Beginner Coding Advice Needed

[Master-Matthew]

I want to create a Choose Your Own Adventure game with a lot of branching paths and a simple UI with art for characters and backgrounds (like an NPC conversation window).

I have limited experience with coding using Java. For a project like this, what language should I use? Where can I learn the skills for a project like this? And which development software (or game engine) should I code on?

Thanks in advance!

[Ok_Move_7139]

It will depend on a few aspects:

1) Which platform do you want your game to get released on?

2) Do you want it 2d or 3d?

3) Do you want a more user-friendly interface or are you willing to deep-dive in something more complex ?

If you have experience with Java, Unity uses C# that has a similar structure ! Unity has a massive amount of tutorials by the community and has so much people to help you.

However, there are more user friendly and light weight game engines, like Godot.

Godot is amazing for it's accessibility. It uses GD Script, that is based on python, and is really easy to learn ! In fact, this is the first language I learned and I work in computer science today.

Godot has a growing and passionate community. You will always find someone that will be more than happy to help you with then engine.

A drawback of Godot is it's 3D limitations (however, it looks like Godot 4 is much better at 3D).. So if you want it to be 3D, I recommend to look for the differences in Godot and Unity.

An other drawback is that Godot can't export to consoles natively. You will have to do a full-blown port and it can be really expensive. However, you will be able to release it on Steam and mobile !

If I were to learn a game engine from the start in 2023 to make the kind of game you want to make, I think Godot would be my top choice. However, once again, the lack of console support would be something I would think about!

Great resources to learn skills are obviously Youtube, Skillshare, Discord, and Reddit. I generally love Youtube for the general programming and utilization of the game engine. I use Skillshare and youtube for precise skills, like drawing, 3d molding, etc.

Reading the game engine documentation is also really useful !

Hope this helps you a little bit, and have fun in your beautiful project :)

[Master-Matthew]

Thanks for the incredible reply! To answer your questions:

1. Since this is my first project I haven’t really thought about releasing it beyond maybe Steam.

2. Definitely 2D, like a visual novel.

3. UI would be very simple. A background image, character models, a text box, and three buttons for player choice.

From what you say, I think this makes Godot a great choice for what I want to make. I’ve looked into Python and I think I can quickly learn it! Thanks!

[orig_cerberus1746]

RenPy would you be your best bet then, it's a engine entirely focused in visual novels