How do I get excited about making games again?

ktfright

Hey everyone! For those who do not know, I'm ktfright, and I have something I would like to say...

I have been using GameSalad since it was in alpha, and now that I'm in college, I realized that I used it less and less. Don't get me wrong, GS is an extraordinary tool, and I have seen some amazing and beautiful games from a lot of talented people. I always wanted to become some type of programmer or designer, but I was just never great at math. After a long talk with my older siblings however, I now want to try and get a degree in computer science instead of advertising. It seems less risky, but I'm still afraid of failing. I always wanted to do CS, but I felt that I was too dumb to go into a math or coding class and put effort into trying to learn.

I realize that I just went off topic (I tend to do that a lot), but I'm asking, what can I do to get back into the groove of making games again, and for any programmers, any words of advice for getting through CS, math and pushing for a degree?

CreeperWare

As a sophomore in college with a declared CIS major (Bentley University), I think I can help shed some light on this.

I too, am terrible at math. And while I have coded competitively for years in Java / C++ / Objective C , I am also terrible at coding and have relied on team members to do most of the hard work.

The reason I personally chose this field, is I love conceptualizing games and having the basic working knowledge to be able to direct teams of coders / graphic designers.

Put simply, as long as you love games / business, you don't have to be the miserable guy behind the keyboard 18 hours a day.

Having a working knowledge about programming means you won't get the best grades in your programming courses, but you will know enough to start your own software company.

Hope that helps!

ktfright

Your post really did help a lot! How long have you been coding for?

IsabelleK

Just design the game you would like to play - it works for me

BTW, good to see you again!

ktfright

Thanks guy, this is really helping me feel better about everything. I got an iPad 2 last week, so I hope to create some neat stuff with GS really soon. It does feel good to be back, the community here is awesome!

CreeperWare

Your post really did help a lot! How long have you been coding for?

Glad to help! I have been coding in Java and C++ for 5-6 years and Objective C for around 4.

Braydon_SFX

Hey there,

Of course, you want to come up with something that you are proud to make, something that shows what you can do.

I think we can all admit that we are excited when you first start developing a game, then after a month+ development, things get slow and the feelings fall apart.

This might just be me, but if you leave the game alone for 2 weeks, then come back to your game, the excited sense has returned and I tear at the game again. I get a lot done, take a week off, come back and repeat this process. This how I work. If I don't do this, and like I said, this is just me, I don't get anything done. I stare at the screen, wondering what to do next, how profitable the sales might be and I lose interest.

Anyway, this is something you might want to try, it helps me, I hope it can help you.


Bray

ktfright

Thanks Bray. With school, work, and music, I almost always seem to procrastinate and get bored or frustrated when working, but I guess I have to look for the fun I used to have making games.