How to make a video game using code

Table of Contents

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own video game? With coding skills and creativity, anyone can make a game from scratch. In this guide, we will take you through the process of building a simple text-based adventure game using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. We’ll cover the basics of game development, such as creating characters, setting up levels, and adding game mechanics.

Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment

The first step in creating a video game is to set up your development environment. You will need a code editor and a browser to test your game. There are many code editors available, such as Sublime Text, Atom, and Visual Studio Code. Choose one that suits your needs and download it.

Once you have installed the code editor, you will also need to install Node.js, which is a JavaScript runtime environment. Node.js allows you to run JavaScript files without opening a browser. You can download Node.js from the official website: https://nodejs.org/en/

Step 2: Create the Basic HTML Structure

The next step is to create the basic structure of your game using HTML. HTML is used to create the layout and design of your game. For a text-based adventure game, you will need to create a simple page with a heading, some paragraphs, and buttons for the player to interact with. Here is an example of what your HTML code might look like:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>My Game</title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="style.css">
  </head>
<body>
  <h1>Welcome to My Game!</h1>
  <p>You are in a dark forest. You can see a faint light ahead of you.</p>
  <button onclick="goForward()">Go forward</button>
  <button onclick="goBack()">Go back</button>
  <script src="game.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Step 3: Add CSS Styling

Once you have created the basic HTML structure, it’s time to add some CSS styling to make your game look visually appealing. CSS is used to define the styles of your HTML elements. For a text-based adventure game, you will need to define the font, colors, and layout of your text. Here is an example of what your CSS code might look like:

<style>
  body {
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    background-color: f2f2f2;
  }

  h1 {
    color: 333;
    text-align: center;
  }

  p {
    font-size: 16px;
    line-height: 1.5;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
  }

  button {
    display: inline-block;
    padding: 10px 20px;
    background-color: 4CAF50;
    color: white;
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
  }
</style>

Step 4: Write the JavaScript Code

Now that you have created your HTML and CSS code, it’s time to write the JavaScript code to make your game work. JavaScript is used to add interactivity to your game. For a text-based adventure game, you will need to define functions for moving the player, displaying messages, and updating the game state. Here is an example of what your JavaScript code might look like:

<script>
const currentLocation = "forest";
const possibleLocations = {
  forest: ["light", "dark"],
};

function goForward() {
  const nextLocation = possibleLocations[currentLocation][0];
  if (nextLocation) {
    currentLocation = nextLocation;
    updateUI();
  } else {
    alert("You can't go that way.");
  }
}

function goBack() {
  const previousLocation = possibleLocations[currentLocation][1];
  if (previousLocation) {
    currentLocation = previousLocation;
    updateUI();
  } else {
    alert("You can't go that way.");



  }
}

function updateUI() {
  const locationElement = document.getElementById("location");
  locationElement.textContent = currentLocation;
  const messageElement = document.getElementById("message");
  messageElement.textContent = "";
}
</script>

Step 5: Add Game Mechanics

Now that you have your basic game working, it’s time to add some game mechanics to make it more interesting. For a text-based adventure game, you might add puzzles, enemies, and items for the player to collect. Here is an example of how you could add a puzzle to your game:

<script>
function solvePuzzle() {
  const answer = prompt("What is the combination to open the door?");
  if (answer === "1234") {
    alert("You solved the puzzle!");
    currentLocation = "room";
    updateUI();
  } else {
    alert("Incorrect combination. Try again.");
  }
}
</script>

Conclusion

Creating a video game using code can be a fun and rewarding project for anyone with coding skills and creativity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create your own text-based adventure game that is both engaging and interactive. Remember to keep experimenting with different game mechanics and styles to find what works best for you and your audience. With practice and persistence, you can create a game that is both entertaining and educational.