Game Industry
Steam
Getting Started
So you think you want to build a video game
Introduction
Working on your first game?
The articles in Heathen's guides are here to help. We have guides here to help everyone no matter your goals or aspirations:
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Enthusiast
Loves the tech and wants to learn more
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Hobbyist
Just for the fun of it, not the profit of it
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Amateur
Literally means "lover of", it may not be your day job *yet* but you will get there.
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Professional
How you make your money, how you earn your pay.
Understanding where you are and what you want as a developer is your first and most important thing to sort out. The list above isn't exhaustive and isn't linear for example anyone finding this article is almost certainty an enthusiast and either is or planning to be a hobbyist.
If your even slightly serious about making a go of it as a game developer or game development studio that pays the bills then be sure to read the Indie Checklist. We will lightly touch on the key concepts you need to understand. We will aim to reset your expectations to be based on the reality of the game industry today and help you develop a plan that could lead you to success.
Hopefuls
So you want to be a professional game developer. that is great, we need you, don't be dissuaded, but lets make sure your expectations are rooted in reality.
You may have been told how easy it is these days, that anyone can do it with minimal learning all by them selves and find success.
If you were, you were lied to
Game development like anything that is worth doing is very challenging.
Before we even get started, understand:
Learning is required for any level of success as a dev and/or as a studio.
Even a "solo" developer has a rather massive team of support and tooling propping them up.
Those "zero budget" games ... that is referring to zero outside investment e.g. "out of pocket" budget not "free" aka "without cost". Game development like every business has costs, a lot of them. Be prepared.
If your still here, wonderful! The game industry, like any creative industry can be incredibly fulfilling for those with a passion for it.
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life
Probably not said by Confucius, at least not in so many words ... still true