Hi guys/gals,

So at one point I went to game dev school but immediately switched major to Visual FX and Motion Picture in Media Arts.

With that being said, I dont have any experience in any programming, all I have is ideas. I have dabled with things like Photoshop, Maya (although I cant remember a thing i did with Maya as it was over 10 years ago). My first project I was looking into is something small, 2D gameplay but would like to lean on 3D Graphics. With that being said, I am currently seeing tutorial videos of Unity and as we speak viewing Editing Basics Unity live video they had.

I know there are 4 major Engines we can use such as Unity, UE, Cryengine, and Source 2. Most are free except for CE, I think you pay monthly, besides the royalties and such. So with that being said. I also purchased and own the Developer version of ClickTeamFusion 2.0. ClickTeamFusion is very simple and I intend on using it for certain easy projects I have in mind that are mostly Mobile directed. However I would like to learn a significant engine based on what I want to do and with that comes the question of which would you recommend for a total noober. I do understand that every engine for the most part have their own scripting language.

My projects overall involve 2D gameplay but with 3D graphic, is Unity, the best way to approach this project? Considering I don't know a lick of anything?

P.S: I did the tutorials for ClickTeam Fusion and its is remarkably easy as its a cookie cutter, drag and drop type of engine but it does have some pretty cool features. Although I don't know that I will be able to really bring up the vision I have for my Project using ClickTeamFusion. I also have always had an interest in doing Level Design as my primary role. If anyone would be able to also recommend what engine would be great for Level Design.

Thanks for any suggestions and input you may have.

Trapper

ClickTeam Fusion is probably good given your background is in art. GameMaker Studio and GameSalad can also be good depending on what system you use.

Of the four choices Unity, UE, Cryengine, and Source 2, Unity would be most friendly to an artist if you're wiling to buy a few things from the Unity Store, with UE4 close behind if you only use the built-in Blueprint system. All of them will require programming, some require more programming than others.

ClickTeam Fusion is probably good given your background is in art. GameMaker Studio and GameSalad can also be good depending on what system you use.

Of the four choices Unity, UE, Cryengine, and Source 2, Unity would be most friendly to an artist if you're wiling to buy a few things from the Unity Store, with UE4 close behind if you only use the built-in Blueprint system. All of them will require programming, some require more programming than others.

Awesome thank you. I know that I shouldn't think too much ahead when it comes to this because it got confusing and discouraging. Therefore I am attempting to take this on small steps. ClickTeam Fusion was really easy to work with and I think I may try to really understand it completely but I am not sure how in depth I can build something as appose to using Unity. So far from the Videos I have seen, Unity isn't entirely confusing. I am thinking of taking it steps by steps, for example learning to use Unity first so I can understand it, then maybe do some tutorials on Maya to get back into it or maybe some tutorials on Photoshop since I know it much more in depth, then finally do some tutorials on Scripting. Leaning towards C#.

That way maybe I can get a full understand or somewhat of understanding on all the aspects of Game Dev until I can really focus on Level Design and eventually find some people to work with or freelance.

That's the plan I have now, I am not sure If someone could advice if that is a good learning path or if they recommend something different. I did find Pluralsight and their leaning paths seemed pretty good. If anyone has used them, what are your thoughts?

Thanks again

Good luck bro.

I have used Pluralsight extensively and I like the courses that they have on there. Right now for Unity I like the content on CG Cookie as well.

It sounds like you are trying to go in a million directions at once. My recommendation would be to try to make a really small and simple game in whatever target technology that you choose. Build something basic and then tackle a slightly more complicated project. Keep expanding your skills gradually but don't try to bite off more than you can chew.

The important thing is to pick a direction and set about creating something. I find the best way to retain knowledge is to apply it. There are times that I have gone through a course on a technology and didn't really learn much until I set about using that technology on an actual project. Seeing people walk through things is often far easier than doing it yourself.

I have used Pluralsight extensively and I like the courses that they have on there. Right now for Unity I like the content on CG Cookie as well.

It sounds like you are trying to go in a million directions at once. My recommendation would be to try to make a really small and simple game in whatever target technology that you choose. Build something basic and then tackle a slightly more complicated project. Keep expanding your skills gradually but don't try to bite off more than you can chew.

The important thing is to pick a direction and set about creating something. I find the best way to retain knowledge is to apply it. There are times that I have gone through a course on a technology and didn't really learn much until I set about using that technology on an actual project. Seeing people walk through things is often far easier than doing it yourself.

Awesome guys, thanks alot for the advice, I have been following Unitytech on twitch and just excited to see all the live training they have had. I found the forums in Unity have some really cool walk through tutorials to get a game started and completed, So I intend on doing a few of those before i go about and start my own small one. Someone advised me to start with some old school Arcade games like Pacman, Breakout, and asteroids. He said by completing those that will get a solid foundation to start experimenting and setting up my own project.

Thanks everyone!

P.S IF anyone else wants to add their advice, please do, I welcome all of it