Notes on Game Development Tips from Lecture

Introduction

• Started working on "Couch Combat" around 2 years ago
• Experienced challenges in time management as it’s the first real game project
• Importance of sharing helpful tips to save time for new developers

Unity Specific Tips

Scriptable Objects

• Great for creating items, dialog systems, etc.
• Recommended to learn to simplify and expand games.

Import Settings

• Can create presets for audio/image files.
• Helpful for pixel art games (avoiding manual filtering adjustments).

Animation Controller Variants

• Allows switching out animations while keeping the same structure.
• Useful for games like FPS.

Asset Store Recommendations

• Easy Camera Shake (GitHub): Free tool; handles camera shake easily.
• Player Preferences Viewer: Simple tool for managing player settings.
• All-in-One Sprite Shader: Helpful tool for creating effects without shader editing.
• Behavior Designer: Visual interface for creating AI; currently on sale.
• Asset Categories: 3D models, skyboxes, sound effects available on the asset store.

General Game Development Advice

Importance of Making Games

• Game development is complicated; don’t get stuck on learning too much before making games.
• Focus on making small, simple games first.

Game Jams

• Short competitions to create games; great for learning and testing ideas.

Learning Process

• Follow longer tutorial series to get familiar with the engine.
• Recommended Channels: Brackeys and other Unity-focused content.
• Keep projects small to finish them, and utilize online resources for specific questions.

Data Abstraction

• Organize code to save time.
• Use loops, arrays, and functions for clean code that’s easy to expand.

Planning Tools

• Trello: Organizes tasks and roadmap for projects; free and efficient.
• Millino: Flexible for various planning needs (mood boards, character charts).

Marketing Tips

• Start marketing early; ensure the game has appeal and uniqueness.
• Stay engaged on social media (Twitter, Reddit) to showcase development.
• Build an audience early for better outreach upon release.

Motivation in Game Development

• Clear goals and outlines help maintain productivity.
• Sharing progress online can boost motivation and accountability.
• Create your own motivation if necessary; consistency is key.

Specific Quick Tips

• Input Management: Use the new Unity input system or purchase "Rewired" to avoid issues with multiple controllers.
• Multiplayer Development: Integrate online multiplayer from the start to avoid complications later on.

Conclusion

• Aim to avoid the pitfalls experienced during game development.
• Encouraged to wishlist the game "Couch Combat" to support the channel.
• Unity Spring Sale for great deals on recommended tools.