So lets set the stage a bit… I’m old… not grandpa old… but coding is not new to me.
At 38 I’ve been a professional java developer / designer for 15+ years. I’m a lifestyle techie, I don’t just work on code as a job. I do it cause i really like it.
I’ve been a gamer since I was 8 and thus I’ve harboured a child hood dream of making my own games for a long long time.
So about a year ago I started. Now I knew i was picking a bit of a learning curve cause i made the conscious decision to build my own game engine. I wanted full control and understanding about every aspect of what i was going to build / leverage.
Since i’ve started I’ve been reading this board every few days. Its interesting seeing the comments by people who work on Minecraft and PuppyGames (kudos to you all for your amazing accomplishments!) and others who are at the other side of the spectrum just picking up java at the same time as learning to code.
Some realizations I have come to thus far:
-Game coding has many interesting challenges that you will no typically run into in any other style of coding. Do not fret. Break them down into small challenges and solve each as you encounter them.
-Sometimes you have to reflect and decide that the lessons you’ve learned merit a re-working / re-writing of a utility or approach. This is ok!!!
-Ignore the hate. There are a lot of negative posts out there. Not everyone is going to like your idea… worse some people will make negative comments for no other reason then to do so.
-Everyone has an opinion. Use LWJGL/ use LIBGDX, use pure java.io.serversockets/ use KryoNet. Here is the the truth. Use what works well for you and your game! No one will know or care what tool you used as long as your game runs well and you can maintain the code when your done.
Being an indie game developer will likely not make you rich. Its a passion of love more than profit. But it can definitely be a rewarding pastime.
I hope to make more posts as my game matures… and eventually share the first timers experience.
j.
[edited to correct a typo]