Professional video game developers are of the opinion that the making process is neither simple nor complex. In fact one needs to know the suitable techniques to get things done in quick times without compromising on the desired quality. To keep pace with the constant changes in the gaming industry game developers must make themselves competitive to accept challenges and execute tasks with ease and efficiency. The introduction of AR/VR in mainstream games has sparked immense attention towards playing immersive and trending games.
But have you ever thought about what all are required for making a full fledged high end game with attractive features and functionalities. Dependencies and bottlenecks, burning deadlines, ever changing design and requirements, pressure from the stakeholders are some of the many hindrances that are experienced during the development phases. There are many developers you can find who are not fully aware about the crucial steps that are pivotal in making games unique and engaging for the targeted gamers-both avid and casual. This blog will make you aware about the game development process and its craziness.
5 Prominent Stages of a Noted Game Development Company
1) DISCOVERY
This is the beginning step where the concept or the idea gets converted into playable games. In this stage the nature and scope of the games are identified. This stage continues for one or two months based on the resources, project scope, along with the available budget. Being the most initial phase very few members comprise this team. Game designer, Solution Architect and Art Director are a few prominent names of this stage.
This is in fact one of the important points where game creation actually starts and relates to diverse tasks mentioned below:
Game Design Documentation : This document is basically created by the designers which has all the descriptions and rules of the game like:
- User flow UX charts
- Game mechanics description
- Metagame design
- Customization design
Art Style Definition : Here the Art Director and his team consult with the stakeholders and the game designers to work on the visual impressions enhancing the look and feel.
Visual style of the game
- VFX Concepts/prototypes
- 3D models
- 3D animations
- Concepts
Graphics Requirement
- Animation requirement
- Texture resolution
- Polygon budget
Technology Stack Definition : In this stage the Tech Lead or the Solution Architect picks up the suitable technologies needed the purpose of development.
Prospects for using existing solution
- Usually it has been found that with an available game engine it is easy to come up with a product
- In some specific cases custom engines or platforms can be built
Pick the best among the available ones
The most suitable one which can express your dreams in the best possible way should be opted for
Defining the Project Architecture
Here it has to be considered so that the project can have expansion mode and support facilities
Planning : Once the team gets ready with all those mentioned above, it is time to provide detailed information related to:
- Budget breakdown
- Time required for game development
- Deliverables produced along the way
- Types of resources required
2) PRODUCTION
This is the phase where the actual developmental tasks start. It covers refining the storylines, defining the game mechanics, establishing the pace, balance and last but not the least-the gameplay. In addition to this, there are tasks related to creating assets, building levels and scenes, setting rules for the games, writing codes etc.
Let us have a look at some of the fundamentals of game production
Production Milestones
Prototype : This is actually a basic framework that evaluates the gameplay, mechanics, user experience, art style and lots more. Prototyping takes place as the first phase to assess whether the game idea will work or is it worthy to pursue with the same or not. Normally many ideas do not clear this stage.
First Playable : It is a bit refined than the former and gives a better picture of the game’s look. Although it is quite far from the finishing touch, but still lots of work like art and designs get added.
Pre-alpha : In this stage many crucial contents are being created. Critical decisions are taken pertaining to incorporating assets for improving the gameplay.
Alpha : Here the games should be ready with all features accessible from start to end. Some art details can be added but the controls and the functions should function perfectly.
Beta : Aligning of the contents and the assets should be completed and the team should concentrate on improving the details in a personalised manner. The QA testers will be working to make the gameplay free from errors and glitches.
Release : This is the final stage where the game is ready to be sent for publishing making it available for the targeted gamers.
A popular game development company follows all these steps accurately to make it stand out in the current competition.
3) TESTING
To ensure the desired quality each mechanic and feature of the games should be tested minutely. QA testers need to check the following in this phase:
- Is the character dialogue boring
- Is everything rendering on the screen
- Are there error-areas or levels
- Does the character movement get stuck at any point
These apart there may be some game specific features which are to be checked thoroughly before enabling the players to get started.
4) RELEASE
Here the developers need to take a final look as the games are on the verge of getting public. Graphics, animations, textures, art and designs,UI/UX are to be tested again and again to make the experience as desired for attracting and retaining players across the globe. An established mobile game development company should be consulted if you wish to make the content distinctive in terms of features and functionalities.
5) POST RELEASE
With respect to post release maintenance the team can create bonuses, patches, in-game events or brand new downloadable content to make it more exciting and intriguing. Eminent gaming studios also depend on the players to come up with reports of bugs in online forums.
Contribution of Red Apple Technologies in the Game Development Process
Being in the industry for a considerable time we know what it takes to make games playable with expected satisfaction and zeal. With the help of our skilled professionals we have been successful in making diverse projects popular so that the gamers can crave for more. Right from the content to the look and feel our games have engaged players to play for repetitive sessions. Using interactive technologies such as AR/VR we have facilitated the gaming enthusiasts to communicate with the gaming environments in their desired ways. This has resulted in making the experience even more lively. “Next is New” as our motto we work on every project as a challenge to deliver something better than the best.
Conclusion : Are you ready with your next gaming concept? Do not think twice to talk with us in making your dreams a reality. Meet your aspirations by being the best in this industry with our trending solutions.
