Where to Start Your Journey in Game Engineering

Are you someone who's always dreamed of creating games but doesn't know where to start? Whether you're coming from an artistic background, a technical one, or you're completely new to both, diving into game engineering can feel overwhelming. But let me share my story, and perhaps you'll find a direction that's just right for you.

Choosing Your Engine: The First Crucial Decision

The first and most important step in game engineering is deciding which software to work on. This decision can set the tone for your entire journey. For me, the choice was Unity, paired with the C# programming language. Why Unity? Well, coming from a humanities background, I found Unity and C# much more accessible than alternatives like Unreal Engine and C++. Unity’s user-friendly interface and beginner-friendly tutorials make it a great starting point for those who might not have a strong technical foundation.

On the other hand, if you're leaning toward Unreal Engine, understand that it's a completely different beast. Unreal Engine is incredibly powerful and widely used for large-scale, AAA games. However, it requires a strong grasp of C++, a language that is more complex but offers immense control and flexibility. If you choose Unreal Engine, commit to it fully; this focus will help you develop your skills faster and more effectively. Game engineering isn’t a field where you can afford to dabble in too many things at once.

TL;DR: Pick one software and stick to it. For Unity, learn C#. For Unreal, learn C++. Don't try to juggle both, especially as a beginner.

My First Steps with Unity

I started my journey with Unity in a slightly unconventional way—by joining a game jam. Imagine this: you’re in a room full of excited people, and everyone is brainstorming game ideas. I had no clue what to do! At first, I contributed by drawing assets in Photoshop, but I quickly realized that if I wanted to create games, I had to learn Unity. You can check out the first game I participated here on itch.io.

Unity wasn’t too hard to pick up, but like any new skill, it required patience. I spent countless hours working through tutorials and experimenting with small projects. One thing I learned quickly: you’ll encounter a lot of errors when you’re just starting out. Don’t let that discourage you. Debugging those errors is part of the process and, over time, it will help you understand how the engine works. Eventually, I grew comfortable enough to contribute meaningfully to game jams and small projects, and Unity became my playground.

What About Unreal Engine?

Unreal Engine is a powerhouse. It offers stunning graphics out of the box, a robust toolset, and is widely used in professional game studios. However, if you’re starting with Unreal, you need to go all in. Learn C++, and dedicate yourself to mastering the engine’s intricacies. Unlike Unity, which is more forgiving for beginners, Unreal demands more technical proficiency from the get-go. But if you stick with it, the rewards are immense: the ability to create photorealistic games, access to advanced tools, and a skill set that’s in high demand in the industry.

Pro Tip: If you’re choosing Unreal Engine, start small. Don’t dive into creating an entire game. Instead, focus on understanding the basics of the editor, working on small features, and building your confidence with C++.

Game Jams: The Perfect Starting Point

If you’re unsure where to start, I highly recommend joining a game jam. These events are like hackathons for games, where you have a limited time to create something from scratch. Game jams are fantastic for beginners because:

• You get to collaborate with people of varying skill levels.

• You’ll learn by doing, which is the best way to pick up new skills.

• There’s no pressure to create something perfect—the focus is on learning and having fun.

Overcoming the Initial Hurdles

Learning game engineering is challenging, especially at first. Expect to run into errors and bugs constantly. Unity, in particular, is known for throwing cryptic error messages when you’re starting out. But every error is an opportunity to learn. The key is persistence. Over time, you’ll find that debugging becomes second nature, and you’ll start building confidence in your skills.

Final Thoughts

Game engineering is a journey that requires focus and determination. Start by choosing your engine—Unity or Unreal—and stick with it. Learn the associated programming language (C# for Unity or C++ for Unreal), and practice consistently. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re an essential part of the process.

For me, Unity and C# were the perfect starting points, but your path might look different. Just remember: the most important thing is to start. Whether it’s by joining a game jam, watching tutorials, or experimenting on your own, take that first step and don’t look back. I might come back with more tutorials in the upcoming days.

Happy game developing!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is game engineering?

A: Game engineering involves the technical development of video games, focusing on programming, software architecture, and integrating art, sound, and gameplay mechanics into a functional product.

Q: Do I need to know programming to start in game engineering?

A: Yes, a basic understanding of programming languages like C++ or C# is essential, as coding forms the core of game development and engineering.

Q: Which tools or engines should beginners use to learn game engineering?

A: Popular game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine are great starting points for beginners due to their user-friendly interfaces, extensive documentation, and large community support.

Q: Is a degree necessary to become a game engineer?

A: While a degree in computer science or game development helps, many game engineers are self-taught through online courses, tutorials, and hands-on projects.