Are you curious to learn how video games are created? Today, we will walk you through the video game creation process. We look at the pipeline – creating a video game from scratch. But first, we will introduce you to a fantastic new strategy game that KOs the competition!
The video game development process is complex, multilayered, and synergistic. Teams of professionals pool their talents when developing video games, from ideation to creation. The video game development pipeline is where it all begins. In simple terms, this is the process of video game construction, from inception to the final product.
The video game pipeline assists in managing budget allocation and time to completion. It’s an excellent resource for eliminating bottlenecks and limiting inefficiencies. Interestingly, the video game pipeline is similar for all games, including indie and mobile games.
As enthusiasts already know, the video game creation process continuously evolves. It’s not linear; it’s dynamic, multilayered, multidimensional, and synchronized at opportune times. Often, the practical applications don’t go according to plan. At every step, creative teams, management approval, and ongoing iterations are required.
When designing a new strategy game, creators consider many different elements. It is a fiercely competitive arena, and stakeholders have unique tastes and preferences. For example, a growing contingent of players is receptive to winning cash rewards by competing in game tourneys. The latest strategy games facilitate this through multiplayer 2D turn-based mobile strategy constructs.
Strategy games captivate players with intricate mechanics, encouraging thoughtful decision-making and long-term planning. These games are known for a variety of engaging elements that cater to diverse interests:
- Resource Management: Players must gather, allocate, and optimize resources to build their power base.
- Turn-Based or Real-Time Action: Some games focus on methodical, turn-based play, while others rely on fast-paced real-time decisions.
- Customizable Units and Leaders: Players can often shape their armies or characters, tailoring them to unique playstyles.
- Diplomacy and Alliances: Forming strategic partnerships or rivalries with other players adds depth and unpredictability.
- Tech Trees and Upgrades: Unlocking new abilities, tools, or technologies keeps gameplay fresh and evolving.
- Global Rankings and Achievements: Competitive elements appeal to those seeking recognition or rewards.
These features make strategy games a thrilling mix of intellect, creativity, and competition.
Essentially, the techies responsible for creating games go through three stages:
The pre-production stage
During the pre-production stage of game development, the game topic is defined. The game creators discuss important issues like why the game was created in the first place and what requirements are needed to bring it to reality. Many game creators have fantastic ideas and storylines for games, and some even want to leverage brand-new technology like a new gaming console or virtual reality headset etc.
During the pre-production stage, a multitude of questions is answered, notably:
- What platform will be used?
- Who are we creating the game for?
- What type of resources are needed?
- What is the competition like for our idea?
- What budget are we looking at for the game?
- How can we make money from this game? What platform will be used?
This project typically consumes 20% of production time during the pre-reproduction stage—a week to a year. The team is small, with concept artists, programmers, and producers working on the game idea and its development. The information garnered during this stage forms the bedrock of the Game Design Document.
The GDD is an important document that helps maintain order, identify hurdles, and project into the future. It’s also a great way to attract financing for the game. Next up is a stage known as prototyping. The video game is tested in a raw format. The UX (user experience), art direction, gameplay mechanics, and game’s overall impact are assessed. The pre-production stage is essential as it evaluates whether the game is ready.
The production stage
This stage in the game production process takes the most time. On average, it can take anywhere from one year to four years to complete the production stage of proceedings. During this part of the process, the gaming environment, the creatures, characters, and props are all created, refined, and tailored to expectations. Everything you see in a video game is deliberately there – conscious decision-making at work. The colors, sounds, antagonist, protagonist, and neutral elements are all there by design – every single one of them.
During the production stage of proceedings, various milestones take place, including the following:
- Prototyping
- The first playable version of the game
- A playable sample is known as a vertical slice
- The pre-Alpha stage of proceedings
- The feature-complete Alpha version of the game
- The integration of gaming assets to create the Beta stage
- The Gold Master final version of the game for the publishing and distribution outlet
Naturally, the techies behind the games include a wide range of professionals, noteworthy among them project managers, game programmers, game developers, audio engineers (composers and sound designers as well), game designers, level designers, FX artists, game artists, game animators, and 3D modelers. Of course, video game testers are essential during game development. Their input is sacrosanct.
The post-production stage
Post-production takes place once the game has been released and shipped to players. Some team members assume different roles, such as creating patches, fixing bugs, and performing routine maintenance. Others create downloadable gaming content or start working in earnest on the sequel. Routinely, project managers call for powwows to discuss what worked and what didn’t and how to improve the game’s adoption among players.
This rudimentary exploration of the three stages of game ideation, development, and distribution leaves plenty of latitude for tasks, duties, checks, and balances. There is creative copyright to have as much leeway as possible to do what needs to be done during video game development.
EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement
