Getting Started in Game Development: Advice from Peter Hargarten

Embarking on the journey of game development can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to create your own worlds or a complete novice with a passion for interactive storytelling, knowing where to start is crucial. In a recent interview, Peter Hargarten, an interactive technology engineer and the owner of the indie game studio Quill and Calibur, shared his insights on how to break into the field of game development. Peter's advice is not only practical but also deeply personal, reflecting his own experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Start Small and Keep Learning

Peter’s journey into game development began at a young age. His first foray into creating games was in elementary school, where he designed a simple board game for a school assignment. "It was simpler than Candyland," he recalls, "but it sparked something in me." This early experience laid the foundation for his continued interest in game design, which he carried into his teenage years. One of his creations, a pirate-themed board game called Arg, is still a family favorite. The key takeaway here? Start small. Your first project doesn’t need to be complex. What matters is getting started and learning as you go.

Don’t Let the Tough Moments Deter You

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Peter reflected on a challenging experience he had during a two-week summer school class focused on video game development. "I didn’t enjoy myself because coding was tough, and people didn’t talk," he admits. This experience almost deterred him from pursuing game development altogether. His advice now is to push through the tough moments. "There’s going to be times that it’s not fun, but that’s okay. As long as you’re doing the work, you clearly like making games. Just keep making games."

This advice is invaluable for anyone starting out. The process of game development can be grueling at times, with long hours spent troubleshooting and refining your work. But persistence pays off. The key is to keep creating, even when the going gets tough.

You Don’t Need to Be a Programmer

One of the most common myths about game development, according to Peter, is the belief that you need to be a skilled programmer to succeed. "I thought that you needed to understand programming in order to get into game development," he says. However, with today’s tools, this is no longer the case. There are numerous visual scripting tools and resources available that allow creators to design games without extensive coding knowledge. This myth, Peter argues, needs to be busted, especially for those who might be intimidated by the technical aspects of game design.

The Joy of Watching Others Enjoy Your Creation

For Peter, the true reward of game development lies in seeing others enjoy the games he’s created. He fondly recalls moments when players laughed, groaned, and celebrated while playing Arg. "Watching those emotions that are being triggered by something I made is the thing that makes it completely worth it," he says. The joy of creating something that brings happiness to others is what drives him to keep going, even through the difficult parts of the process.

Join Us on October 1st

If you’re interested in learning more about how to make your first game, join us on October 1st at 2pm PT/5pm ET for a special episode of Signal Boost with Peter Hargarten. He’ll dive deeper into the game development process and share more tips and stories from his journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, this is an event you won’t want to miss!