So, the question seems vague but I will elaborate.
I’m a software developer, but I don’t do games; yet I have an urge to try and make something.
It just seems so overwhelming, I know I want to make a game where the main character is a cat and you have to complete missions, but where do you even begin. Where does the art come from? How do you refine your idea, if all you know is you want a cat game? How do you choose an engine? Do you just start with the basics and get a cat walking around and see what comes next? If you can’t hash out the idea then so you have a right to even try and make a game? Is it best to follow tutorials to get used to making games? I feel the answer to that is no as before I become a software developer, tutorial hell was a thing and I realised I needed to make things for me to actually learn.
Sorry for all the questions, this was just a stream of thought.
Passion project “dev”.
Mechanics first. Placeholder template for what you need for visuals. There’re also free assets for that if you want to avoid your own altogether.
Sound is a set all on its own, so I would save that for the near-mid to near-end point (before finishing touches). That is to say, don’t think about it for a while.
Others have said, but take it like a cake. One piece at a time ;)