3 Projects for Beginners: Game Design and Art Fundamentals

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through three beginner-friendly projects in game design and art fundamentals, as presented in the video "3 Projects for Beginners: Game Design and Art Fundamentals" by Indie Game Clinic. These projects aim to build foundational skills in game development, enhancing both your design and artistic abilities.

Step 1: Create a Virtual Pet UI-Only Game

• Concept: Develop a game focused solely on the user interface. The player interacts with virtual pets through menus and buttons, without traditional gameplay mechanics.
• Key Components:
  • Design a simple UI layout for pet management.
  • Include features such as feeding, playing, and caring for the pet.
• Practical Tips:
  • Use wireframes to sketch your UI before digital implementation.
  • Keep the design intuitive and user-friendly.
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Avoid cluttering the interface with too many options. Simplicity is key.

Step 2: Design a Scrolling Action Game

• Concept: Create a side-scrolling action game where players navigate through levels, overcoming obstacles and enemies.
• Key Components:
  • Develop a basic character with movement controls (jumping, running).
  • Design levels with increasing difficulty, including platforms and enemies.
• Practical Tips:
  • Start with a simple prototype to test mechanics before adding complexity.
  • Use placeholder graphics to focus on gameplay first.
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Don’t overcomplicate the controls; keep the mechanics accessible for beginners.

Step 3: Explore the Wildcard Pairs Project

• Concept: Pair two unrelated game elements and create a concept that combines them creatively.
• Key Components:
  • Choose two different themes or mechanics (e.g., a detective game combined with a cooking game).
  • Brainstorm how these elements can interact within the game.
• Practical Tips:
  • Use brainstorming techniques, like mind mapping, to explore combinations.
  • Focus on how the duality can create unique gameplay experiences.
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Avoid forcing elements together that don’t naturally complement each other. Make sure the concept feels cohesive.

Conclusion

Each of these projects offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills in game design and art. Start with the UI-only game to build your foundational skills, then challenge yourself with the action game, and finally experiment creatively with the wildcard pairs project. As you work through these projects, remember that iteration and feedback are key to improving your designs. Happy game developing!