Dreaming of making your own video game? Whether you’re a solo indie dev, a hobbyist, or someone with no technical background, this guide is for you. I started with no budget, minimal experience, and a lot of ideas. Today, I’ve launched a game catalog with 13 unique titles. Here's the exact roadmap that took me from zero to launched game—and how you can do it too.

1. Start with the Smallest Game Idea Possible 🧠

Your first instinct might be to build the next Elden Ring or Among Us. Don’t. Start with a tiny game idea. Something you can build in 1-2 weeks:

• One-button arcade game
• A simple puzzle mechanic
• A mini platformer with 1–2 levels

Small wins = motivation boost = consistent momentum. ✅ Rule: One mechanic. One goal. One player experience.

2. Pick the Right Tools for You 🛠️

You don’t need to code to make games. There are tools for every skill level: No Code / Low Code:

• Construct 3 – drag-and-drop 2D games
• GDevelop – great for beginners
• RPG Maker – story-driven RPGs

Code-Based:

• Unity (C#) – 2D/3D games with flexibility
• Godot (GDScript/C#) – lightweight, beginner-friendly
• Unreal (Blueprints/C++) – stunning visuals, better for 3D

3. Sketch the Game First ✏️

Before building anything, outline:

• Core gameplay loop
• Basic wireframes/UI ideas
• Level design (if any)
• Win/Lose conditions

Tools like Miro, Notion, or even pen and paper help you think before you build. ✅ Reminder: Clarity before code = faster development.

4. Build a Prototype, Not a Masterpiece ⚙️

A prototype is a rough, playable version of your idea. No polish. No fancy menus. Just core gameplay. Why? You validate if the idea is actually fun. You test controls, game feel, and responsiveness. You get early feedback before investing too much time. ✅ Goal: Finish the prototype, not perfect it.

5. Polish the Essentials ✨

Once the prototype feels good, add: Basic UI (start, pause, score), Visual theme and sound, Win/lose logic, Bug fixes, Keep it lean. Only add features that improve gameplay. ✅ Remember: "Fun" is more important than "Fancy".

6. Test with Real People 👀

This part is gold. Ask friends, family, or indie communities to play your game. Watch them: Struggle or breeze through levels, Get bored or hooked, Click where they shouldn’t, Then iterate based on what you learn. You’re too close to your game to see its flaws—players will show you.

7. Publish It 📤

Once you're happy, it's time to ship it! Where to publish:

• Itch.io – perfect for indie games and free games
• GameJolt – community-focused
• Steam – if you're ready for more setup and visibility
• Web embed – if you want to launch it on your site or blog

Create a simple thumbnail, description, and cover art. Don’t overthink it—just get it out there.

8. Share It With the World 🌍

You made a game. That’s HUGE. Now share it: Post it on X/Twitter, Reddit, Discord, and game dev forums. Share devlogs or time-lapses. Ask for feedback, not just praise. You’re now part of the indie dev world—welcome!