Why did you choose to talk to us about video game development?
Since childhood, game creation has been a passionate interest of mine. In primary school, I began creating board games/Trading Card Games with the help of a pen and some cardboard sheets. Twenty years later, I moved towards video game design/development, which for me is the most suitable form of creation for expressing ideas in a playful way.
What is your background in this field?
After high school, I decided to pursue this passion by enrolling in ISART DIGITAL in Paris. I specialized in Game Design and Programming. Game Design (often confused with Game Art) involves designing the rules and consistency between each element that makes up a game to create an enjoyable experience, controller in hand. Programming, on the other hand, allowed us to understand platforms dedicated to modern game development (web, mobile, cross-platform).
My first personal project is called: Granny's Ascent. This little game is about sending an elderly person as high into the sky as possible. laugh. It is no longer available in the App Stores at the moment.
The second game, currently in development, is Super Slider Bro, a dynamic puzzle/action game where the user must control a cube that only moves in a straight line and very quickly.
I have also developed games for clients as a freelancer, notably a match 3 (Candy Crush like) game for GRDF: City gaz, which is available for free on mobile stores.
What are the tools used to develop video games?
I would like to clarify that, as in the development of more conventional applications, there are no right or wrong technologies. For example, you wouldn't use the same tool if you wanted to create a realistic 3D game solely for consoles as you would for a 2D cartoon mobile game...
Otherwise, I would say my favorite tools are:
- Unity 3D: A game engine that allows you to port a game to multiple platforms with the same source code. This tool is comprehensive, offers free licenses, and allows for development on mobile, PlayStation 4, or Oculus Quest (25 different platforms with the arrival of version 2019).
- Phaser.JS: A widely used framework for 2D web games
There are also software programs like Game Maker and Construct 2, useful for creators who would like to design a game without real programming knowledge.
How can these development skills be useful to a company outside the domain?
The platforms mentioned above are not only used to create video games. So, for example, the skills can be useful for:
- Improve/strengthen brand image by advocating for gamification. Games are by nature the perfect tool to improve visibility and brand image, especially when paired with an attractive reward.
- Assist the sales force with new digital tools. For example, in architecture, by creating VR environments or with a 3D catalog. These new, engaging, and original tools can enhance the user experience.
- Enhance internal training or recruitment through game engine simulations. For example, VR can be useful for future surgeons so they can train or be recruited.
By what means can a developer integrate into a community dedicated to video game development?
There are several ways to integrate into a community, but in my opinion, here are a few:
First, it is possible to integrate into a community through the internet and the multiple forums dedicated to video game development. Personally, I recommend Itch.io because, in addition to being able to discuss, creators can host, distribute, and sell their games.
Next, thanks to social media. Here I'm referring in particular to closed Facebook groups that are filled with amazing creators and very good advice. Also, there's Discord, which works well for these kinds of communities.
Besides online, there’s also the option to join associations. For example, in Luxembourg and Metz, there's the COIN association, made up of professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts. This association organizes many events, particularly Game Jams several times a year.
Game Jams are hackathons specialized in game creation. For a beginner, these are the kinds of events to follow. It's an ideal place to meet very interesting people, exchange, and learn about the video game prototype creation process.
And, what advice can you give for starting out in video game development?
First, I would say that you need to be passionate about both the game and the development. It is possible to design a game without great skill. I think that for it to be well-harmonized, you need to know the fundamentals, whether from an artistic or technical point of view.
Before you start, you need to research the available tools and common techniques. It's always interesting to know what's being done right now to evolve well in a technical field.
On the other hand, I advise staying realistic about the means available to develop the game. We often hear young enthusiasts asking experienced developers to help them design 3D sci-fi MMO projects with features that will revolutionize video games, however this project requires incredible sums of resources. So, my advice would be not to jump into a big project right away, but rather to prototype small, fun experiences.
I would also say that specialized schools are very good springboards to launch into the world of game development. It's up to you to find the one that suits you best.
Finally, I would end by recommending participation in Game Jams. In my opinion, it's one of the best places where you can meet experienced developers, receive advice, and gain experience.
Written by Maxime Gammaitoni & Charline Pennisi
