Mobile Game Development Industry has a very big boom in the current scenario. Here we list out some skills to start 3d mobile game development.
Mobile Game Development
Nowadays usage of Android Phones has widely grown a lot. We can see nobody without android phones in the current situation. And 70% of Android users have an addiction to android gaming. So to this demand for android games, more companies and individuals develop new games every day.
But most experienced developers in other languages (even in android too!) have a lot of fear for get into android game development. Here we explain How to start developing 3D games for Android.
You need to understand the basic resources required for 3d Game development in Android. There are several Game engines available that offer game development and construct the game physics.
The following are some popular game engines:
After choosing an android game engine to work with, you need to decide what kind of game you are planning to develop, and need to visualize the characters and the environment. Also, many people consider 2.5D games (a mix of 2D and 3D objects, generally 2D characters in a 3D environment) to be 3D.
Game characters
The game characters are generally created using either Autodesk Maya or Blender. Some 3D games (generally RPG and 2.5D games) use 2D characters with several orientations to make it look like 3D. Such 2D characters can be created using Photoshop or Illustrator.
Environment (Background)
The 3D background is created using Autodesk Maya or Blender. You need to create 3D/2D surfaces with a texture that makes them look like real-life objects. Unity offers some of these assets (which include 3D models, backgrounds, animations, textures, and effects) for a price. But you can find more 3d/2d models free of cost all over the internet.
Sounds
There are several audio editing software available like Audacity. You need to make general theme music that plays throughout the game, a menu track that plays while checking menu options, individual sounds for hitting objects, earning coins, getting power-ups, etc., and a game over the track.
Animations
Additional animations need to be added to enhance the gaming experience. The fire-breathing dragons, running characters, sword-fighting kings, etc. make the games live. You need to add additional movements by creating variations to characters.
For example, to make a 2D character either walk or run, you need to create a set of images in standing, a little movement, and running positions. When you play these movements at around 30 fps, it creates an illusion that the character is walking or running. The same is the case with other animations.
For 3D models, animations are created by rigging. The process of rigging is basically creating bones for convenience so that every time we move our right hand we need not have to create a movement for each finger.
The 3D animations are available for humanoid (human-like, bipedal) models in most of the game engines. Animations are also sold in asset stores and 3rd party websites. Additional simple animations are required for creating effects during interaction with game objects. You need to add effects like coins disappear once the character hits them and they make a metal clanking sound when the character faces an obstacle it stops, and when it jumps through a building it falls, etc. are added through code.
Code
Finally, when you have all the resources, you can implement game logic. The game logic can be implemented using dummy characters and finally be replaced with original characters, in case if you outsource characters and environment. Some game engines like Unity offer pre-built code for games like infinite running and racing etc. So, you can simply make the changes that are required and replace characters.
Game screens
It is an extension to the code, but I’ve separated it as important as other features. You need to add a startup screen with a delay of 2–3 Seconds displaying the Game logo, then the main screen with the Menu and settings. If you start the game, you will work entirely on code developed for playing. Once the game ends, you will be taken back to the Game over screen and leader boards.
Additionally, you can create more characters in settings to personalize. Also, more levels can be added with changing environment and either physics (gravity, speed, etc) or character dynamics without changing much of the code.
Monetization
Choose your monetization before implementing the game. You can have ads, in-app purchases with coins, additional characters, environment, levels, etc. Games generally don’t have Pro versions as it is more difficult to develop two different games, instead, developers make a sequel with improvements or a similar game with a different theme which may appeal to several existing or new users.
Finding resources
Games with good graphics attract more users than nice games with mediocre graphics. So, the assets play a vital role in your game’s performance. You can make assets on your own, take the help of a friend, or outsource. There are several companies and freelancers available to complete the task, but don’t forget to take a declaration from them that it is their own work, they’ve never used it anywhere and they won’t have any claims on it later.
Also, there are some websites that offer free resources, but make sure to read their license policy and whether they require attribution, and it is a good idea to inform them in advance. It is strongly recommended to avoid copyright material and make sure none of your resources are copyright protected.