Making a game

How do you make a Game?

Most people think making a game is a simple and easy process, but the development of a game can take years to make. Rushing the production of a video game can result in poor gameplay, storyline and graphics but even a game that has taken years to develop can result in a poor reviews. Some companys spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on one area of the production stage, usually marketing or engine which can result in a bad game. But some of the best games were made in only one to two years, which is nothing in gaming terms.

The stages of game development are

 

 

Pre-Production/design

-Idea/High concept

  The concept of a game is usually a brief description or idea of game mechanics. There is little to no storyline here
 

-Pitch

  The pitch is a document that says why the game should be developed, usually to make a profit


-Concept

  This document outlines the games genre, description, storyline and setting.


-Prototype

  The prototype is usually an interactive demo sort that the programmers can get an idea as to what they are working with.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Digital Victory prototype

Production

 

 -Design

  Everyone who is contributing to the game can input their ideas during a big meeting held by  producer. This is where sponsorships come in to play.


-Programming 

  this is the phase where  game programmers make a bunch of code to create elements of the game. many parts of the code doesn't make it into the final game, but the code may stay in the game files.


-Level creation

 The level editors make the very first level or room in the game. This first level  can take up to 12 months, because the assets are forever changing so one thing at the end of a game may prove irrelevant for the first level.


-art/audio production

  this is where all the audio and visuals are created.


-Testing

 The first people to test the early game are given a alpha copy, they give ideas to help the production and report any bugs.

Milestones

 

 -code freeze

No more new code is added to the game and only bugs are edited by highly skilled programmers.

-Beta

A playable game is released to handpicked testers, more insight is given by the testers.


-code release

All  bugs have been fixed and the game is ready to be released.


-Gold master

  The master copy of the game is stored in a high security file where no more editing can be done.




-Release

  The game is released and shipped to major store all over the globe. A launch party is usually held at major game retailers.




This whole process can take up to 6 years and a can cost millions of dollars, but the end result is usually worth it.

Follow this blog to receive updates on games I am currently working on.