Setup Tools

Computer

Use a computer of your choice to make the game, but get something with reasonable specs – if you can play a 3D game on your computer without much lag, chances are it has reasonable specs. Gaming desktops / laptops have come down in price a lot.

As a example, I use a Macbook Pro running Mac OS/X and a Windows 11 desktop gaming computer with an i7 CPU, 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD storage. I have 2 monitors attached to the Windows desktop.

Platform and Language

I will develop the game for the following platforms using the languages listed:

  • Microsoft Windows 11 using the Unreal Engine using both C++ and blueprints to make a 3D game
  • Microsoft Windows 11 using the Unity Engine to make 2D and 3D games
  • Microsoft Windows 11 using C++ with Direct X (version 12). I will use the MS Game Development Kit (GDK) so that it will work on Windows 11 and the Xbox One.
  • Mac OS Tahoe using SwiftUI with SpriteKit for 2D and Scenekit for 3D and Metal. I intend to build for iOS and Mac OS.

Backups

Make sure that you backup your files. I backup to several USB drives, but I also backup to the cloud (e.g.: OneDrive, Apple Cloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc). Also I use GitHub to put my code online, but it can serve as a backup as well.

With code, you can also enable source control or version control via Git – this will help store different versions of your code without deleting your files.

Software for Coding (Compiler) – Microsoft Windows

You need to install a C++ compiler. This is a tool that will help you to program your game for Windows. Download and install Microsoft’s free Visual Studio Community compiler.


If you wish to develop your game for Windows and the Xbox, you will need to go to the Xbox Developer program and also get the Game Development Kit (GDK).

If you wish to develop your game using Unreal Engine, you can get it here.

If you wish to develop your game using Unity Engine, you can get it here.

Developer Mode

When running Visual Studio, you should put your computer in Developer Mode (under Settings -> Update & Security). This enables you to be able to debug or test your app.

If you are developing for Xbox, you will need to put your Xbox into developer mode as well. You will need to sign up for a Partner Center account before you can enable Developer mode on your Xbox console. I had to setup a developer account as well to see my apps on my Xbox.

Publishing your game

You will need to register for a developer account to publish your game on the Microsoft Store.

Software for Coding (Compiler) – Apple Mac OS and iOS

The compiler for Mac OS is called Xcode Also more information on game development tools from Apple is here. All the tools that you need are within Xcode which is nice.

If you wish to develop your game using Unreal Engine, you can get it here. (yes it runs on a Mac)

If you wish to develop your game using Unity Engine, you can get it here. (yes it runs on a Mac)

Publishing your game

You will need to register in the Apple Developer Program to publish your game on Apple’s App Store. More information about Apple Development in general is here

Publishing your game on Steam

I am planning to publish my game on steam. Some details are here on how to do this.

Art Tools

2D Art

3D Art

  • Blender for 3D models (open source)
  • Maya for 3D models – if you are a student or educator, you can get it free here
  • ZBrush – make 3D models by sculpturing

Music Tools

The music and sound effect tools I am using are: