I need advice:

I'm a developer, I have lots of experience with Java and Python (More on Java than Python). But I'm not a game-dev.

I've been thinking about dedicate serious time to develop a game, like a long term plan, using my free time.

Top down adventure / puzzle game; you know typical go here, get key there, put three gems here, unlock that and so on.

I have two options: Go with Java as I can move easily with it OR use an engine like Godot even though I've never used it before.

So game-devs, any advice on what should be the best approach here?

There are many engines to choose from for any language you choose. A Java Engine I enjoyed was libGDX https://libgdx.badlogicgames.com/

But your choice depends on your workflow and style preferences :)

If you are planning on making your first game i can highly recommend the godot engine. I used java for many years for my game projects and never really thought about getting into the whole game-engine stuff (i used libgdx but that's about it). After i thought about how i could "streamline" my development progress i started looking into game-engines and stumbled across godot. Since i never really used a game engine i had doubts at first but after a couple youtube-tutorials it went pretty well and i was easily able to create my very own godot game (it didn't went perfectly smooth but i got there and i had a pretty solid understanding of the engine afterwards). What i am trying to das Here ist that godot ist really easy to Pick Up and i would recommend ist eben you are planning to create a game (since game-ideas usually are pretty ambitious)

What i would also recommend is looking into app development (Like android-apps) i developed an app myself and it is realy easy to publish it (at least on the PlayStore) in addition you have a game most of your friends will be able to play and therefore you will get a lot of feedback. Furthermore mobile games usually tend to follow a more minimal approach and therefore can be a good entry point into game development (that depends on what you have envisioned for your game of course but that is what i have experienced) when you plan on creating a mobile game i would recommend either java in combination with libGDX and when you want to use a Game engine you can choose whichever you like really... I don't have much experience with game-engines but it seems like there are a lot of great tutorials out there

I created an account just to write these comments btw i hope they help you out

@hufhufhuf hey man! Thanks a lot for your comments! They're really helpful.

I want to make a game, but I think I'll start with another smaller one, to get used to the tools. I think I'll go with libgdx at first, following your last advice and make it available for Android (I've made a few Android apps up to now).

And welcome to devRant pal!

@antorqs nice to hear that!

Let me know when your game is available i would love to check it out!

@hufhufhuf Will do! It's gonna take a while though 😅 but I won't forget to post it here 😉

@antorqs Thank you! I will be patient