Phase 1: Foundation (Beginner Level)
Goal: Build basic programming and game logic understanding.
1. Learn Programming Fundamentals
Start with languages used in game development:
- C++ → Most used in AAA games (Unreal Engine).
- C# → Used in Unity Engine.
- Python → Good for learning logic; not used much in professional games.
- JavaScript → For browser-based games.
Learn from:
- YouTube: FreeCodeCamp, Brackeys, Unreal Sensei
- Websites: W3Schools, GeeksforGeeks, Programiz
2. Understand Computer Graphics & Math
- 2D & 3D Coordinate Systems
- Vectors, Matrices, Transformations
- Basic Physics (Gravity, Collision, Momentum)
Resources:
- Khan Academy (Math for Game Dev)
- “Mathematics for 3D Game Programming and Computer Graphics” (Book)
3. Learn Game Design Principles
- What makes a game fun? (Core loop, player engagement)
- Level design, storyboarding, and user experience.
- Analyze famous games like PUBG, BGMI, Genshin Impact, God of War.
Free Resource: GameDesignConcepts.wordpress.com
Phase 2: Game Engines (Core Development)
Goal: Build small playable games.
1. Choose a Game Engine
Option A: Unity (Best for beginners & mobile games)
- Language: C#
- Used for: 2D/3D games, Android/iOS games, AR/VR apps
- Tools: Unity Hub, Visual Studio
Option B: Unreal Engine (AAA quality games)
- Language: C++ & Blueprints
- Used for: PC, Console, High-end 3D games
- Tools: Unreal Editor, Visual Studio Code
Learn from:
- Unity Learn Platform
- Unreal Online Learning
- YouTube: Brackeys, Unreal Engine Official
2. Build Small Projects
- 2D platformer (like Mario)
- Endless runner (like Subway Surfers)
- FPS mini-game (like CS:GO)
- Simple mobile game using Unity Ads or Firebase
💡 Goal: Build at least 3 mini-games before going professional.
Phase 3: Advanced Skills (Professional Level)
Goal: Develop polished games & understand production pipeline.
1. Master Game Development Tools
- Blender or Maya → 3D Modeling & Animation
- Photoshop / Krita → Textures & UI Design
- FMOD / Audacity → Sound design & music
2. Learn Game Optimization & Physics
- Object pooling, frame rate optimization
- Collision detection, Rigid body physics
- Lighting, Shaders, Particle systems
Learn: “Game Programming Patterns” by Robert Nystrom
3. Multiplayer & Networking
- Unity Netcode or Photon Engine
- Unreal Engine Replication System
- Backend basics: Node.js, Firebase, PlayFab
4. Version Control & Collaboration
- Git & GitHub
- Project management tools (Trello, Notion, Jira)
Phase 4: Portfolio & Career Growth (India Focused)
Goal: Enter the game industry or become a freelancer/indie dev.
1. Create a Strong Portfolio
- Upload your games on:
- itch.io
- Google Play Store
- Steam (for PC games)
- Host your code on GitHub or GitLab
- Make a personal portfolio website (with gameplay videos & demo links)
2. Career Paths in India
| Role | Core Skills | Salary (₹ per year) |
| Game Programmer | C++, Unity/Unreal | ₹5–15 LPA |
| Game Designer | Level design, UI/UX | ₹4–10 LPA |
| 3D Artist/Animator | Blender, Maya | ₹3–8 LPA |
| Game Tester (QA) | Testing tools, gameplay understanding | ₹3–6 LPA |
| Indie Game Developer | Full-stack game creation | ₹Varies (₹50K–2L/month via sales) |
3. Top Game Studios in India
- Ubisoft Pune
- EA Hyderabad
- Rockstar India (Bangalore)
- Nazara Technologies
- Nodding Heads Games
- 99Games
- Moonfrog Labs
4. Freelancing & Indie Options
- Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, GameDev Market
- Sell Assets on: Unity Asset Store, Unreal Marketplace
- Join communities: Reddit (r/gamedev), Discord (GameDev India)
Phase 5: Bonus (Next-Level Learning)
Goal: Specialize or lead projects.
1. Specializations
- AR/VR Game Development (Unity XR Toolkit, Unreal XR)
- AI in Games (Pathfinding, NPC behavior, Procedural generation)
- Mobile Game Monetization (Ads, In-App Purchases)
2. Build & Publish Your Own Game
- Make a small original game
- Use tools like Unity Ads, AdMob, or In-App Purchases
- Publish on Google Play Store / Steam
- Market it via social media (YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Discord servers)
3. Community & Networking
- Participate in Game Jams (Ludum Dare, itch.io jams, Indian Game Jam)
- Join LinkedIn, Discord, and Meetup groups
- Contribute to open-source game projects
🎓 Suggested Learning Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Focus |
| Phase 1 | 3–4 months | Learn programming & logic |
| Phase 2 | 4–6 months | Game engine mastery & projects |
| Phase 3 | 6–8 months | Advanced game dev & optimization |
| Phase 4 | 2–3 months | Portfolio & job readiness |
| Phase 5 | Ongoing | Specialization & publishing |
End Goal
By the end of this roadmap, you’ll be able to:
- Create 2D/3D games independently
- Build multiplayer or AR/VR games
- Publish games on app stores or Steam
- Work at Indian or international studios, or become a freelance/indie game developer
