I want to become a game developer.
That's it. The end.
Kidding, of course.
I know there are many others who either share the same aspirations I have, or they are currently further along in achieving that feat. I know the job itself will be difficult. Extremely difficult. And that's okay. I do not want to attempt something easy. See, I have no prior experience with anything related to game development aside from, well, playing video games. I can barely code with the exception of simple strings and variables. I have never worked on artwork for games - never touched Blender or Aesprite. I have never composed music for video games or sound effects. I have never marketed much aside from popular food and beverage items from when I was a server/bartender. I have never designed UI, or created battle systems, or ways to save a game. I have never done anything when it comes to developing a game.
Recently I have decided to change that. I want to learn everything. Which, I know, is going to make it that much more difficult but I am someone who wants to dabble in all aspects and not just focus on one trait. Who knows? I may be complete garbage at all of it. Or I may end up finding out I'm far superior in one element opposed to others. But I will never know unless I just try. That's why I've created "Netherblossom Studios," my own indie, solo dev studio with no experience yet behind it (and a simple yet lovely logo made by my girlfriend who is my biggest supporter and most sturdy rock). As for why I chose the name... well, I like flowers. And the lotus flower growing through mud gave me some inspiration, I'll admit. Such as a flower blossoming through the dark, or the nether.
Recently I've been working through a book called "The C# Player's Guide" by RB Whitaker, and I'm currently on chapter eight. The book is all about learning the C# programming language and treats it as though you're taking part in some grand D&D-Esque adventure while you're learning. It's been very enjoyable so far! The book is well-written and helps someone as new to programming, such as me, have an easier time with learning. I won't lie and say it has been easy to learn because all of it hasn't. I'm, for one, terrible at math beyond basic concepts - and there are parts that I may reread a section three or four times before finally accepting I only understood maybe half of what was written. However, that is to no fault of the author.
So, why C#? Well, the game engine I've decided to use is Unity. I know what you're thinking. Why not Godot? GDscript is much more accessible to beginners! It's completely free! The documentation is presented much easier to understand! And yes, all of those may, in fact, be true. However, after my own personal research, and for the games I'd like to make down the road, Unity seems to be more suited to my needs within the 3d-space as well as how many solutions to problems have already been solved. Tried and tested. Weatherworn. And to be completely honest, it's the one that appeals to me the most with having a central focus on a programming language that could be used outside of game development as well.
If you've stumbled upon this, then you're probably thinking "Why? Why are you writing all of this?" Well, it's mainly for me. A way to motivate myself and keep track of my progress as time goes on, and to hold myself accountable. Second, there may be someone out there who just so happens to stumble onto this page who is wanting to chase their dream of creating and developing a game as well. Hopefully reading through my journey and struggles will give them the courage to keep walking forward as well. Or perhaps someone experienced will stumble upon this and have some advice to give that may aid me. Either way, writing has always been an outlet for me, and I see no reason why that should not apply here. Even if nobody likes blogs anymore.
I suppose this is all I have to say for now. I will keep posting my journey through the book, and someday soon be taking my first steps into the Unity Engine itself. Things are busy in my life right now so the progress may start slow, but I'll try to keep striking the iron while it's hot, and while the will and fire burn bright within.
Farewell,
Woodsy
