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If you’re thinking about making your first 2D game using GDevelop, you’re in for the fun drive. Today, we’re going to discover what a 2D game is, how to build one, and why GDevelop is the perfect tool for game dev newbies.
What Is GDevelop?
If you have no idea what GDevelop is, we already have an article where we run down everything you’ll need to know about the platform, how it works, and most importantly why GDevelop is the best platform for beginners who are new to game development.
What Are 2D Games and 2D Game Design?
Existing long before Blackmyth Wukong, Grand Theft Auto VI, or Elden Ring, 2D games are the foundation of all games available on the market now. Simply put it this way, it’s a video game with two-dimensional graphics, similar to how Minecraft blocks might appear when the view zooms out and flatten. Back then when the game world was not as developed as it is now, these types of games typically focused on side-rolling or top-down perspectives.
Basic Building Blocks of 2D Game Design
- Graphics: 2D game design is all about using sprites for everything from characters, objects, and backgrounds. Sprites can be animated for movement and bringing life into the game world.
- Level Design: Building interesting 2D levels requires close attention to how platforms, enemies, and interaction points are set up. A good level should lead the player through the world while simultaneously encouraging curiosity. There could, of course, be sections that require an alternate game mechanism of shooting, jumping, puzzle solving, and exploration. Obviously, depending on your target gameplay feel or genre, some mechanics would take a front seat above others.
- Storytelling: Though not always being the main focus, a 2D game can still tell good stories by means of visual cues, dialogues, and environmental storytelling. The narrative will add to the player's immersion and motivation.
Evolution of 2D Games
While 3D graphics have become increasingly prevalent in modern gaming, 2D games continue to thrive. Advancements in technology have enabled 2D games to feature more sophisticated visuals, complex gameplay mechanics, and richer storytelling. The indie game scene has been particularly receptive to 2D game development, with many indie titles pushing the boundaries of 2D game design.
Advantages of 2D Game Development
- Accessibility: Most 2D games are more accessible and less computationally intensive to develop compared to 3D games, thus making them more available to smaller development teams and independent developers.
- Artistic Expression: 2D graphics offer a unique aesthetic and can be used to create visually striking and memorable game worlds.
- Nostalgia: For many gamers, 2D games evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of classic titles from their childhood.
The Enduring Appeal of 2D Games
2D games don't cease to amaze with their simplicity, charm, and accessibility. They can offer something very different to gamers of any age bracket and skill level. With new technologies and changes in game design, 2D games are surely going to continue playing an important role in the gaming perspective.
How Do You Make Your Own Game?
If it were 20 years ago, creating games independently might seem daunting, but in today's fast-paced world, with various platforms like GDevelop, solo game development has become easier and does not even require coding skills. Here’s a quick rundown:
Key Considerations Before You Start Making Game
Start with an idea
What kind of game do you want to create? What is your audience? What features will set your game apart? Jotting down your thoughts and ideas, mixing and matching, or getting inspiration from epic games that you love is a great way to start.
Don’t rush into designing
A game without a proper and well-thought plan is just an idea, written. So before making games, think about the mechanics, levels, characters, challenges, and a good backstory first.
Familiarize yourself with GDevelop
Here’s when you hop on GDevelop and start to combine your ideas and the blueprint. There are many other platforms out there that allow you to create games, but GDevelop is a different kind of game-building tool. It’s easy, intuitive, and requires no coding skills. With a large library of templates and a vibrant support community, GDevelop is a great knowledge base for newbies.
Spending some time to get to know all the key features of GDevelop will get you far:
- The scene editor for level design
- The sprite editor for character and object creation
- The event system for game logic
Just start. Start small and slow if you have to
A simple platformer or a basic puzzle game is advised to start for people new to game development. Completing smaller projects will give you the confidence and experience needed for larger ventures, and it won’t stress you out like bigger, complex projects will. Remember, every game developer starts somewhere, and there’s no shame in beginning with a simpler project.
Iterate and playtest
As you develop your game, regularly playtest your work to make sure you identify bugs and refine gameplay mechanics from early on. This whole process will save you a lot of time and can enhance the overall user experience. Don’t be afraid to send them to your friends to playtest, and gathering their feedback can also provide valuable insights.
Top 5 Tips To Come Up With Game Ideas
There are many different ways you can use to get inspiration for your next game. Here are some suggestions from TechTrain:
1. Play other games
Everyone has a genre of game that they enjoy playing. Pick your favorite game, play and analyze it from different angles. Consider these reflective questions: What makes you like playing this game? What aspect of the game you’d like to improve? If you were the creator what changes would you like to make?
2. Don’t filter your ideas
Write down your weirdest to coolest ideas. Don’t let it slip away. You never thought some of your most unconventional ideas could lead you to create the best-selling game of the year.
3. Mix and match genres
Experiment by combining elements from different genres. What would happen if you blended the open-world exploration of an RPG with the fast-paced action of a shooter? Some of the most innovative and memorable games are the right balance of genre mashups.
4. Get inspiration from real life
Personal experiences or historical events can serve as a rich source of inspiration. Don’t just create historical events, use them as a springboard for creative speculation. What if the Roman Empire had access to steampunk technology? How would a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan but with magic-wielding samurai function?
5. Community interacting
Take part in game-developing communities and discussions about game building. In the same vein, sharing work with others could also be an excellent way to have them tell you what your game needs to improve. Another key insight comes from observing what their colleagues are working on. By analyzing other people’s approaches, techniques, and creative solutions, you will be able to widen your horizon and find new ideas for your future projects.
Remember that the flow of ideas thrives in an atmosphere of open communication and collaboration. By being actively involved with the community of your niche, you create a fertile ground for your innovation, learning, and growth. It is not only related to game development but also other aspects of your life.
How to Make a 2D Game with GDevelop
Ready to get started with GDevelop? Here’s a simple guide to help you out, or you can check out our in-depth article on how to get started with GDevelop for beginners for detailed instructions on how to install the tool on different devices, and some other useful tips.
Step 1 - Download GDevelop - Head over to the GDevelop website and grab the software.
Step 2 - Create a New Project: Open GDevelop and start a new project. You can choose a template or start fresh—whatever feels right!
Step 3 - Design Your Game: Use the easy-to-navigate interface to add sprites, backgrounds, and sound effects. Setting up mechanics is a breeze with the event system.
Step 4 - Test Your Game: Regularly check how your game plays using the preview feature. It’s all about tweaking and improving.
Step 5 - Export Your Game: Once you’re happy with everything, export it for different platforms. Share it with the world!
Hear from our talented students
Meet Layla, a twelve-year-old game designer taking her class of 2024 by storm. Layla and her little sister Sydney plunged into the exciting world of game development upon registration into TechTrain.
From the very start, Layla was ready to explore what GDevelop game development program had in store for her. She has always faced problems head-on, which she has turned into chances for growth. With each new project, she learned something different mechanics, character design, and so on.
Layla's story bears witness to what is possible through GDevelop and proves that age is not a barrier to creativity and innovation. This success will inspire new upcoming game developers all over the world and show everyone that, with determination and the appropriate means, anyone can bring their game ideas into reality.
Conclusion
GDevelop welcomes all beginners who would like to make 2D games. It allows one to do whatever they have in mind with its user-friendly interface and without needing to code at all. You can start small and collaborate with others to refine your game development skills. Stories like Layla's teach us that with creativity and determination, anything is achievable. So, why not give it a try?
Ready to start creating your games? Enroll in our GDevelop Game Design World today and get a FREE trial lesson! Don't miss the opportunity to bring your ideas into life!
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