Start with the tools before you start with the game. If you intend to do a majority of the game yourself, consider using one of the low-cost game engines on the market such as 3d Game Studio and Torque 3d. Flex your muscles with whichever platform you choose. Get to know the limitations of the software before you start working on a project. If texture artist or level designer, it’s still valuable to play around with the game engines, even if you’re not a pro at coding.

Start small. Sure, you may want to make a massively multiplayer online war game with photo realistic graphics, and that’s fine, but it shouldn’t be your first project. The biggest mistake that new game developers make is underestimating the amount of work needed to make even the most simplistic game. Start by making “mini games". Think of the easiest game that you could make and try making it. Once you succeed, incrementally try more difficult projects.

Sadly, creating a first person shooter is beyond most independent game developer’s capabilities. Even with a team, most 3d games can poise quite a challenge. To improve your chances of success, try to avoid games containing complex animated characters. Also avoid game that require advanced AI. A typical animated 3d character can take days of intensive labor to complete. If your game is full of 3d characters, it could take months just to complete the models. You may consider purchasing game content packs for use in your game engine. Torque 3d sells such content packs, as do specialty online stores.

Finally, there are plenty of other people making their own games. Search for game developer forums. They’re a great way to meet other beginning game developers.

Above all else, enjoy yourself!