projects.

Continue Growing:

• Build on your experience and consider more ambitious projects.
• Stay connected with the game development community for ongoing support and inspiration.

Remember, the journey of game development is a continuous learning process. Stay curious, be persistent, and enjoy the creative freedom of being an indie game developer. Good luck!