"Build Your First Game: Tools, Engines, and Skills You Need"

IT Seminars and Educational Trips 

Reflection Paper

Name: Jon Aldrick D. Pagulayan                               Date: 10/02/2025

Block & Yr.: BSIT – 4C

 
Webinar: "Build Your First Game: Tools, Engines, and Skills You Need"

I. Details of the event/activity

            The webinar, "Build Your First Game: Tools, Engines, and Skills You Need," introduced us to the essential resources for beginner game developers. The session focused on easy-to-use game engines like Unity, Godot, and GameMaker Studio, explaining how they simplify complex coding so students can concentrate on design. A core theme was the importance of starting small and learning the fundamental skills—such as planning and iteration—that underpin any successful game project II. Reflections on the webinar/activity give rise to (learnings)

           I learned that building a game doesn't have to be overwhelming; it's about choosing the right entry point. Godot (lightweight, open-source) and GameMaker Studio (visual, 2D-focused) stand out as excellent first tools. The most important lesson was the Minimal Viable Product (MVP) concept: start with a simple, complete game to avoid burnout and ensure success. This process requires not just technical knowledge but also crucial soft skills like algorithmic thinking and project management, which are valuable across many fields. III. Reflections on Possibilities on Implementing Some of the Webinar Input on a  Practical Level (Practical Application of Learnings)

            As an IT student, I can immediately apply these learnings by selecting a beginner-friendly engine like Godot or Construct 3 for my next personal project, using community tutorials to learn the basics by creating a simple game clone (like Pong). Critically, I will adhere to the "Start Small and Finish Strong" principle by strictly limiting the scope of my first game (e.g., one level, one unique mechanic) to guarantee its completion and build my portfolio. IV. Positive feedback (on the event organization)

           The webinar was highly effective. The speaker was excellent at simplifying complex topics and providing a clear, practical comparison of different game engines. The inclusion of real-world game examples built with these tools was both motivating and inspiring. The program flow was smooth and well-paced.

V. Suggestions for improvements to be made/consider for future activities

It would be helpful to include a short live demonstration of building a single, core game mechanic (like player jump/movement) in one of the featured engines. Also, providing a curated resource list of free assets, tutorials, and community forums after the event would greatly help participants continue their learning journey.

VI. Photos/Videos taken