Coconote
AI notes
AI voice & video notes
Export note
Try for free
Keys to Success in Game Development
Aug 6, 2024
How to Succeed in Game Development: Episode 25 Summary
Introduction
25th episode of the series
Focus on how to succeed by discussing previous content without sarcasm
Key Points to Succeed
Unique Gameplay Ideas
Essential for indie developers to stand out
Sharing ideas for feedback is beneficial
Execution is more important than the idea itself
Game Engine
Avoid building a custom game engine
Use free game engines like GDAU
Test game engines with small projects or tutorials
First Game Strategy
Don’t pursue a dream game initially
Start with small arcade games or game jams
Develop a design document and plans
Create a minimum viable product (MVP)
Platformer Games
Develop unique player movement mechanics
Avoid cliches like double jump and dash
Make the player feel frustrated by their mistakes, not design flaws
Use jump buffering and coyote time to improve gameplay
RPGs
Balance between an immersive world and unique mechanics
Choices should impact gameplay significantly
Avoid cliche XP systems; use in-world achievements or items
Roguelikes
Focus on interesting mechanics and synergies
Avoid repetitive environments and overly simple enemies
Aim for a high skill ceiling
Game Feel
Encompasses feedback, level design, music, art, controls, and animations
Good game feel can help sell the game
Tutorial Integration
Make tutorials part of the game
Use level design to teach mechanics
Avoid excessive text explanations
Music and Sound
Essential for emotional engagement
Invest in good music and sound effects
Arcade Games
Keep gameplay simple, repeatable, and progressively difficult
Avoid scope creep
Puzzle Games
Avoid cliches like buttons, boxes, and keys
Focus on unique mechanics and balanced difficulty
Interactive Stories and Visual Novels
Not considered games by the creator
Focus on creating enjoyable experiences
Visuals
Consistent art style and color usage are important
Use art assets if necessary, especially for first games
Story Integration
Use the medium of games for immersive storytelling
Avoid long text or video explanations
Level Design
Teach mechanics and communicate story progress through levels
Avoid repetitive levels; each should add something new
Horror Games
Build tension without relying on cliches like jump scares
Use player imagination and interactive consequences
Tower Defense Games
Think outside the box and balance the gameplay
Open World Games
Focus on content rather than scale
Ensure world design optimizes immersion and travel
Survival Games
Balance difficulty based on player skill, not RNG
Provide multiple progression strategies
Metroidvanias
Innovate ways to lock areas using items or abilities
Create an interesting and dynamic world
Game Jams
Great for learning development skills and community engagement
First-Person Shooters
Develop unique mechanics and appropriate player movement
Boss Fights
Design unique and interesting boss fights with clear objectives
Time Management
Focus is essential, balance different tasks to stay motivated
Conclusion
Follow these instructions for success in game development
Appreciation for the audience and anticipation for future episodes
📄
Full transcript