Starter guide for Game Development: Version Control and Backup

This is a guide if you are completely new to game development, and wondering where to start. You start with the boring stuff :)

Version Control: The What and Why

Version control, if you’re not yet familiar, is an essential tool that serves as the backbone of any development project. In its most basic terms, it is a system that tracks every alteration made within your game’s project files. This tracking allows you to segment your work into different stages, each with its own set of changes, edits, and files.

Imagine building a shop in your game. A proper version control system will document each change you make, every file you alter or create. You may wonder why it’s important — it’s because complex systems can lead to complex issues. Version control allows you to undo specific changes or revert to a prior build, providing flexibility and assurance in the development process.

Setting Up Your Source Control

The gaming industry predominantly uses Perforce, a system that integrates seamlessly with Unreal Engine, enabling direct commits from the Unreal Engine editor itself. However, Perforce can be complex and daunting to set up. I couldn’t figure it out :-\

An alternative is Plastic SCM, a system now owned by Unity, yet compatible with Unreal Engine. Plastic SCM is simpler to install and set up, and it also provides a cloud backup for your files.

Backing Up Your Projects

Having once lost 4tb of data that contained all my films, I’ve learnt that having a robust backup system is non-negotiable. Previously, I used Backblaze, a cloud-based backup service. However, I discovered its restoration process can be tedious. I switched to iDrive, which has proven to be a superior alternative. iDrive handles everything from its desktop application, making backup and recovery a breeze.

Final Thoughts

As you begin your game development journey, remember this: setting up a dependable version control system and a reliable backup service isn’t optional, it’s imperative. The habit of committing changes, backing up files to the cloud, and maintaining a solid foundation will serve you well as your projects evolve. Even if you’re just experimenting or creating a game for fun, treat these processes with the gravity they deserve. The disciplined, systematic approach will carry you far in your game development journey.