The original poster is seeking resources that have proven helpful for others in their game development journeys. They are specifically interested in recommendations beyond the typical beginner tutorials, hoping to find resources that have helped people move from intermediate to advanced skill levels. They're open to any type of resource, including books, courses, articles, communities, or tools, and are particularly interested in areas like game design, shaders/graphics programming, and AI.
The Hacker News post titled "Ask HN: Any recommend resources that helped your game dev journey?" poses a question to the community seeking recommendations for helpful resources that have aided individuals in their pursuit of game development. The original poster (OP) specifically requests resources that go beyond the typical introductory tutorials and delve into more intermediate or advanced aspects of game development. They express a desire to move past the stage of simply following tutorials and begin creating their own unique game projects. While acknowledging the importance of fundamental programming knowledge and basic game development concepts, the OP seeks resources that can bridge the gap between beginner tutorials and independent game creation, potentially focusing on areas like game design principles, advanced programming techniques, or project management strategies within the context of game development. They are essentially asking for guidance on how to transition from a tutorial follower to a self-sufficient game developer capable of bringing their own game ideas to fruition.
Summary of Comments ( 7 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43169715
The Hacker News comments on this "Ask HN" post offer a variety of resources for aspiring game developers. Several commenters emphasized the importance of starting small and finishing projects, recommending simple game jams and focusing on core mechanics before adding complexity. Specific resources mentioned include "Game Programming Patterns" by Robert Nystrom, Handmade Hero, and the Unity and Godot engines. A few suggested learning through decompilation or recreating classic games. Several cautioned against getting bogged down in engine choice or overly ambitious projects. The consensus seemed to be that practical experience, combined with targeted learning of core concepts, is the most effective path.
The Hacker News post "Ask HN: Any recommend resources that helped your game dev journey?" has generated a variety of helpful comments offering advice and resources for aspiring game developers.
Several commenters emphasize the importance of starting small and focusing on completing projects, rather than getting bogged down in complex tools or ambitious ideas. One commenter suggests beginning with simple games like Pong or Tetris to learn the fundamentals. This sentiment is echoed by others who advocate for iterative development and the creation of minimal viable products. "Finish something, anything," is a common refrain, highlighting the importance of seeing a project through to completion to gain experience and build a portfolio.
Specific resources mentioned include books like "Game Programming Patterns," which is praised for its clear explanations of common game development problems and solutions. Another commenter recommends the "Handmade Hero" series, which provides a deep dive into game engine development from scratch. Free online resources like the Godot Engine documentation and various YouTube channels are also highlighted for their accessibility and educational value.
Beyond technical skills, some comments focus on the importance of design and game feel. One commenter recommends studying classic games to understand what makes them enjoyable and applying those principles to one's own projects. Others emphasize the importance of playtesting and iterating based on feedback.
Several commenters also discuss the value of community and networking. Joining online forums, attending game jams, and participating in local game development groups are all suggested as ways to connect with other developers, learn from experienced professionals, and get feedback on one's work.
A recurring theme in the comments is the importance of perseverance and passion. Game development can be a challenging and time-consuming process, and commenters stress the need for dedication and a genuine love for games to succeed in the field. One commenter encourages aspiring developers to focus on the joy of creation and to view setbacks as learning opportunities.
Overall, the comments offer a wealth of practical advice, valuable resources, and encouragement for anyone embarking on a game development journey. They highlight the importance of starting small, focusing on completion, continuous learning, and engaging with the game development community.