Pong
Introduction
Rather than beginning with abstract and often disengaging theoretical knowledge, an effective way to learn game development is to start by creating simple games and gradually build understanding through continuous experimentation and problem-solving (Shapiro, 2014). In this regard, The 20 Games Challenge provides an ideal learning framework. The platform organizes twenty classic games, from Pong to Portal, in a carefully structured progression of difficulty. For each game, it offers introductions, core objectives, advanced challenges, and development tutorials. More importantly, it showcases projects created by other independent developers, alongside links to their games, development logs, and source code. This enables beginners to learn through practice along a well-designed difficulty curve while also engaging with a community of developers who have undergone similar learning experiences.
The 20 Games Challenge is particularly relevant to my current skills, experience, and learning objectives. Through my postgraduate studies, I have developed a broad understanding of the game industry. In addition, over the past six months, I have undertaken online courses in game design, covering game design theory, game analysis, and game design documentation. I also participated in a game jam as a game designer, where I was responsible for designing the core gameplay mechanics and level content of an independent game project within a one-month development cycle.
These experiences have provided me with a foundation in game design ideation. However, I have no prior experience in programming, visual art, or music production, and therefore lack the technical skills required to independently develop a game. The 20 Games Challenge is particularly valuable in addressing this gap. By focusing on recreating established classic games, it allows learners to concentrate on the implementation process rather than generating original gameplay ideas. As a result, it provides an effective opportunity to develop the technical and production capabilities necessary to transform design concepts into playable products. Consequently, I intend to use The 20 Games Challenge as the foundation of my game development learning journey.