After a long day, the moment you switch on your gaming console, you are transferred to a new world where there is no trace of your daily routine. From racing to role-playing, there are thousands of options available through which you can intersect with the digital world.
But have you ever wondered how all this was made possible? I mean, there has to be something or someone who made those thrilling graphics, captivating audio, and interesting game concepts possible. Well, the answer is pretty simple: the video game industry.
The video game industry is enormous, encompassing a variety of formats, technology, and genres. The global video games industry is expected to increase by 8.76% (2024-2027), with a market volume of US$363.20 billion in 2027. So, how does the industry make those games?
This blog is bound to answer all your questions regarding video game development and the history of video games.
What is Video Game Development?
Game Development involves creating games and encompasses a game’s design, development, and launch. It could include idea development, designing, constructing, testing, and launching. The team must consider the game mechanics, rewards, player engagement, and level design when developing a game.
A game developer may work in many different capacities within the industry, such as programming, sound design, art, and design.
Game development may involve a single person or a sizable studio team. According to your vision, you can make it as big or tiny as you want. Video game development is about taking an idea and developing it to produce a finished and ready-to-play game.
What Is a Video Game Development Pipeline?
A video game development pipeline is a structured process. It is used from the initial game concept to the final product. The pipeline outlines the sequence of stages and tasks involved in game development. It ensures that each phase including concept art, prototyping, design, coding, testing, and deployment is in order.
The pipeline helps manage the complex interdependencies between different development teams. It facilitates smooth transitions and communication across designers, programmers, testers, etc.
The Three-Staged Video Game Development Process
The three stages of video game development are pre-production, production, and post-production.
Pre-production Phase
Pre-production is the stage of preparation. Even if you have a fantastic idea for a game, you will need a well-thought-out plan of action to see it through to completion.
Pre-production is the phase in which game designers, developers, writers, and artists collaborate to decide on the game’s scope. It includes developing concepts for the game’s mechanics, cast of characters, aesthetics, and plot. The most fundamental inquiries that require clarification are:
- What is the game’s central concept? How would you condense that into a catchy gaming pitch?
- Which genre does the game fall under?
- Who is the intended audience?
- What time and location is the game played?
- Which people are the characters?
- How much will it cost us to produce this game, on average?
- Will we need to bring on more team members or game developers?
- What is the plan for gaming revenue?
- How soon is the launch expected to happen?
The responses to these queries serve as the foundation for your essay on game design. Certain details will probably alter as you work on your game. Treat your Game Development Document (GDD) as a live document that will change and grow with your project.
Game Design Document – The Initial Stage
The initial game development stage involves creating a game design document (GDD). This document will serve as a foundation for your game’s finances, structure, and full project vision.
In our Game Production Program, you will learn the following things about making GDD:
- The concept or idea behind the game
- Genre of the game
- Gameplay type
- Core game mechanics
- Design components
- Art and sketches of the story and characters
- Monetization strategy for the game
The Game Design Document (GDD) serves as a dynamic blueprint in game development, constantly evolving as the project progresses. This ongoing refinement may stem from various challenges, such as technical limitations, budget constraints, or unexpected issues with gameplay and aesthetics.
Smaller developers often favor agile methods emphasizing rapid iteration with minimal documentation, while larger studios typically adopt a more structured approach. This dichotomy in development strategies reflects the diverse needs and resources across the industry, underscoring the GDD’s adaptability to different production environments.
Prototyping
It’s also typical to prototype the game’s settings, characters, control schemes, and other components during the pre-production phase.
A video game prototype is a preliminary test to evaluate various elements such as functionality, user experience, gameplay, mechanics, and art direction. This critical step occurs during the pre-production phase, aiming to assess the viability of a game concept and determine whether it merits further development. Many game ideas are often discarded after this initial testing phase if they do not show promise.
A great deal of work has gone into worldbuilding. Storyboards, concept drawings, interface mockups, and other visual aids are used to develop ideas and show how they feel, look, and work together.
Production
During the production phase of game development, your team creates different assets and source code based on the concepts developed during pre-production. That’s where most of your time, energy, and resources are directed.
In this phase, many teams operate concurrently:
- Create: The design team keeps working from the pre-production phase forward. Collaborating closely with the artists, they produce lifelike character models, create captivating and dynamic level designs and surroundings, refine user interfaces, and more. The designs grow increasingly specific and nuanced; certain concepts are improved while others are rejected.
- Coding: In the unlikely event that you want to utilize pre-existing game development tools or engines, the programmers will still have a full plate as they prototype concepts, add new features, and troubleshoot any issues. Your development team must set aside enough extra time to focus on relevant technical chores if you also intend to provide an API for your game.
- Sounds, visuals, and art: Many creative resources are needed for most games. To ensure that all the components function together, voice actors, composers of music, and artists must collaborate with designers and developers.
- Experimenting: It is vital to ensure that the game functions as planned. Testers begin working as soon as anything is playable; they don’t wait for the game to be done. In the early stages of development, testing a game takes up very little time, but as it gets closer to completion, it requires several people working full-time, frequently with the help of QA outsourcing firms.
Post-production
The game enters the post-production phase once every part of production is complete. It is the last development phase after the finished version is available to the public. This state’s primary goal is game upkeep and quality assurance, which mostly consists of:
Fixing bugs – Even with testers’ best efforts, most games still have little issues when they first come out. Typically, the first several months of the post-production phase are devoted to finding and fixing these flaws.
New material – Another aspect of post-production is regular software upgrades for the game. It may include new DLCs to game-balancing patches.
In the post-production phase, the management team also advertises the game to spread the word about the game.
What Are the Key Roles in Game Development?*
Project manager
The project manager oversees the game development process, coordinating between different teams, managing timelines, and ensuring the project stays on budget.
Game developers/programmers
Game developers, or programmers, are responsible for writing the code that makes the game function. They work on implementing the game mechanics, character controls, and interactions within the game’s environment.
Game designers
Game designers craft the gameplay experience, developing the game’s rules, story flow, and structure. They often work closely with other team members to ensure the game mechanics are engaging and fun.
3D modelers
3D modelers create polygonal structures that give form to characters and objects within the game. Their work is essential in building detailed, immersive 3D environments.
FX artists
FX artists create visual effects that enhance the game’s storytelling, from explosions and magic spells to weather conditions and textured surfaces. Their work adds depth and realism to the game environment.
Audio engineers/Composers
Audio engineers and composers develop the game’s sound landscape, which includes sound effects, ambient sounds, and the musical score. Their work is integral to building the game’s atmosphere and enhancing the immersive experience.
QA (quality assurance) Or Video game testers
QA testers are vital for ensuring the quality of the game by identifying bugs and issues before the final release. They play through the game multiple times, documenting errors and providing gameplay feedback.
Kickstart Your Game Development Career With DAVE
Excited to be a successful game developer? Join DAVE now and choose the right pathway for future opportunities.
Our Game Production and Virtual Production programs blend cutting-edge technology with hands-on training to prepare students for a future in game and film production. The flagship Game Production Program focuses on real-world game environment development and the latest software mastery.
Our Virtual Production Program also helps you master the technical aspects of game development. We offer innovative teaching methods and facilities to equip students with practical skills. Students learn to seamlessly integrate digital worlds with physical sets using advanced technologies such as large LED screens and real-time environment manipulation with Unreal Engine 5.
Join us at The DAVE School to be part of this revolutionary educational journey. Our comprehensive training and learning programs prepare our graduates for the competitive job market.
In Summary
No two games are the same, and even seasoned companies that have worked on hundreds of games in the past sometimes face difficulties like last-minute modifications, strict deadlines, conflicting creative visions, and other issues.
The success of a game is influenced by various factors that are not directly within the developer’s control. It is even more motivation to ensure you look after what is already there. The easiest way to achieve your goals is to have a well-organized game development process with precise timelines and production objectives.
*These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide to possible employment opportunities. Many factors determine the job an individual may obtain, and The DAVE School cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require licenses or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.