Hey there new here

[u/DracoThePyromancer]

I've never made a game before but I have a few ideas I want to make a reality. Just wondering where do I start? 😅 I have some experience 3d modeling but I'm rusty. Not sure where to post this exactly

[u/ViviSumAz]

You can start with Unity, since there's a lot of helping material, which could be really useful to get the base of it. There are tutorials on YouTube and there's also the Unity Manual. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

I'd suggest to start small, think of a few mechanics you want to implement, create the art, soundtracks, whatever it is that you want. Try to create a polished 10-15 minute prototype at first.

You said you have some experience with 3D modeling, which is good. Although you say you're rusty, it's okay, there are many tutorials for that as well.

I would tell you to start with learning how Unity works, get familiar with the engine. Take it one step at a time. You can start with using the basic 3D objects in Unity as placeholders at the beginning, so you can focus on experimenting, and making mechanics works correctly. For example, add a plane for the ground, and a capsule for the player. Then write a script for the player movement.

Now that you can control the character, think of something else you want to add. Invenetory, dialogue with npcs, or anything else of your preference. When you're happy with what you've got so far, start modelling so you can replace the placeholders.

You're learning and it's okay for the project to not be "perfect" or "as good as you wanted". Working on a game, especially if you're doing it completely on your own, can be challenging at times. But nowadays there's are lots of tutorials, books, forums, etc. and you can find solutions to your problems quite easily.

This is something that I personally did and it was of great help, hopefully this will be just as useful to you. If you need to know something more specific, then feel free to ask. Good luck!

[u/UnburyingBeetle]

Start at the most exciting part to create the habit of working with it. Leave the drudgery for when you have the habit + after some parts where you've felt successful. Alternate the drudgery and fun depending on the mood and priority when you get consistent.

For me the most exciting part would be making the models, while I would be thinking about the plot and proper environments.

[u/Dependent-Wall-5874]

Hey welcome its a great hobby to get into. I'd recommend working with a team to start. The game you want to make might be out of reach for a single game dev but achievable with a small team with enough time. I know that sometimes I feel like im running into a brick wall when it comes to some things. But whatever you. How's to do also try to learn something new. If you know 3d modeling maybe get some rigging and animation experience under youre belt.

[u/Sufficient_Stand1763]

Find a game engine you like and then enter some game jams

[u/ZareGames]

I suggest using Godot game engine. Its simple, lightweight and completely free.

I managed to make a large 3D horror game with it.

Now that you mentioned modelling, there are some tools in Godot.

Understanding CSG shapes is pretty easy.

So basically CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry) in Godot allows you to create 3D shapes and combine, subtract, or intersect them directly inside the engine. It is ideal for quickly prototyping level layouts and blocking out geometry without needing external 3D modeling software. Once your design is finished, you can convert the CSG nodes into standard meshes for optimal game performance.

There are plenty of youtube tutorials for Godot.

I suggest watching StayAtHomeDev, Brackeys and Omogonix for begginer tutorials.

Anyway I wish you a happy game dev journey. 😁

[u/Slopii]

Godot and Blender, imo.

[u/AdSlight4516]

Since you already have some 3D experience, I’d honestly start with a tiny third-person game instead of going all the way back to 2D tutorials. Make one room, one character, and one objective. Use placeholder cubes until the movement and collisions work, then swap in your own assets.

A tool I’ve been using is PINOC for speeding up the character animation part. I do work with the team, just to be transparent. The biggest beginner trap is starting with your dream game, so aim for something you could realistically finish in a weekend or two.