Ask HN: How to learn game development skills?

I'm assuming that you need to be aware of:

* 2D graphics (creating, editing vector and raster)

* 3D graphics (modelling)

* 2D and 3D animation (creating the movements, interactions, intersections)

* music and sound effects

* game loop

* UX, controls

What else would you suggest to add to the above? Where to start with these subjects?

I'm looking for training or tutorial materials that teach the basics, and not really looking for game-engine based walkthroughs (that can come later).

- Developing the game assets (2D/3D models, sounds, animations etc etc). Each in itself a role in production; however no harm in learning how to do at least a few. I will strong suggest starting with Blender (it's free and great) and use CG Masters courses.

The other piece is bring your assets live through code. Again this has different roles:

- Gameplay programmer, Graphics Tools Programmer etc.

Here you have the option to learn from ground up or just learn the tools and API's (Unity, Unreal etc). Ground up route is arduous but greatly beneficial as is anything when you derive from almost first principles. For this I would say:

- Write an animation loader which can read skeletal animation and play it

- Write a mini game engine which supports animation, physics and sound.

I have not listed the mandatory: GL, Vulkans, Metals, and DXes of the world to be learnt.

As listed in the other thread, what route you choose will heavily depend on your end goal. I would say though from personal experience, just learning to write games on the side is not only fun but also makes you a better programmer, the better part may not happen when you work on a real game though there are exceptions.

[1] Blender -

[2] CGMasters

The game design skills are probably what you should be focusing on first: as far as I know, nobody knows how to teach them and the only way to learn is to make (bad) games yourself. Come up with a small idea, make a prototype, and play it. Ask yourself which parts are fun and which parts aren’t; make an adjustment and try again, or start over with a different game idea.

As you go through this process, you’ll necessarily need to acquire some technical skills, but they’ll each be in support of a specific outcome. More importantly, you’ll start to understand how your decisions at the design/programming stage affect the players’ experience.

Whats your primary motivation? In your mind, how does the gaming industry benefit you? Are you doing it for satisfaction of an interest in games? Is it for money?

How many projects have you completed? Have you got a portfolio of projects? github etc.

Best of luck ;)