Embark on a journey into game development with this hands-on course that guides you through building a 3D ZigZag racing game for Android using Unity and C#. Starting with the essentials, you'll learn how to install and set up Unity, followed by creating your first game platform and configuring the camera. As you progress, you'll delve into game mechanics, including car movement, platform spawning, and the crucial elements that bring your game to life.
The course further explores advanced topics like generating dynamic levels, implementing smooth camera following, and adding engaging user interface elements. You'll also learn how to incorporate audio, special effects, and collectable items to enhance gameplay. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to publish your game on Android, monetize it through ads, and even explore multiple platforms for distribution.
Whether you're a beginner in game development or an experienced coder looking to expand your Unity skills, this course offers a detailed roadmap. You'll gain practical experience with Unity and C#, covering essential scripting techniques and game design principles that ensure your project stands out. The final sections focus on essential C# scripting concepts and the basics of Android game development, ensuring you're ready to create and launch your own games.
This course is ideal for beginners in game development and intermediate developers looking to sharpen their skills. A basic understanding of programming is beneficial but not required.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction
- In this module, we will welcome you to the course and provide an overview of what to expect. You will also learn how to download, install, and set up Unity 2022, ensuring that your development environment is ready for the creation of your 3D ZigZag Racing game.
- Let's Start Creating the 3D ZigZag Racer Game
- In this module, we will begin the hands-on creation of your 3D ZigZag Racer game. You'll start by understanding the basic game structure and then move on to creating the initial platforms, setting up the camera, and adding the car model with collision detection. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation for your racing game.
- Creating the Basic Game Play
- In this module, we will focus on building the core gameplay mechanics of your ZigZag Racer game. You'll learn how to create a car controller script, manage player inputs for directional changes, and set up a game manager to control movement after the first touch. This will ensure a smooth and engaging gameplay experience.
- Generating the Game Level
- In this module, we will explore the essential mechanics for generating dynamic game levels. You’ll learn how to create and automate random platform spawning, set up a smooth-following camera, and handle game-over scenarios by stopping platform generation and reloading levels. These steps will add complexity and replayability to your ZigZag Racer game.
- Adding Score and Game UI (User Interface)
- In this module, we will enhance your ZigZag Racer game by adding a scoring system and a user-friendly interface. You’ll learn how to create and display scores on screen, animate UI elements, and manage high scores. Additionally, we will address potential problems to ensure your game operates smoothly and is visually appealing.
- Adding Audio and Collectable Items
- In this module, we will elevate your ZigZag Racer game by adding audio elements and collectable items. You’ll learn how to import and play music, create collectables like diamonds, and increment scores when these items are collected. We’ll also cover how to trigger audio effects when collectables are picked up, adding depth and immersion to your game.
- Adding Special Effects to the Game
- In this module, we will focus on adding visual flair to your ZigZag Racer game. You’ll learn how to create and instantiate particle effects for collectable items and automate changes to the background color. These special effects will make your game more visually engaging and provide players with a richer gameplay experience.
- Building and Publishing Your game
- In this module, we will guide you through the final stages of game development, focusing on building and publishing your ZigZag Racer game. You’ll learn how to create a WebGL build for online play, publish your game on the Android platform, and discover five platforms where you can upload your game for free. This will allow you to share your creation with the world.
- Implementing Video Ads and Monitoring Your Game
- In this module, we will cover the integration of video ads into your ZigZag Racer game, providing you with the tools to monetize your game. You’ll learn how to set up Unity Ads, implement interstitial and rewarded ads, and manage ad frequency with an ad counter. These techniques will help you balance revenue generation with maintaining a positive player experience.
- C# Scripting Basics for Absolute Beginners
- In this extensive module, we will break down the basics of C# scripting in Unity, tailored for absolute beginners. You'll start with the structure and syntax of a C# script, then progress to understanding variables, functions, and control flow with loops and conditionals. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation in C# that will empower you to create and modify scripts for your Unity projects.
- Android Game Development Basics
- In this module, we will cover the basics of Android game development, focusing on speed and efficiency. You’ll learn how to build a fully functional Android game in a short time frame and implement mobile touch inputs for interactive features like a movie player. This module will help you understand the essentials of developing games for the Android platform.
Taught by
Packt - Course Instructors