• Javascript. It is an open source programming language that is used in almost all modern web projects. It is fully integrated with HTML and CSS and allows partial processing of pages on user’s computers without requests to the backend, which significantly reduces the load on the server and provides an instant response of the interface to the gamer’s actions.
• HTML and CSS. Technologies help to create a user-friendly interface of the game. At the same time, the HTML element is one of the main ways to create 2D graphics.
• Full Screen API. It allows you to open the game in full screen size to ensure maximum immersion of the user in the gameplay.
• Gamepad API. The tool allows you to use additional controllers, such as a gamepad, to play the game.
• Web Audio API. It provides unlimited possibilities for managing audio files from the code
• JavaScript. It allows you to create great sound effects and manipulate them in real time.
• IndexedDB. A powerful API interface that is necessary for storing in-game data on the user’s local device. Thanks to its use, there is no need to download all the information from the server every time, which saves traffic and makes the project playable even when the Internet is disconnected.
• WebGL. Allows you to create hardware-accelerated 2D and 3D graphics from web content.
• Web Workers. A popular API that allows you to create background threads for executing JavaScript code. It allows you to use several cores on the device’s processor at once and significantly improve project performance.

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As some people know, you can write game logic in C++ in the engine. But let me reassure you: you can also create game logic in it using a visual programming system – Blueprint is a visual scripting language that allows you to write game logic without using programming languages. No matter how complicated or simple it may seem, it remains a very powerful tool that can be used to create almost anything: from a simple character or door opening to procedural level generation.

The Unreal Engine itself provides a certain set of tools that allow you to create something of your own without resorting to third-party software (excluding textures). Inside the editor, there is a tool called BSP, which allows you to design a scene. Although it is intended for designing, not for the final result, you can use it to create a simple model and even convert it so that it can be subjected to physics. You can make a building, some not very complex models, and so on. It also provides tools for creating landscapes, with the help of which you can make a pretty beautiful landscape and enrich it with vegetation and some additional details. By adding a little post-processing, you can get a great picture.

Of course, you shouldn’t think of UE4 as a set of buttons called “make everything good”. The tool is very powerful with impressive functionality, so you won’t be able to learn everything at once either. However, if you manage to set a goal and have enough patience, you will succeed.

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The problem is that only a few educational institutions teach this field (in our country, they can be counted on one hand). Therefore, most game developers are self-taught.

So where to start?

The first thing you might want to start with (I’m not talking about playing games) is mod building.

A mod (short for “modification”, game modding) is an addition to a computer game, usually written by third-party developers or amateurs using an SDK that comes with the game or special amateur programs designed for modifying games.

Mods are usually developed by fans and for fans and are intended to be distributed free of charge. Unlike add-ons, they often change the balance of power (in strategy games) or the set of weapons and abilities of the hero (in 3D shooters).

Modding will allow you to understand the internal logic of your favorite game, how it is built, and what you can change in it for the better (and sometimes for the worse).

The second thing you need to do is to correctly formulate your goals in developing computer games. That is, ask yourself a number of questions: do you want to create mobile applications or browser games, do you want to develop games professionally, or do you want to devote your free time to it? You also need to understand what you prefer: creating an interface, gameplay, or writing scripts? Or maybe you want to be a 3D artist? Setting the right goal will guide you on the right path.

And, of course, you have a number of questions about what you need to know. I will give examples for writing game scripts, logic, behavior, etc. That is, programming (which is what I do).

Question number one: what language should I choose? Honestly, any language will do (just compile languages such as C++, C#, Java, Objective C, etc.), the main thing is that a novice developer should understand the principles of game development, not specifically, but the basics of programming logic (i.e., in the future, logic in game development).

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