Getting started with game development can be pretty daunting. Here are five of them — and the traps to be avoided.

• Work on something small and achievable.
• You would want to use a simple game idea like a platformer or a puzzle game.
• Use it for basic mechanics like movement, scoring or simple AI.
• Why? The smaller the scope, the more you learn tools, test ideas, and finish projects.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Refrain from attempting an ambitious project such as an open-world RPG. Things stall, or you get caught in infinite cycles of development.

• Have a brief outline for your main idea, some mechanics, and objectives.
• Build a prototype to validate essential functionality
• Map out milestones to be able to measure progress.
• Why? Well-planned execution minimises lost time and disorientation.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Skipping the planning phase. If you build aimlessly, you end up wasting a lot of time.

• Select a game engine, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot.
• Concentrate on its Basic Features
• Learn a few tutorials or finish up beginner projects.
• Why? Trying to juggle many tools creates frustration and makes you work less efficiently.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Do not just jump from engine to engine. Perfectionism in the pursuit of a “magic” tool slows progress.

• Release your prototype to friends, forums, and communities.
• Watch how players engage with the game.
• Query about what works and what doesn’t.
• Why? It allows you to see what works and what doesn’t and to fine-tune the gameplay.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• I refuse to show others until the game is almost over.
• Changes at the late stages can be expensive and disheartening.

• First, make it fun and engaging before adding the bells and whistles.
• Test it and test it again — so it feels right.
• Why? A shiny core experience makes players want to keep playing.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Do not make the game too tricky or add too many features. Players can be confused by a cluttered experience.

Take your time. As with any skill, game development takes practice and iteration to grow. Keep your initial projects small, learn on the fly, and don’t forget to celebrate every milestone.

What’s a single idea you want to make into a game? Use this as the starting point , and do your first step today!

Contact Zatun as how we can help you navigate these first steps!