Hey Lykkers! Have you ever thought about creating a game? Maybe you've been inspired by new ideas, or you just want to challenge yourself.

Well, creating a game sounds fun, but it's actually a lot more complicated than we might think.

In fact, many beginners often get laughed off by more experienced developers because they underestimate the effort involved in game development. Let's talk about why that happens, what types of games exist, and why some are way harder to develop than others.

Types of Games and Development Challenges

When it comes to game development, different types of games come with different levels of difficulty. Some require more advanced skills, bigger teams, and larger budgets, while others are more manageable for smaller teams. Here, we'll break down the different types of games and their development challenges to give you a clearer picture of what it takes.

Adventure Games (AVG, Visual Novels)

For those looking to get started with game development, visual novels or adventure games (AVG) can seem like an accessible entry point. But don't be fooled! While the technical side might be simpler compared to other genres, the real challenge lies in managing the narrative and artwork.

Development Difficulty: ★

AVG games often focus on the story, character interactions, and choices. These games don't rely heavily on complex mechanics or systems. The real cost comes from the artwork, such as character designs and backgrounds, which can quickly add up. If you're planning to create a game like this, you'll need to pay attention to art quality, especially because the visual appeal is what players focus on first, even before reading the story.

Team Size: ★

These games can often be handled by a small team, but you'll definitely need specialists for artwork, writing, and game design. However, if you're starting out, consider using pre-built tools like Fungus or Unity with Asset Store packs. These resources can significantly lower your development threshold, making it easier to create your game without starting from scratch.

Development Time: ★

This type of game might take less time to develop compared to something like a 3D action game, but don't expect it to be quick either. You'll still have to put in significant effort into the writing, which can be a daunting task, especially with narrative-heavy games.

Visuals and Art Outsourcing

Let's dive into something crucial: artwork. For visual novels, art is everything. It's not just about pretty characters and backgrounds; it's about making sure your artwork enhances the storytelling. Characters need different expressions and poses, and they must match the tone of each scene. This can be a huge challenge for a solo developer.

If you plan on outsourcing artwork, make sure your contracts are clear. It's essential to define the specific needs for character designs and how they should be delivered. One key piece of advice: avoid creating all your artwork yourself unless you're an expert. Outsourcing is common in this field, and getting the designs right early on will make the rest of the development smoother.

Scriptwriting vs. Novel Writing

Another important distinction is the difference between writing a script for a game and writing a traditional novel. While both involve storytelling, the way you present the narrative in a game is very different. A visual novel script often includes specific visual cues like animations or scene transitions, such as a fade-in or character movements, to immerse the player.

In contrast, writing a traditional novel doesn't require you to think about how your words will translate visually. A key thing to remember is that the story must be engaging not only through the text but through the visual and interactive elements of the game.

Cost and Time Considerations

The overall cost of developing an AVG game can vary widely. As we mentioned, artwork is a big chunk of the budget. But there are also translation costs if you plan to release your game internationally, which could be higher than the development costs themselves, especially if you have a lot of content.

Even though the development process may seem like it could be done on a small budget, the work involved can quickly become overwhelming. Be prepared to invest time into managing and refining your story, visuals, and interactions to make the game truly stand out.

Final Thoughts and Tips for New Developers

To wrap it up, game development isn't a simple task. While adventure games or visual novels might seem like a good starting point for beginners, they come with their own set of challenges. You'll need to think carefully about your team, costs, and time management. But most importantly, remember that using available tools and resources can really help reduce the workload. Don't try to reinvent the wheel—build on what's already out there!

If you're just getting started, take your time, learn as much as you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Game development can be tough, but with patience and persistence, you can definitely make something amazing.

Lykkers, what type of game would you want to create? Do you have any ideas in mind? Let's talk about it!