With the recent release of the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming releases of the Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro, there’s never been a better time to get into game development. But can it be a viable hobby?
The simple answer is yes – game development can most definitely be a hobby. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly popular as a hobbyist pursuit, thanks in part to the lower barriers to entry that modern game engines provide.
Of course, like any hobby, there are going to be some costs associated with getting started in game development. However, these costs have come down significantly in recent years, making it more accessible than ever before.
At its core, game development is all about creating experiences that people can enjoy. Whether you’re developing a simple game for your friends or family, or something more ambitious that you hope to release commercially, the satisfaction comes from seeing people enjoy the fruit of your labor.
Things To Consider Before Making Game Development Your Hobby
So if you’re considering getting into game development as a hobby, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Developing games takes time, effort, and dedication – it’s not something that can be done overnight. Likewise, don’t expect to become an overnight success – even the most successful indie developers have put in years of hard work to get where they are today.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that game development is a team sport. Unless you’re planning on developing solo, you’ll need to find a group of like-minded individuals to work with. Not only will this make the development process more enjoyable, but it will also help you create better games.
Finally, don’t forget that game development is a lot of fun! Yes, it can be challenging at times, but ultimately it should be something you enjoy doing. If you’re not having fun, then maybe it’s not the hobby for you.
Can I Turn Game Development Into A Career?
Now that we’ve established that game development can be a viable hobby, you might be wondering if it’s possible to turn it into a career. The short answer is yes, but it’s not going to be easy.
Turning game development into a career usually requires one of two things: either years of hard work and dedication or a bit of luck. There are many ways to break into the games industry, but the most common path is to start out as a hobbyist and then try to land a job at a game development studio.
Of course, there are no guarantees – even if you put in the years of hard work, there’s no guarantee that you’ll ever make it into the industry. But if you’re passionate about making games, and you’re willing to put in the hard work, it’s certainly possible to turn game development into a career.
Can I Learn Game Development On My Own?
Yes, you can learn game development on your own. However, it will be a lot easier if you have access to resources and mentors.
There are many ways to learn game development, but the most common is to find a good book or online tutorial. There are also numerous game development courses available online, which can help you get started.
Once you have the basics down, you’ll need to start building games. The best way to do this is to find a game engine (like Unity or Unreal Engine) and start creating simple games. As you become more proficient, you can start working on more complex projects.
Of course, it’s also important to keep up with the latest trends in game development. This can be done by reading industry-leading publications (like Gamasutra or GDC Vault) and attending game development conferences (like GDC or PAX).
By following these steps, you can certainly learn game development on your own. However, it will be a lot easier if you have access to resources and mentors.
What Are The Benefits Of Game Development?
There are many benefits to game development, both personal and professional.
On a personal level, game development can be a very rewarding experience. Not only will you get to create something that people can enjoy, but you’ll also get to exercise your creative muscles and challenge yourself mentally.
On a professional level, game development can lead to a successful career in the games industry. There are many different roles within game development, so you can find a place that suits your skills and interests. And, as the games industry continues to grow, there will be more opportunities for game developers to find success.
So, if you’re looking for a hobby that is both rewarding and challenging, then game development might be right for you. And, if you’re looking for a career in the games industry, then game development is definitely the way to go.
Can I Make Money from This Hobby?
Yes, it is possible to make money from game development. However, it’s important to remember that game development is a hobby first and foremost. So, don’t expect to make millions of dollars from your games.
There are many ways to make money from game development. The most common is to sell your games on platforms like Steam or itch.io. You can also sign up for services like Patreon, which allows you to collect monthly donations from fans.
Finally, you can also make money by selling game assets (like 3D models or sound effects) on sites like Unity Asset Store or Unreal Engine Marketplace.
So, if you’re looking to make some extra cash from your hobby, then there are definitely opportunities out there.
Is Game Development Worth it?
The simple answer is yes – game development is definitely worth it.
Of course, there are no guarantees in life. There is always the possibility that you won’t be successful, no matter how hard you work or how talented you are.
But if you’re passionate about making games and you’re willing to put in the hard work, then game development is definitely worth it. Not only will you get to create something that people can enjoy, but you’ll also have the opportunity to build a successful career in the process. So, if you’re up for the challenge, then go for it!
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know about getting into game development as a hobby. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making games!