A Wannabe= input("what steps should i take to become a programmer")

Hello Unity Community
As non programmer/gamdesigner, but a go hard pc gamer, I have been truly inspired to make a game of my dream at some point, These past few months i have been doing a lot of research as to how I can get my feet wet in programming as well as what steps I should be taking to at least be able to make a prototype of the game I would like to create. I have already made a preliminary design and written out my plot/intro of the game...but unfortunately i realize being the one with the grand idea/s wont do much if i do not have ability to create...and those that do have have the ability, seem to want to be paid for everything...so therefore i would like to learn on my own for now. If you do not mind i would like to ask a series of questions in which I hope propels me in the right direction.(to be more specific i think I am looking more so to be a game designer as opposed to a programmer)

Should I continue to learn python as my first coding language?

DId you go to a university or a short program to enhance your talented ability to animate and create games? If so what courses did you take up? If not what direction should i be headed in in terms of free EASY , baby steps, even a brain dead patient could understand this type of learning?Currently finished undergrad with a degree in mass communications and feel as if I wasted time...although I know everything we do is a learning experience,and that is a variable that will remain constant forever.

Even if I am not a fan of math can I still manage to put together a game ( in terms of scripting)?

does python code work well with unity?


and this question might be reserved for when i become more advanced...but how would i create 2d sprites in a 3d top down world? almost like the online game ragnorak?

i feel like i have so much to ask because im so overwhelmed with how awesome the process of making a game seems to be. thank you for your time.

 

You seem to suggest that it's unseemly for people to expect payment for their work. One day when the game of your dreams is finished, you don't plan and given it away for free, do you?

Python is a fantastic programming language, but Unity doesn't support Python, nor do other game engines that I'm aware of. Unity does support a programming language called Boo, which is based off of Python. But it's no where near as popular as C# or even UnityScript/JavaScript. If I were starting out with Unity I would prefer learning C#.

There is no such a thing. There is an inherent level of difficulty in learning any subject, beyond which it cannot be simplified any more. Else we would all be able to understand Quantum Physics and speak fluent Chinese.

That said, you just need some basic linear algebra to get you started, and that is taught on the freshman level in most colleges. Programming you can learn from books, websites, online courses, and, most importantly, sitting down at a computer and practicing.

It depends on the type of game. But yeah, it's possible.

 

Lol no ...I was just simply stating the reality of the matter, with no negative connotation; they definitely should get paid for their work. My apologies if that was how it was interpreted :/

As far as the easy part lol I know that as well, just being a little dramatic. Because if that were the case i definitely wouldn't be seeking your helping hand in pertaining to this matter ( which by the way I appreciate very much).

My heart is now broken into a Bazillion pieces with you mentioning that python cant be used for this... and ive been progressing quite well on this interactive site with it. However... I'll take the advice and check out C# and Unity Script.

and the type of game would i would love to create is a 2d sprite 3d environment shooter online pc game
And once again I thank you for the input

 

You would be surprised how many programmers are out there looking for a good idea and how many artists are looking for a combination of the two right this moment. Further, quite a few would be happy to work with you for free as it's good practice. Granted, quite a few of these won't be top notch programmers and a portion of them could be bad, but there will be a good number with a good amount of skill in the mix. You'll just have to search a little bit. So if you'd rather get your game going sooner rather than later and have someone who has had experience with making games before, I would suggest finding a programmer while learning programming on your own and off to the side.

If you're hell-bent on being the programmer of your own game and brand new to programming I would definitely stick with Python for a little while even though it's not supported in Unity. It's a powerful, easy to understand language that's perfect for beginners. Once you get the logic down and begin to find writing simple programs easier and easier with that language, move on to one of the supported languages. I would suggest JavaScript as the first Unity-supported language you begin to learn as(in my opinion) it's easier and only slightly slower than C#. I can't speak on Unity's 3rd language, Boo, as I have no experience at all in it.

I've currently not attended university as I'm still in high school for the next few months, although I am registered to be a CS major at Stanford starting next year. I have no doubt this will help me as a programmer but I have no plans of taking any digital art classes during my time there. That being said, you definitely don't have to attend university or any classes to get good at programming or animation, especially with the abundance of information on the internet. All it takes is time, practice, and patience.

Before you even begin making your game or worrying about the Unity editor for your game, make sure you have a strong hold on programming yourself or have someone who does on your team. Usually the designer and artist will provide the materials, models, and a detailed plan to the programmer who then puts it all together. Unity makes it possible for a programmer to take your creations and add functionality with relative ease.

Edit: I realized I missed this question. Programming is a lot of math. A lot. If you're not a fan of math, it's going to be tougher for you, but you're going to have to learn it. Personally I've taken up to Calculus II(taken at local university) and I've found my level of math to be one of my most helpful assets when it comes to making games. In games, physics play an enormous part which means lots and lots of math. If you aren't good at it there will be things lacking from the game and it will not be as smooth as if you had heavy experience in the field.

Good luck.

 

SHanka THANKKYA!!!! Lol, but honestly thank you for the information. I will most definitely look for those programmers and designers who i can work with to help my idea come alive. Also in reading your response to my post, I believe the principle I've learned is stick to your strong points as well strengthen your weaknesses...so with that being said i think i will take pride in being the one to have the grand idea and who creates the preliminary design and plot and work on the programming on the side as you have suggested. I'm so accustomed to being independent on most of my journeys, but your suggestions have definitely pointed me in the right direction as to what i need to do to move forward. i thank you so much.