I would like to optimize my learning path to include a focus on the functions required to develop a game I’ve had in mind for years. The trouble I’m having is that I have no idea how these types of games utilize the various components available with game engines like Unity.
I do have development experience in multiple languages, but I’ve never worked with graphics, games, etc and so I’m kind of lost when it comes to figuring out whether I should be learning / using sprites, widgets, 3D, etc. I’m hoping to get some pointers on how other similar games might be doing it so that I can get a better idea of what I should be experimenting with and learning. (Of course, that would be after foundational topics like getting around Unity, etc).
My game idea is inspired by games like Uplink, Hacknet, and Nite Team 4, where it’s not really a world you travel around in, but an interface you use, like software, maps, terminals, email, etc. I imagine games like Hacknet simply use text input / output controls, but Uplink and NT4 have more interaction and animation, and with NT4 being much newer, some 3D (2D?) as well. But, what are they using to achieve that? How?
I realize the “how” is a very broad question, but I’m hoping someone can point me in the direction I should be marching. What topics should I be aiming to dig into?
** I did try to through some google-fu at this question, but when using the terms hack, hacking, hacker, and game, the vast majority of the results are about reverse engineering, creating cheats, and otherwise hacking existing games. Trying to search for creating a game entirely based on GUI, UI, Interface, etc also included a majority of results about using Unity’s UI, Main menus, etc.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!