If you were a newbie again, how would you learn?

Toonshack

Hi guys, I've been on here for a while now. Helping out on a few little projects. But have decided it time to bite the bullet and learn game salad (well as much as possible), to help out programmers when I work with them or do my own small projects independently.

My question is, if you were starting out all over again how would approach learning game salad. There seems to be so many ways, you tube videos, templates, books, manuals, and lots more. I've had a good read of the manual but it's heavy going and it's a lot of information to take in, so I think a book is the way to go for. I haven't put any money into templates yet.

So if you had to do it all again. How would you do it?

jamie_c

I'd probably do it the same way I have in the past. Through a combination of online tutorials, reading a book or two and experimenting with my own projects.

Braydon_SFX

Watch videos but also follow along - building logic as the video does. I started a huge game when I first started learning - big mistake start very small at first and then build up.

Gnarly

Everyone learns different.
I think everyone starts with "I want to make a game"

I found tutorials helped but a lot went over my head. They assume you know things and don't explain things.

I found it frustrating. so I eventually found a tutor (mentor) here. I pay him to make videos for me. If I don't understand I try and figure it out. If not I have someone to ask.

Great experience. I'm used to 8 years university so I have a biased learning experience.

RThurman

Different people learn in different says.

I like the experimental approach. (Just tinker with stuff till it turns out like you want.)

I also appreciate clean examples of a game mechanic. Just give me one good prototype/example and I am off to the races.

My learning preferences are probably why I post the way I do. (No long posts, just short examples of stuff.)

Armelline

I'd probably go something like this:

1. Watch one of @jamie_c's courses.
2. Pull apart some demo projects.
3. Kidnap @RThurman and make him reveal GameSalad's secrets in exchange for food and a bucket.

That would have me pretty well covered, I think.

jamie_c

Kidnap @RThurman and make him reveal GameSalad's secrets in exchange for food and a bucket.

@Armelline, dare I ask what the bucket would be for?

Toonshack

I'm current stuck on holiday and bogged down with commissions. So I'm gonna put aside a good solid few days to take in as much as I can. To at least make a start lol

RThurman

@jamie_c said:
@Armelline, dare I ask what the bucket would be for?

Garbage in.... garbage out!

Oh, and @jamie_c's new GS book is great. I recommend it to my students!

iamcartez

Trial and error! And asking for help when it comes to the advanced math stuff!

Armelline

@jamie_c As @RThurman says!

jamie_c

@Armelline, ah, got it.

@RThurman, thanks for the endorsement, it means a lot coming from you!

Toonshack

Uh oh. Advanced math is a worrying comment lol