Stage 1 · Lesson 3 of 7
Scope control and prototypes
Scope is how big a game you commit to making. Too much scope is the main reason hobby games never get finished, so is a skill in itself. A first game should take two to six weeks to build, around one (the main thing the player does).
Write the smallest fun version on one page: a that also lists the features that are out. Then build a , a rough test of the mechanic using plain shapes before any art. Prototypes are cheap to throw away.
Only once this version is fun do you add levels, menus and polish. You will use this habit in every later stage and every jam.
Common trapadding features, story or art before the core mechanic works on its own.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 3 cheat sheet entries come with the full roadmap. Unlock
Resources for this stage
Start with
- VideoFreeGame Maker's Toolkit
Mark Brown (YouTube)
Short, clear video essays on why games work, so you start thinking about design from your first clone
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
A clear, free chapter on how the loop your engine runs actually works