GAME DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP (Minecraft + Clash of Clans + Valheim Inspired)
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PHASE 1 – FOUNDATIONS (1–2 months)
Goal: Build strong fundamentals.
Learn:
- Unreal Basics (editor navigation, Blueprints basics)
- C++ Basics (variables, loops, classes, inheritance)
- 3D Art Awareness (meshes, textures, materials)
- Version Control (Git/GitHub)
Milestone: Build a simple FPP controller (walk, jump, interact).
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PHASE 2 – CORE UNREAL & GAMEPLAY SYSTEMS (2–3 months)
Goal: Learn Unreal’s Game Framework + C++ integration.
Learn:
- Unreal C++ (UCLASS, UPROPERTY, UFUNCTION)
- Game Framework (GameMode, PlayerController, PlayerState)
- Blueprint + C++ Hybrid workflow
- UI Development (UMG basics)
- Environment Basics (terrain, foliage, lighting)
Milestone: Build a basic survival prototype (gather wood, craft, build wall).
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PHASE 3 – MULTIPLAYER & NETWORKING (2–4 months)
Goal: Get players interacting in the same world.
Learn:
- Networking (Server vs Client, Replication, RPCs)
- Dedicated Servers
- Session Handling
- Guild System basics
Milestone: Two players can join the same map, build, and see each other.
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PHASE 4 – GAME SYSTEMS & WORLD EXPANSION (3–5 months)
Goal: Build your core game loop.
Learn:
- Inventory & Crafting System
- Combat System (FPP melee + ranged)
- Guild Base Building
- AI Enemies
- World Design (semi-realistic assets)
Milestone: Small guilds (2–4 players) can craft, fight, and build bases.
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PHASE 5 – BACKEND, PERSISTENCE & POLISH (6–12 months ongoing)
Goal: Turn prototype into scalable game.
Learn:
- Save/Load System
- Databases / Online Backend (SQL, Firebase, Node.js)
- Optimization (profiling, networking efficiency)
- Art & Sound (textures, animations, ambience)
Milestone: Stable multiplayer with guild battles & persistence.
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TEAM ROLES NEEDED LATER
- Programmer(s): Unreal C++ + Blueprints
- Level/Environment Artist
- 3D Artist
- UI/UX Designer
- Sound Designer
- Server/Backend Engineer
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TOTAL TIMELINE
- 1 year → Prototype (basic multiplayer survival with guilds)
- 2–3 years → Playable Indie Game (semi-realistic polished version)
