Attention all serious gamers!
We know you’ve given considerable thought to creating your own unique video game that will take the world by storm. But how do you get started? Where do you find the resources? And how do you make sure your game is undeniably… epic?
Never fear, intrepid gamer! We’re here to help you with a step-by-step guide on how to get started making a video game. With just a little bit of know-how and some creative thinking, you’ll be on your way to becoming the next big name in video game development.
From captivating narratives to intriguing niches, the gaming world is waiting for your creation. Think about a classic comfort game you love to play. Have you ever thought about putting your own unique spin on that satisfying storyline? Of course you have!
Picture this, your favorite game mechanics and themes all seamlessly captured in one mega game. And what if you were the visionary to create it?
Yes, all of this sounds great in theory. But the hard part is knowing what to do to transform your intangible ideas into a tangible game that millions of gamers just like you are raving about!
That’s why we created this overview guide, giving you step-by-step instructions on how to make your own video game.
Your rewarding journey of learning how to make a video game from scratch begins today!
Let’s get started.
“Everyone deserves a game that feels like it was made for them.” - Dave Bailey
I Have A Video Game Idea! Now What?
With a clear idea in mind, making your own game leads you down one of two paths:
#1 Hiring A Team
You can hire a team who helps you create an entertaining game that you then self-publish or sell the prototype to a developer.
#2 Presenting To Publishers
On the other hand, you could create a compelling pitch to present to game publishers who will then purchase or invest in developing your game.
Either way, you’ll need support from a team so the creative juices don’t dry up!
Hey Newbie! You Have To Learn The Tricks Of The Trade
Time is money when it comes to learning the video game business as a newbie video game creator. There’s a lot of forethought and execution that goes into new video game development.
We’re talking conception, coding, art, music, game design, mechanics, and so much more! To circumvent letting years of your life go down the drain as you cram your brain full of industry research…
Hire a killer team!
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
You’re here because the idea of creating a video game sounds appealing but the execution piece to your puzzle is still lacking. Hey, at least you’re honest!
Fortunately, the sweet spot for how many team members you need is based on your own skill set, how in-depth your game is, and if you’re building only the prototype or the full game. Once you lock in on your magic number, you’re ready to recruit!
How To Recruit The Perfect Video Game Development Team
You’ve made it this far so we know you’re serious about making your mark on the video game industry. That being said, here are the two most effective ways to find your new teammates!
Hire Freelancers
A surefire way to learn how to make a video game for beginners is to hire freelancers who already know the name of the game!
Assuming you don’t have your own game development company, you probably can’t afford to hire full-time staff with benefits. Luckily for you, there is an entire community of game developers and artists who offer their services.
They’re called freelancers and they work on a project-by-project basis so you can leverage their talents for specific steps in the development process. Online websites like Fiverr have a whole category dedicated to game developers.
Happy hunting!
Recruit From Groups And Game Development Communities
If you’ve been serious about making your own game for some time now, you’re probably already in several Facebook groups, forums, Reddit groups, and other communities related to the field. No shame! These are perfect hotspots for other avid gamers who know their stuff.
Use these spaces to stress test your video game idea or find freelancing creatives looking to add projects like yours to their portfolios. Who knows, they might be willing to work for free, equity, or future payment. You won’t know until you ask!
If you’re starting out with zero funds, you’ll need to recruit a team of skilled individuals who are also passionate about your idea and won’t mind working for future gains. You can work out a contract agreement where your team works for free upfront in exchange for future profit sharing.
Do what works for everyone!
No Money? No Problem!
In most cases, a lack of money is an enormous obstacle. We get it!
Fortunately, you can find investors or get your game idea funded on a crowdsourcing website like Kickstarter. Once you have some funds, you’ll be ready to find and hire your team
If everything you’ve read thus far is about to send you screaming and running in the other direction, there is still another option for you. It’s less overwhelming yet just as promising!
Choose The Right Video Game Publisher To Pitch
Creative people (like you!) with novel ideas can formulate their concepts and pitch them to a studio or publisher. In other words, you can sell your thoughts with no money down!
Major titles like Diablo, Grand Theft Auto, and Silent Hill all started as simple pitch ideas that were bought and later developed by major game publishers. Have you ever heard of companies like Blizzard, Capcom, EA, Riot, Epic, or Devolver? Of course you have!
These major video game publishers are just waiting for a new idea to fall into their lap! Don’t sleep on smaller indie game publishers as well because they’re just as eager to make moves in the video game industry. Here is a list of 16 indie-friendly companies that may snag your pitch.
Each video game publisher will have specific guidelines on what they are looking for in a pitch. Make sure to abide by their requirements so you don’t shoot yourself in the foot before they even have a chance to swoon over your incredible ideas.
Here is an example of a game idea submission page by Team17. While some places will want simple pitch ideas, others will want you to have a website and sometimes a working prototype to pitch.
Don’t let the submission pages and guidelines intimidate you! Someone is going to turn their heads with a jaw-dropping video game pitch deck. Why can’t it be you?
Tips On Creating The Perfect Video Game Pitch Deck
To build out an unforgettable pitch, you need extensive market research, an enticing game theme or storyline, an in-depth outline of the game mechanics, stunning visuals, and other key video game features to help sell your idea. That right there is your pitch deck!
If you’re still a bit confused, don’t worry, we’ll dive into a bit more detail.
A pitch deck is a series of slides in a presentation that keep your information organized, clear, and engaging. This one used for Feature Films is a top-tier example of the high-quality essence you’re trying to achieve when creating your own.
Here are some additional tips that will help make your video game pitch a success:
#1. Research, Research, Research
Publishers love creativity, but that doesn’t always pay the bills. They are just as interested in how bankable the idea is. Arm yourself with irrefutable market data that supports why this particular game will line some pockets. Research niches as well as other similar or competing games.
#2. If You Don’t Have A Prototype, Have Other Visuals
Creating a working prototype can be expensive and a challenge. Therefore, if you don’t have a prototype, come up with another way to show a visual representation of your game. This can include artwork, storyboards, or videos.
Visual elements help the audience connect to your idea and can often help summarize complex concepts. Even though you know what you’re talking about, others may not. Keep it short, simple, and to the point!
#3. Don’t Underestimate The Perfect Elevator Pitch Or Logline
A logline, or elevator pitch, is a two to three-sentence summary of your idea that entices the listener to, you guessed it, want to keep listening! This is the perfect way to start your pitch. Also, keep it in the back of your mind so it’s ready to go when you meet new people or network with big names in the industry. The world is all about connections!
#4. Have All The Basics Down
The publisher will want to know your storyline, mechanics, what platforms it’s meant to be on, how long it will take to make, and what resources will be needed to create the game. These are the basics that you need to know like the back of your hand. When they ask, don’t skip a beat!
#5. Come At Your Pitch With A Players Perspective
All video game developers and publishers are gamers at heart. Make sure to take on the perspective of a game player when describing your game. What will gamers love about this game? How will it make them feel when playing it? What will drive them to spend more time and money on the game? What is the future upsell potential?
You’re a gamer so you know the lingo. Don’t be afraid to relate and show ‘em what you know!
#6. Create An Engaging Pitch Deck
There is nothing worse than a boring pitch deck! Especially when it comes to video games, a pitch deck should be exciting, immersive, and make you want to instantly start playing the game.
To create your winning pitch, make sure it’s visually appealing and well-designed so that your audience isn’t distracted by a badly designed presentation of a so-called “epic” game concept.
Hurry, They’re Up For Grabs: Successfully Proven Video Game Templates
What if there was a killer video game presentation template that perfectly aligned with your game idea and was ready for you to use today? Oh wait, there is!
Using something like The Video Game Pitch Deck Template provides you with a flexible, ready-to-go, presentation blueprint that will help you quickly put together your pitch. Especially if you don’t have all of the pieces ready, a template like this is the most optimal place to start.
Even if you have a team on lock, they can use this as a centralized document to begin collaboratively building out your pitch. Then, once all of these elements are in place, you’ll be able to successfully pitch your stunner of a game.
Don’t think just because you’re using a template your ideas won’t be as unique. On the contrary!
These flexible templates are the perfect way for you to structure your thoughts and then deliver a comprehensive video game concept that will stand out and knock the publisher’s socks off!
That’s the goal.
While it’s possible for non-industry insiders to get games published, it will require hard work, focus, and persistence. But with the right team in place, and a solid, well-crafted pitch, you’ve got a real shot.
Pick out your template today so you can start your journey to creating the most popular video game the world has ever seen! Not just modern-day popular, how about timelessly classic?
Be unique, be you, and good luck!