How to Make a 3D Game in Unity: Beginner’s Guide

Unity is a robust platform used to create a game. 2D and 3D media are under its support. Unity is popular, and the community support accounts for 50% of all game developers using it. 

The process of how to make a 3D game in Unity involves setting up a project with a 3D template and exploiting different development tools. Many of the popular games are developed in Unity. It runs on PC, mobile, and even console.

Among these are designing 3D models, implementing physics, and gameplay scripting using C++. As of 2023, there are over 1.5 million active users of Unity, making it almost mandatory for an aspiring game developer.

Unity game development has become very popular for emerging reasons. It is free for beginners. There is a big community with tons of tutorials to support this community. It can be said it can be used to create mobile games or many PCs very easily. 

Unity makes video games perfectly smooth and fun. You can quickly prototype ideas with it. It is also available for VR and AR projects and is perfect for learning and expanding one’s grasp of game development.

Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Make a Video Game?

How to Make a 3D Game in Unity? 

Unity is the game engine that allows you to make a 3D game smoothly. Promoted by a component-based system for building and testing the game features part by part. Unity works with real-time updates and a strong asset management system to keep you active. 

Go from a single project targeting mobile, PC, or web games. Whether on the way to starting with something small or all-out, Unity is there from inception to execution. Furthermore, this guide will provide all the information on how to make a 3D game in Unity as a game developer.

“The only limit in game development is your imagination, and Unity removes the barriers to explore it.”

– Salman Lakhani, CEO of Cubix

Basic Requirements for Starting

To begin with Unity, you require

• A computer with 8GB RAM a modern CPU and dedicated GPU to run 3D
• Installed Unity Hub and Unity Editor
• Basic knowledge of programming concepts, especially in C++
• Interest in game design and creativity

You do not need to be a wizard with programming to know how to build a 3D game in Unity. Start small and improve with every project. Unity game development is about learning by doing.

Read More: A Beginners Guide to 3D Game Development

Setting Up Your Unity Environment

First, visit the official Unity website. Download Unity Hub, which is a tool to control all Unity editor versions along with any projects. Install it and launch Unity Hub. Then install one from Unity editor versions that can support 3D templates. Unity is going to take care of it.

Choosing the 3D Template

At the moment you create a new project, it allows you to select a template. Click on the 3D template. This would pretty much set the camera and the directional light. The 3D template is most suitable for developing 3D games and makes a good fit for learning purposes.

General Tour of the Unity Interface

The major components of the Unity user interface are 

• Scene View: The workspace for everything you do with your 3D world
• Game View: The one that shows what a player sees while playing
• Hierarchy: This is a list of all objects in your current scene
• Inspector: This shows properties of selected objects
• Project Window: This displays all files and assets for the project
• Console: This shows errors, warnings, and debug messages

To maximize Unity game development, it is important for the developer to understand these panels thoroughly.

Read More: Unity Video Game Engine – The Future of Gaming

Creating and Organizing Your Game Project

In Unity Hub, go to “New Project,” select the 3D template, assign it a name, select a location where you want to save it, and press “Create.” Your new project will be opened in the Unity Editor.

Organizing Your Project Files

The truth about file organization is it saves time and avoids confusion. Create folders within the Assets folder:

• Scripts: All C++ scripts go here
• Prefabs: Reusable game objects
• Scenes: Different levels or environments
• Materials: Textures and materials
• Audio: All your music and sound effects

This process keeps Unity game development on a clear and efficient track.

Importing 3D Models and Assets

You can import 3D models from programs like Blender or download them from the Unity asset store. For importing, just drag your file into the assets folder, and Unity will automatically recognize compatible formats such as .fbx or .obj. You can also import textures, materials, and animations necessary to build worlds that feel alive when making a game.

Read More: How Much Does Unity Game Development Cost?

Building the Game World

Building a game world is the most intricate part of game development that sets its tone. Learn about the minor details that would allow you to develop worlds according to the game’s theme. 

Adding Terrain and Environment

Create landscapes with the terrain tools in Unity. Go to GameObject > 3D Object > Terrain to do so. You may use a brush to mold hills, valleys, and mountains. Next, add textures such as grass, sand, or rock to paint the terrains. You may place trees as well as details such as rocks and flowers. Finally, skyboxes can enhance your game with a realistic sky. 

Lighting Setup

Lighting makes the life of a 3D environment. A directional light simulating sunlight should be placed in the scene. Settings for shadows, light intensity, and angle can be set accordingly. Use ambient light to enlighten the entire scene. Point lights and spotlights can be used for indoor use and special effects. Lightmapping can be done to enhance performance, which is more critical in mobile game development.

Adding Objects and Managing the Hierarchy

You can add primitive objects, such as cubes and spheres, or imported models into the scene. Use the hierarchy to organize them. It is good practice to group related objects under an empty GameObject. That is crucial in game level design. You can even make it a prefab so that you can reuse objects in other scenes.

Read More: Ultimate Guide for Video Game Level Design

Scripting Game Mechanics

C++ is the language Unity uses for scripting. C++ is a simple, modern programming language. Every script is associated with a GameObject for controlling its behavior.

Write Scripts for Movement of Player

Player movement is made with C++ scripts in Unity, which is tracked by input in the Update method. Transform the input into motion using Unity’s Input System. Always check to see that your movement gives smooth, responsive gameplay across every device.

Camera Control and Interaction

You need a camera-following script if you want the camera to follow the player. Smoothly track it with LateUpdate. To interact with objects, use collision detection. Unity has built-in on-collision and trigger Unity methods such as OnTriggerEnter and OnCollisionEnter for this. These are nice to have around for puzzles, pickups, and combat mechanics.

Using Unity’s Physics and Input System

Unity has a built-in physics engine. Attach Rigidbody components to objects for simulating realistic physics. Use colliders to monitor interactivity. Unity’s input manager manages keyboard, mouse, and touch inputs. This system is very useful for making games for both PC and mobile devices.

Read More: Build NFT Play-to-Earn Games with Unity Game Engine

Testing and Polishing the Game

By pushing the button labeled Play, you will enter game view and start your game. Here you can make sure whether the player movements and interactions are working correctly. Use this often. It finds faults early. Frequent tests work wonders on Unity game development.

Debugging and Performance Tips

Check for errors, and use Debug and Log to print values in the script. For improving performance:

• Reduce texture size.
• Combine meshes
• What level of detail (LOD) models

These points hold universal application with respect to performance in both PC and mobile games. 

Adding UI Elements, Sounds, and Animations

GameObject > UI will add text, buttons, or a slider. That way everything is set up for a user-friendly interface. Audio source cuts out in sound effects. Drag and drop audio files into the scene. The Animator in Unity may be used for animations. Record the movement or use premade animations. That is how you break into a 3D game.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Game Design Document Format

Game Development Services Offered By Cubix 

Cubix provides end-to-end game development services to suit the needs of your scheme and audience. Also, whether you need a casual mobile game, an engaging experience in 3D, or a complex multiplayer title, we have developers and designers who can realize your concept. 

Our team specializes in custom 2D and 3D games using the latest engines: Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot, while specializing in project execution from the beginning of the ideation process to the very end.

We execute the full range of services, including concept design, game mechanics development, asset creation, animation, UI/UX design, and testing. We build games for many platforms, e.g., iOS, Android, and PC. Using the latest technology stack, our developers ensure great visuals, fluid gameplay, and optimized performance across devices.

Cubix also supports advanced features such as multiplayer, virtual reality integration, and blockchain-based game mechanics. Be it a startup intending to disrupt the gaming space or an established studio looking to outsource a project, we deliver scalable games that are entertaining and commercially viable.