For example, if you like games you can play with a group of people, you might make a multiplayer online role-playing game.

For example, if you want the goal of the game to be finding a pot of gold, create characters like an evil leprechaun who’s trying to protect the pot and a storyline of events that might happen throughout the player’s journey, like the appearance of a magical rainbow.

Having a beginner’s level along with more advanced levels also means more people can play your game. It won’t exclude any players. You can create different levels for the same goal, or make levels get progressively harder throughout the story. For example, you can have a beginner’s option and an advanced option for trying to slay the evil leprechaun. Or you can make the first step, like finding the leprechaun, easier, then make the next step, like getting inside his lair, a little more difficult, and so on.

Include details like what actions the characters will take in each scene, what the background should look like, whether there will be any special effects or sounds, etc. For instance, using the leprechaun example, 1 frame might be searching the woods for the leprechaun’s cave. The storyboard would have a description of the woods, what animals or elements the character might run into, and whether the character can run, jump, or even swing from the trees. The more in-depth your storyboard is, the easier the development stage will be, since you’ll be more prepared.

GameMaker Studio and Unity 3D are 2 of the most popular programs for video game development. Choose a free version of one of these programs if you’re on a budget. Keep in mind that the free versions will have limited options and features.

Some of the common programming languages used in designing games are JavaScript, HTML5, ActionScript 3, C++, or Python. After you master the basics, learn the application programming interface (API) for your coding language. This basically is a set of instructions for how your code will interact with other software or programs. Open-source game development programs also provide extra support and sample code for creating games. For example, if you want your character to climb the wall of the leprechaun’s cave, you can find a pre-made coding sequence for a climbing motion, then tweak it to fit your game.

Keep your prototype as simple as possible if you’re a beginner. You can always build on it later. Be open to new ideas that come to you as you build your game and also be willing to let go of things you thought would work but don’t.

You can also have your friends and family to playtest the game. Ask them for honest feedback about their experience. Don’t just test for functionality. Test for how fun the game is, too! If it’s boring or slow, brainstorm ways to make it more exciting, like by adding more challenges or special effects. You can do as many rounds of playtesting as necessary until you’re satisfied with your finished game.

For example, if your game is going to be shooting down stray meteorites, incorporate harder levels where the meteorites start falling faster, or set a goal for the player where they can unlock a new launcher if they shoot 15 meteorites in 5 seconds. Think about the games that are most popular or that you like the most when you’re brainstorming. What do you like about them? How can you use the best aspects in your own game?

iOS tends to be easier to develop apps on since its programming language (Swift) is less involved than Android’s (Java). You’ll have a better chance of making more money if you use iOS. The App Store generates almost double the revenue of Android’s equivalent, which is Google Play. [9] X Research source You can build for both iOS and Android, but it will be more expensive since each one has its own coding structure and requirements. If you want to use both platforms, it’s best to start with just one since you have limited time and resources. Once you develop the game for that platform, you can convert it to be compatible with the other.

Add sound effects to enhance the experience for the user. You can include anything from fun background music to the sound of a cheering crowd whenever the player scores a goal, for instance. You can design your graphics with software like Photoshop, or hire a graphic designer if you want more professional-looking images. Check your platform’s design requirements first. You can find the list on either Google Play or the App Store.

One of the most popular game development programs is GameSalad, which lets you build fully functioning 2D games without writing a single line of code. While “drag and drop” programs are easy and convenient, they’ll also limit how much customization and control you have. Consider outsourcing the development step to make your life easier if you’re not an experienced coder or developer. It’s worth the extra cost to have a professionally-designed product.

You can try offering what’s known as a “freemium” app. People can download your gaming app for free, but then pay for more advanced features or a better experience. In-app purchases might include buying coins so your character can have new clothes, for example, or paying to play the game without ads. There are different ad services you can choose from. For instance, a popular option for Android apps is Google AdMob. Be careful not to overdo it with ads. You don’t want to frustrate players or disrupt their gaming experience.

Getting your game approved by Google is much easier than by Apple. Once you submit to Google Play, your game could be live in just a few hours. To upload an app on Google Play, you have to sign up for a Google Play Developer account which costs $25. To submit an app to Apple, you need to enroll in the iOS Developer Program, which is $99 a year. If your game isn’t accepted, make any necessary changes based on the feedback you receive, then re-submit as many times as you’d like. You can appeal a rejection to Apple’s App Review Board if you feel it was unfair.

If you need some inspiration, incorporate elements from your favorite board games. For example, if you love Monopoly, include a buying and selling element in your own game. Use any materials you’d like to construct the physical game. The board could be made of cardboard, wood, or even fabric, for example. You can also repurpose an old board game. Cover the board with paper and decorate it yourself and use the pawns for your new game, too.

Match the game to the theme of the party. For example, if it’s an undersea party, make a play on “pin the tail on the donkey” with “pin the fin on the mermaid” instead. If your guests enjoy alcoholic beverages, consider starting a drinking game. For instance, have everyone try to balance a spoon on their nose. Whenever your spoon drops, you have to take a drink.

For example, look for every letter in the alphabet on signs as you drive by. Start with the “A” you saw on the Taco Bell sign, then the “B” on “Exit 4B,” and so on. Avoid games where you have to write or read or that take up a lot of space. Those are difficult to play in the car.

Try to keep the rules as simple as possible. When card games get too complicated or involved, they can be frustrating and not as fun. You can also create a game where you can play it by yourself with 1 deck, for instance, or add a second deck for multiple players. That way you can really play anytime, anywhere!