Building a Short Game: What to Expect in Time and Effort | PSX Graphics Challenge
By
Maya Kim
Edited By
Luis Martinez
Aspiration Meets Reality
A budding game developer is tackling the challenge of creating a short game featuring PS1-style graphics. With a proposed playtime of around an hour and a simple interaction mechanic, the roadmap to completion raises questions about time commitment and expertise in coding.
The Challenge of Game Development
In a recent forum discussion, the developer shared their enthusiasm and aspirations, noting they have basic C++ skills and some experience with visual novels. But how feasible is this project given their limited coding background?
Several comments from the community offered insights into the potential time frame for completion. One user stated, "With no experience? It could be a long time." Others were more optimistic, suggesting that consistent daily effort could yield results in about a year.
Complexity is Key
The complexity of the game design emerged as a major theme in the conversation. As one commenter pointed out, "There’s no way to answer this without knowing how many hours you’re putting in and how complex interactions will be." Developers emphasized that the game's success may depend on elements such as:
Interactions with objects, like doors
Integrated inventory systems
Game art and sound design
"Expecting a simple game? Think again!" - A community developer warns.
Existing Experience Matters
Another perspective came from a professional software developer who recently began transitioning into game development. They recounted, "The amount of work I’m realizing I will have to do is overwhelming," revealing the often underappreciated depth of game creation.
This highlights an interesting point: many aspiring creators may underestimate the nuances that come with even seemingly simple mechanics.
Learning Curve for Newcomers
Beyond the technical side, newcomers must also navigate learning new programming languages. One developer asked whether learning C# would be easier since they already knew C++. Community responses pointed to the benefit of foundation knowledge in tackling new programming tasks.
Key Takeaways
🕒 Beginners may need a year or more for a simple game.
🚪 Complex mechanics like object interactions and inventory systems can significantly extend development time.
🎮 Community experiences suggest a steep learning curve for new programming languages.
As this development journey unfolds, it remains to be seen how ambition can match skill and experience in the world of indie game creation.
The Path Forward for Aspiring Developers
Experts suggest that as game development continues to grow in popularity, there's a strong chance novice creators may find more accessible resources and tutorials tailored to PS1-style game design. Predictions of a year-long development timeframe seem probable as beginners familiarize themselves with necessary skills, although many might still underestimate the true effort required. With platforms like forums and user boards buzzing with shared experiences, the trend could lead to more community members offering mentorship, increasing the likelihood of successful projects in the coming years. As these developers connect, there's a possibility that unique, simple games could flood the market, reviving nostalgia while highlighting the learning journey involved in the process.
A Journey Echoing the Rise of Indie Film
Comparing this game development effort to the indie film scene in the early 2000s presents an interesting parallel. Just as aspiring filmmakers learned their craft often through limited means and made significant breakthroughs with passion-driven projects, today's game creators face a similar landscape. Many indie filmmakers began with DIY techniques, often struggling with resources or expertise, yet their relentless drive led to unexpected successes. The rise of blockbuster indie films like "The Blair Witch Project" shows how grassroots creativity can reshape an industry, forecasting that tomorrow’s game designers may very well do the same with their retro-style gameplay.