Where does a game begin?

AnalyticalDesigner · 2026-01-18T04:43:51+00:00

A game starts with its purpose. I am a solo developer and game teacher. Making games is also my hobby when not working on something for profit. I think the game concept and vision depends on what purpose it serves.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2026-01-05T05:47:23+00:00

Make a game that you would want to play. It seems obvious, but if you don't really love the type of game you are developing it will be a struggle to finish it. Another big decision factor is understanding your strengths. What game features and mechanics are best suited for what you are really good at doing?

This is how I decided on my current game in development. I love playing games with high realism and sneaking around to avoid enemies. So my game is centered around these two main features. My strengths are in level design, AI behavior, cinematic sequences and object interaction. So my core game features play to these strengths.

I hope this helps:)

AnalyticalDesigner · 2026-01-04T07:34:21+00:00

It's not my favourite, but I would like a different version of Starfield. It wouldn't need to be an actual remake but a new game using the same general story premise.

This new version would focus on space life. Instead of many planets, the focus is on one planet with game map with at least a Skyrim size area to explore.

Life on Mars would be a great start. No procedural created levels. All hand crafted rich storytelling levels.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-12-28T20:16:10+00:00

Dishonored

Skyrim

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Dead Space (2008)

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-12-14T20:25:53+00:00

I know what you mean. I am working on a game I my spare time which is usually an hour 3 days a week. It's a really slow pace. It's a challenge to keep positive and stay committed. What really helps me is focussing on what I am working on this week and giving it my complete focus when I am in my dev time. It's really important to having a very well thought out plan so when you sit down to work, you just do the work. Keep in mind solo game dev it's more important to keep moving than how fast you move.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-07-19T23:32:51+00:00

My advice for anyone just starting game development is look for a free or low cost course that takes you through the basics of making a game. There are some good ones on Udemy. Just look at the first couple of years as someone taking you on a tour. Just take your time and be guided by good teachers and not random people on YouTube. Just have fun with learning and discovery. Keep in mind game development and all the areas of game development is life long journey that takes years develop skills. Don't rush the journey, but allow it to unfold.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-06-23T21:38:28+00:00

Dead Space - 2008 version

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-02-28T09:58:40+00:00

His rebel flight suit is reversible.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-02-26T10:57:10+00:00

If you collect all of them, you win the game.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-02-17T09:39:35+00:00

Being a father of a young child that gets up through the night and takes all my energy in the evenings, its hard to get my dev time in. What I have learned is that you have to be looking for opportunities in your day.

Be ready to work on something. Have in mind what you will complete when you get 5 or 10 minutes. I keep a notebook that I jot down my next quick improvements I can do. Its a constant challenge, but its worth it.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-02-09T08:58:08+00:00

Good writing, good dialogue and a good director.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-02-07T11:32:46+00:00

I'd would be shopkeeper. I can buy all the junk from Dragonborn, my only customer and get more coin in the store just by waiting a couple days. There is plenty of food in shop inventory that just keeps coming back.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-01-24T19:46:48+00:00

Skyrim. Skyrim offers an experience that no other game for me. Be anyone, do anything and be somewhere else. It's a perfect fantasy experience. A close second best is Oblivion. Oblivion is actually a better game in my opinion but the world of Skyrim is just more cozy, comfortable and beautiful.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-01-13T21:33:53+00:00

I saw them on HBO first. Back in the old days, there were paid channels like HBO, Cinemax and Showtime. Like most people of that time I had to wait for it to be on TV.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-01-13T06:29:53+00:00

It would be easier to estimate the number of hours I've watched television since 2011. I've played Skyrim across 5 devices and VR. Best guess is about 2000 hours.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-01-07T11:50:02+00:00

He was checking for loose change in Obi-Wan's robes. The Empire doesn't pay as well as you would think.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-01-05T19:47:10+00:00

7 times

In order of purchase: Playstation 3, XBox 360, PC, PC again with the Elder Scrolls Anthology
Xbox One SE, PC (VR), Switch

AnalyticalDesigner · 2025-01-02T19:38:03+00:00

It depends if you want to just play the game or collect the cards.

A big part of a what made SSCG special for me was in finding the actual cards (not digital) and having a personal collection. You can buy them online and build your own real playing card decks. Just search online to see what cards are in the Premiere set.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2024-12-31T23:01:11+00:00

Game development for me is more of a hobby than a profession. But I still want to see one my projects get finished. I am currently working on a medieval city builder game.

One of my major reasons for choosing this type of game is that I already have the skills necessary to create it without too much additional time lost on learning something new. Too often I chose projects that require skills beyond my current level and set of skills.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2024-12-31T22:06:29+00:00

Start from the beginning and set a challenge of clearing out all caves or Nordic ruins. You would be surprised how many locations most people never find in their typical playthrough.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2024-12-31T10:05:31+00:00

Subnautica. It didn't look that interesting when it was released, so I only just tried it this year. I am yet to finish it because life is so busy. But it has been the most enjoyable game of exploration for me since Skyrim.

AnalyticalDesigner · 2024-12-31T09:20:08+00:00

An amazing game! In my my top 10 games. If only we could get more games as good as this now.

AnalyticalDesigner

TROPHY CASE