You may think that in order to create a computer game, you have to study years of programming, but you don’t. There is a lot of software available today that can let you create your own game with no programming knowledge needed. This guide will help you create a game online, and sell it. What do you do first? Go out and buy the newest gear, software and learn how to use it to make your game? No, let’s start with the most obvious first.
Your Own Game Studio
Today, buying equipment isn’t really all that expensive. Computers, for example, are more cheaper and the information and equipment is not hard to find. If you want to be a complete game-developer, think about what type of computer you’ll need to make your games. Before you run out and purchase anything, keep in mind:
1. System requirements for the software you are using
2.Having enough hard drive space
3. Get a 17″ monitor
4.As much RAM as possible, at least 120 MB or more
Don’t buy your computer cheap. Buy a $2000 computer with an extended warranty at the time you purchase it. Protecting your computer should be up most in your mind. Buy a CD-Burner with the computer to back-up. You should back-up files daily. A surge protector is necessary as it will protect many parts of your computer. The safest thing would also to turn off and unplug your computer during storms. Research what computers work best with the software applications that you are going to buy.
Other Peripherals
You’ll need a scanner to create websites, game art and logo’s. A digital camera is needed to take pictures of things that your scanner cannot do. Other equipment you’ll need is a modem, Zip drive and sound system. If you’re an artist, you might consider getting a digital art pen. They are very expensive, and you do not need to have one, but maybe that’s something you’ll think about for the future.
High-Speed Internet Access
I am pretty sure you would have guessed this already! High-speed is necessary for images, sound and animation files, as well as tools.
Seating Arrangements
As you’ll be practically living in a chair for hours on end, make sure that it’s really a good comfortable chair.
Software
Not sure of what you want to buy? Decide what kind of games you are going to make, then take it from there. Good websites to look are:
Gamemaker
www.gamemaker.nl
You can create your own games for free! Created by Mark Overmars of Yo Yo Games, you get animated graphics, music, sound effects, the ability to make 3D games and more. Once you make the games, you can do whatever you want with them, which includes selling them. There is even an expert mode that has
the programming built-in that gives you the full capability to make games. The Book, Game Makers Apprentice, to show you how to develop your games, is on sale at Amazon.com for $25.19. There are games to play in the book, and the graphics are really, really good.The Gamemaker website includes resources, a forum and more.
Adventure Maker
www.adventuremaker.com
Think Myst with this software. This is easy game creation by just pointing and clicking. Adventure maker is for windows and PSP games. There is a free edition, but the commercial edition costs $139. You can make first person adventure games, third person adventure games, educational, and more. You can even find some games to download for free to try for yourself. Excellent software.
Realm Crafter
www.realmcrafter.com
If you are into MMPORPG’s,(Massive Multi-Player Online Role Playing Games) Realm Crafter has a rich, detailed environment for you to create your games. A standard software is $100.
RPG Toolkit
www.toolkitzone.com
The RPG Toolkit, is a free open source project that you can use to create RPG’s on your computer. The programming language of the toolkit allows you to create your own unique game features. You can sell the games you make with the RPG toolkit as long as you give credit. If the resources you use for the games you create are not yours, you have to get permission from the author of those resources for commercial use.
Creating Your Game
You’ve got all the equipment, software applications, and now you want to create your games. Where do you start? Find a book and read it from beginning to end. There are three that I will recommend. Choose the one that will be easiest for you.
Game Makers Apprentice: Game Development For Beginners By Mark Overmars and Jacob Habgood
Beginning Game Programming By Michael Morrison
Game Creators Career Course By Charles Clerc
www.makingvideogames.com/create.html
Selling Your Games Online
One thing you don’t ever want to do is pay someone to look at your game and see if it’s salable. Also, it is important that you do not sell your game for a flat fee. If your game becomes a big seller, someone else is making your money. Always, enter into an agreement with royalties in mind. If the company does not offer you royalties, look somewhere else. Here are three companies that will sell your games.
PopCap
www.popcap.com
Popcap offers you an advance and royalties. Click on the “about Popcap” link, then click on the “Developers Room” link, and there you will find the “Game Submission link that gives you a FAQ about how the process works.
Real Arcade
www.gamedevs.realarcade.com/gamesubmissions/index.jsp
Gives you a fair advance and royalties.
MonkeyStone
www.monkeystone.com
The CEO is none other than the great John Romero, creator of Doom and Wolfenstein. Monkey Stone is looking for experienced developers for hand-held games. This company is one to consider, if you would like to start here and grow with them.
DIY
If you would like all the pie to yourself, you can always create your own website, or sell them via Amazon.com, or Ebay.
If this is your dream to create games, it can quite easily become a reality.
