Have you had an excellent game idea but not sure where to start? Or are you an experienced game developer who’s looking to grow the knowledge you already have? You’ve come to the right place!
The process of game development is a unique experience. You set out to make a great title, but it is not easy to obtain everything you need from an upfront purchase to create something ready for release. However, if you can follow the steps outlined in this article, you’ll have a game project on your hands that will be ready for release just as soon as possible.
What is Game Development?
Game development is the process of creating games. The term “game” covers various types, from the simple to the complex. The two most common types of game development are game design and programming. Game design involves thinking about what kind of game you want, while programming involves creating the code that makes it happen.
A game has a specific purpose: to be fun for players. It can also have some other purposes—for example; it might be educational or political. A game can be made on any platform or device—it doesn’t have to be just a computer program!
What are the Stages of Game Development?
The three main stages of video game development are pre-production, production, and post-production.
Stage 1: Pre-production
Planning
At this point, a video game concept must emerge. The budget, the game’s target audience, whether the game will be 2D or 3D, who the characters will be, and what the game platform will be are discussed. This is the initial stage of designing the video game.
The Game Producer is responsible for the financial aspects of the project, including the budget and marketing strategy to ensure the game is viable. The Concept Artist is responsible for sketching and creating the artwork. Concept Artists are essential because their work shows the rest of the team what the game will look like.
The Game Design Document contains all the information established during pre-production. It will guide the entire team during the game development process and keep the initial vision intact.
Why is it critical to have a Game Design Document (GDD) when developing a video game?
A GDD helps in understanding the complexity of the project. It also keeps the team organized, identifies potential risks, and helps make the best decisions during the game development process. In addition, a well-developed GDD can help you find investors to help finance your game. Many people who want to invest are looking for a well-written plan.
The “secret” to the repeated success of large game companies is a well-executed GDD.
This document should continue to be updated and improved as the situation evolves.
Prototyping
Game prototyping is an important aspect of game development because it saves time and money. During this phase, the gameplay, user experience, functionality, and appearance of the game can be tested. Sometimes the game does not pass this test, so it is crucial to reach this point. One suggestion is to ask someone else to test your prototype, as you may miss some mistakes.
Stage 2: Production
This is the most challenging and complex part of making a game, but it is also where the game concept comes to life. At this point, all team members are aware of their responsibilities.
The Project Manager or the Game Producer ensures that the team members work together effectively. He is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the project, anticipating potential risk situations, and determining how to mitigate them.
Each game content requires thousands of lines of source codes to be valid. The Game Developers help in writing these codes. They must be able to code the ideas for people to see and hear. Some aspects of the programming phase include creating a custom game engine, writing scripts for features, events, and interactions, and creating and modifying 3D graphic renderings.
During the production phase, Game Designers ensure that the characters look and act faithfully to the original. They are also responsible for story development, digital editing, game rules, and scoring systems.
Audio Designers are responsible for the production of sound and the sound quality of the game. When a character stomps on grass, runs, or talks, they make the sounds realistic. They make sure that the characters’ voices and tones convey their emotions.
The Lever designers create a dynamic and engaging game environment and ensure that fun and interactive levels keep players engaged and interested.
3. Post-production
Maintenance
Even after the production phase is over, the process continues with the game maintenance. This has to be put in place in case of errors (this happens often but is fixed during the maintenance phase).
Marketing
Marketing of video games occurs during post-production and for some time after the game is released. Large game companies often begin marketing during the late stages of their game production to generate fan interest. In addition, there may be Game QA testing, live support for the game, and ports to other platforms.
Game Development Best Practices
Game development is one of the most complex art forms, requiring a unique combination of creativity and technical know-how. With so many different platforms and devices, it cannot be easy to know what works best for your game. The compiled best practices below will help you get on the right foot!
- Tell a story
- Create a game design document
- Create an excellent user interface and user experience
- Make it simple but addicting to play
- Take into account the amount of memory (RAM) used
- Consider different screen sizes
- Deliver continuous updates
- Establish a good relationship with your audience using a good support channel
Final Words
We hope this article has helped guide you to the right path and shown you how to begin the long yet exciting journey of game development. Now get ready to be hit by some hard work and tough decisions along the way. Be prepared to be challenged at every turn as you learn, but take a step back and breathe deeply! This will be an incredible experience that will not just teach you how to make games. It will also teach you what it means to have passion, face mistakes, and truly work hard for the things you believe in.
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