Building 2D games can be a great way to learn C# and Unity, especially when working through the basics of complex tabletop game logic.

In this series, I’m going to introduce you to the basics of C# programming using Unity. But a lot of the concepts we’re going to learn will be applicable in other programming languages as well, and game development in general.

Throughout this series, I’ll be providing an emphasis on learning Unity for digital tabletop game development. This should be useful for anyone who wants to learn to code in C# or work with Unity.  

After learning some C# and getting comfortable with the Unity editor, along with some practice projects and outside learning of your own, you’ll be able to run simulations, make your own games, and begin exploring the wider Unity ecosystem.

If you’re not specifically interested in digital tabletop game development, you’ll probably still find this series to be helpful. We’ll be learning core concepts that are central to C# coding and Unity game development that you’ll be able to apply to other programming languages and engines.  

I’m a big proponent of using digital tabletop games in learning to code. Tabletop games are great because they involve a lot of logic and complex rulesets, but not physics, vector math, animation, and that sort of thing.

Start by learning the basics (Beginner Series):

Take a tour of Unity 2D (Beginner Tutorial):

Learn Unity multiplayer basics with Mirror (Intermediate Tutorial):

Build a 2D multiplayer card game (Advanced Series):

Happy coding!

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M. S. Farzan, Ph.D. has written and worked for high-profile video game companies and editorial websites such as Electronic Arts, Perfect World Entertainment, Modus Games, and MMORPG.com, and has served as the Community Manager for games like Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter and Mass Effect: Andromeda. He is the Creative Director and Lead Game Designer of Entromancy: A Cyberpunk Fantasy RPG and author of The Nightpath Trilogy. Find M. S. Farzan on Twitter @sominator.