2. Three levels of video game coding

To realize videogame, it is necessary to proceed using attention and step by step. It is possible do define three levels of video game coding: 

1. By blocks with no knowledge of programming languages, 
2. Using platforms that support and you can employ programming languages.
3. Using advanced engines that require programming.

 

2.1 I level: By blocks with no knowledge of programming languages 

Leveling up by blocks in video games without any prior programming language knowledge is totally doable! You can start by understanding the basic concepts of game design and development. Here’s a roadmap:

1. Research and Study: Begin by researching the fundamentals of game design, such as game mechanics, level design, and player experience. Look for beginner-friendly resources like online tutorials, articles, and books.
2. Choose a Game Engine: Game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine offer user-friendly interfaces and extensive documentation, making them ideal for beginners. Pick one and start exploring its features.
3. Start Small: Begin with simple projects to grasp the basics. Create simple games like a 2D platformer or a puzzle game. This will help you understand concepts like player controls, game physics, and object interactions.
4. Learn by Doing: Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Learning to troubleshoot and problem-solve is an essential skill in game development.
5. Online Tutorials and Courses: There are plenty of free and paid online tutorials and courses available for game development. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube offer comprehensive courses for beginners.
6. Join a Community: Engage with other aspiring game developers in online forums and communities. Participating in discussions and sharing your progress can provide valuable feedback and motivation.
7. Iterate and Improve: Continuously iterate on your projects based on feedback and your own observations. Each iteration will bring you closer to creating more polished and enjoyable games.
8. Expand Your Skills: As you gain more experience, you can start exploring more advanced topics such as 3D modeling, animation, and scripting. These skills will allow you to create more complex and visually impressive games.

2.2 II level: Using platforms that support and you can employ programming languages.

 

In the second level of video game coding, you’re moving beyond basic scripting tools and starting to utilize platforms that support and allow you to employ programming languages for game development. Here’s what this level entails:

• Choosing a Game Engine:

1. 1. • Selecting a game engine that supports traditional programming languages like C#, C++, or JavaScript is essential at this level. Engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, and CryEngine are popular choices.
      • These engines provide powerful tools and frameworks for game development while allowing you to write custom code to implement complex game logic and features.

• Programming Languages:

1. 1. • At this level, you’ll start writing code using programming languages such as C#, C++, or JavaScript.
      • C# is commonly used with Unity, offering a balance of performance and productivity.
      • Unreal Engine primarily uses C++, although it also supports Blueprints visual scripting and limited C# functionality.
      • Godot supports both GDScript (a Python-like scripting language) and C# for game development.
      • JavaScript is often used for web-based game development using frameworks like Phaser or Three.js.

• Game Development Skills:

1. 1. • You’ll need to deepen your understanding of programming concepts such as object-oriented programming (OOP), data structures, algorithms, and software design patterns.
      • Tasks at this level might include creating custom gameplay mechanics, optimizing performance, implementing complex AI behavior, or integrating third-party libraries and services.

• APIs and Libraries:

1. 1. • You’ll learn to leverage APIs and libraries provided by the game engine or third-party sources to extend the functionality of your games.
      • This could involve using physics libraries, graphics frameworks, networking APIs, or audio libraries to enhance your game development workflow.

• Version Control and Collaboration:

1. 1. • Understanding version control systems like Git becomes crucial for managing code repositories, collaborating with team members, and tracking changes in your game projects.
      • Learning how to work with branches, commit changes, and resolve merge conflicts will streamline your development process.

• Debugging and Optimization:

1. • Debugging becomes more important at this level, as you’ll encounter complex issues that require thorough investigation.
   • Profiling and optimizing your code for performance will also be necessary to ensure your game runs smoothly across different platforms and devices.

 

2.3 III level: Using advanced engines that require programming.

In the third level of video game coding, you’re delving into using advanced engines that require extensive programming to achieve your game development goals. Here’s what this level entails:

• Advanced Game Engines:

1. 1. • At this level, you’ll be working with game engines that offer extensive customization and require programming for nearly all aspects of game development.
      • Examples of such engines include custom or in-house engines, as well as more specialized engines like Lumberyard, Frostbite, or proprietary engines used by major game studios.

• Expertise in Programming Languages:

1. 1. • You’ll need advanced proficiency in programming languages such as C++, as many advanced engines are built using this language.
      • Additionally, familiarity with scripting languages like Python or Lua may be required for certain tasks or engine customization.

• Low-Level Systems Development:

1. 1. • This level involves working with low-level systems such as rendering pipelines, physics engines, and networking frameworks.
      • You’ll have to understand the intricacies of memory management, multithreading, and hardware optimization to develop high-performance game systems.

• Engine Customization and Tools Development:

1. 1. • Advanced engines often provide tools and APIs for customizing and extending their functionality.
      • You’ll be tasked with developing custom tools, plugins, or editor extensions to streamline the game development workflow and meet specific project requirements.

• Optimization and Performance Tuning:

1. 1. • Performance optimization becomes even more critical at this level, as you’re dealing with complex game systems and larger-scale projects.
      • Profiling tools and techniques will be used extensively to identify and address performance bottlenecks across various aspects of the game.

• Cross-Platform Development:

1. 1. • You’ll likely be working on projects that target multiple platforms, such as consoles, PC, mobile devices, and VR/AR platforms.
      • Managing platform-specific optimizations and ensuring consistent performance and user experience across different devices will be a key focus.

• Team Collaboration and Project Management:

1. 1. • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams becomes increasingly important at this level, as you’ll be working alongside artists, designers, and other developers to bring complex game projects to life.
      • Project management skills, including task prioritization, scheduling, and communication, are essential for coordinating efforts and delivering high-quality games on time and within budget.

• Continuous Learning and Innovation:

1. • Given the dynamic nature of game development, staying updated with the latest advancements in technology, tools, and techniques is crucial at this level.
   • You’ll need to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges, experimenting with innovative approaches to game development and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in interactive entertainment.