When you start exploring game development, it's really important to learn some basic programming ideas. Here are the main topics every future game developer should pay attention to:

1. Understanding Programming Logic

• Variables and Data Types: You should understand how to use different kinds of data. This includes numbers, text, and true/false values. These are the basic pieces of your programming puzzle!
• Control Structures: Get to know things like conditionals (if-else statements) and loops (for and while). They help your game make decisions and change how things happen.

2. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Classes and Objects: Many game engines, like Unity and Unreal Engine, use OOP. Knowing how to create classes and make objects is very important. You will create game characters and items as objects, which have their own features and actions.
• Inheritance and Polymorphism: These ideas let you create relationships between your classes. This helps you organize your game better, especially if you have similar game objects that work in the same way.

3. Data Structures and Algorithms

• Arrays, Lists, and Dictionaries: Learn how to store and manage groups of data easily. For example, you might want to keep track of items in the inventory or players' scores.
• Basic Algorithms: Get to know some simple algorithms like sorting and searching. They help your game run better—like finding the nearest enemy or arranging players by score.

4. Game Engine-Specific Languages

• Depending on the game engine you pick, there are different programming languages you might need to learn. Unity usually uses C#, while Unreal Engine often uses C++. It’s key to get comfortable with the specific rules and commands of your chosen engine.

5. Physics and Mathematics

• Vectors and Matrices: A lot of game development uses math for 2D and 3D movement and positioning. Knowing how to handle vectors can really improve how your game works.
• Collision Detection: Understanding how to manage collisions between objects helps make your game feel more real. Simple methods can really boost how responsive your game feels!

6. Debugging and Problem-Solving

• Testing and Debugging: Being able to find and fix problems in your code is just as crucial as writing it. Use the debugging tools in your game engine and try to write clean, organized code that’s easier to check.

If you master these basics, you'll have a strong base to create fun and exciting games. Remember, practicing is super important, so don't hesitate to try new things with your code and projects! Happy coding!