Where do I begin?

[SaynoSin]

First I would like to say thank you for taking the time to view my request.
Here is the rundown

I am new to this game making thing and I was wondering if there was a efficient or easy step by step process that most people use when making their games. I have sat here and wondered how to go about this but I have no idea where to start. If anyone can give me some advice or tips on how they go about this process I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ImmuneEntity]

Well, there's a few things you need to do before you start your "actual" game project. You need to get familiar with the program you are using (in this case probably RMXP or RMVX). Just figure out how to do basic things, and look at what kind of potential you have with the program. Next, make a short "practice" game, maybe a game that's only 15 minutes long. This will help you get into the practice of mapping and eventing, etc.

Finally, before you start making the game, write down your plans. What is going to make your game different than others? What's the story? Who are the characters? It is much better to plan it out ahead of time, because if you just start making it as you go, you will find that you will have to go back and redo much of it to keep the game consistent.

 

[Sarkilas]

Yes, whatever you do, do not rush your final project. If you rush it, you will experience yourself going "maybe I should change this into that? Oh what if...". As ImmuneEntity said, make plans. Plan as much as possible before moving onto the actual editor.

I also like to work out the core scripts and graphics before the actual game is being begun, so I know what I have to work with.

Good luck!

 

[SaynoSin]

I understand about making practice games to better your understanding of the program (now I may just be getting ahead of myself here) but when you are ready to start making a serious game after writing and planning the storyline should I work on the database first, maps, resources, scripts or what?

 

[Sarkilas]

In my opinion, once you have the  neccisity of resources, scripts and in the database (as in what required to start off your game) to start off, begin with your opening scene or whatever. You can go in any order you want. For instance, you can start with making a bit off the main story, then going back and fixing on minor details. It's really up to you. I personally prefer working out everything that is vital to the main story first, then adding interesting side-details which don't really advance or change the plot.

 

[SaynoSin]

Hmm ok I appreciate your help, One more question sort of off topic but do you know of any tutorials that can help you organize your games storyline for example if I were to write it out should it look like this

Storyline
      Hero defeats Villain

Characters
      Harry
      Tia

Enemies
      Slime
      Werewolf

and so on

 

[Sarkilas]

I think you should go and read some tutorials. You can find a sorted archive here: http://www.rmxp.org/forums/index.php?topic=50622.0

 

[SaynoSin]

Thank you for all your help I really appreciate it

 

[Reives]

Keep in mind that your first project is most likely going to end up not being finished (as you will likely move on to a better foundation after you've gained more experience), so try to just experiment with things with no rules or pressure for the first project imo.

 

[starseed28]

Just dont forget to write EVERYTHING down. That way if something happens to your game you can recreate it if necessary. I lost an entire game recently and thank god I had it all down in a binder.

This may be a lil obsessive (hey thats just me) but I made outlines for weapons, armors, items, enemies, etc etc in microsoft word, printed them off, then when I finished an area I would fill in the slots. Erasable in case I changed something and I wouldnt have to re-figure out damage, HP, MP etc. if something happened (which it did)

I even wrote down my script, what treasures are found in what maps and on and on. I commited the whole thing to paper lol. Like I said it sounds obsessive but when my program corrupted and the game had to be scrapped it saved the day.