2d action: look for an immediate mode graphics API (typically named something like "canvas"), a pause/timer function, and a way to read keyboard input. Put them together. If you name a language I can help you find the three things
Don't know how to program:
I liked Game Maker back in the day, don't know if it's still good, but it's a nice compromise between not programming and actually programming
people have taught themselves programming using the roguelike tutorial
Know how to program and not how to make a game:
turn based: do the roguelike tutorial, it's good
3d and fancy: pick a random Godot tutorial
2d action: look for an immediate mode graphics API (typically named something like "canvas"), a pause/timer function, and a way to read keyboard input. Put them together. If you name a language I can help you find the three things
Don't know how to program:
I liked Game Maker back in the day, don't know if it's still good, but it's a nice compromise between not programming and actually programming
people have taught themselves programming using the roguelike tutorial