It is interesting to hear what everyone’s expectations are when they start game development. I’ve had a few queries from friends about if I had built anything, which I haven’t, however I feel like I’ve learnt a lot in the past 5 months. After the first 3 months I felt paralyzed with all the information. I didn’t even know where to start: AI, graphics, gameplay, animations etc. What can I do that will help me learn? I found my brain just kept thinking big ideas, not coming up with nice small projects to learn with.
Funnily enough I’m managed to get out of that lethargy just recently, much more motivated. The project I’m working on is a 2D platformer, I’ve downloaded a fairly complete set of sprite assets, enough that I shouldn’t be distracted by trying to make my own.
I started game development as a hobby because I got that big idea. I know I’ve a long way from even attempting it, but if I don’t start now learning the ins and outs for game development, I never will.
Though UE4 is daunting for a beginner, I chose this engine because of the community. If it wasn’t for watching all those tutorial videos BEFORE I even had a machine to develop on, I might have given up already. I read the forums daily, it is amazing the amount of stuff I’ve learnt just from this place. I’ve slowly started understanding all the terms from just reading forum posts.
So though I completely understand OP’s predicament, I’m still sticking it out. At some stage there will be a pay off, even if it is just completing a playable project.