2 hours ago, Lauren Tuccy said:
but, I'm so used to starting with a program with libraries and assets already built in, that I have no idea how to build something from scratch.
What are you currently using for this project? It sounds like you have something already. Are you doing this in 2d or in 3d? From what I found out about Inform, it seems like it's not using its own language.
So just based on what you've written, some starting points for you will be:
1): If you haven't selected what you will build this project with, you need to do that first. You'll need a 2d/3d game engine, depending on what you're building. Some popular engines are Unreal and Unity3d. Beyond a point it won't matter what you pick, so long as you feel comfortable with it.
2): Once you've selected an engine, you'll need to learn how to program in the language the engine uses. You'll then need to learn how to build basic things in that engine. Some people start with basic games like pong in 2d. With some engines, even getting a basic FPS type first person view camera and character controller can be quick as well (Unity3d does this really easily, and I'm sure Unreal has something similar)
3): Now comes the fun part. Break your project into smaller pieces that you can solve. The visuals would be one part, i.e. designing assets etc (or buying, if you don't want to spend time making 2d/3d assets). Controls could be another piece. Stats could be another. View your project as a series of smaller tasks and you'll find it makes much more sense to start building it that way.
And remember: Rome wasn't built in a day. Take your time, and don't expect wonders in one day, keep building up to your project, and one day you'll look back and realize how much you've accomplished.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
