Creating a video game is an incredibly complex process that can take years and cost millions of dollars. There are however several main stages that all cost-effective game development services follow in order to create a successful title. Let’s take a look at them.
Choosing Development Method
There are two ways games can be developed. The first one is called “in-house” development and it involves hiring a team of developers that will work on your game full-time in your own office. This method is more costly as you have to pay for their salaries, benefits, and office space. It does however give you more control over the development process as you can easily communicate with the team and make changes when needed.
The second method is called “outsourcing” and it involves hiring a third-party company to develop your game for you. This method is less costly as you only have to pay for the services rendered and not for any other overhead costs. It does however mean that you have less control over the development process as you will have to communicate with the team through a project manager. For example, you can contact with Solid Bash, they have been on the market for years now and worked on a variety of projects, both big and small.
Picking the Right Team
Once you’ve decided which development method you want to go with, it’s time to pick the right team. If you’re going the in-house route, then you will need to interview and hire developers that have the skillset required to develop your game. If you’re outsourcing, then you will need to find a reputable game development studio that has experience developing games similar to yours.
Pre-Production
The first stage of game development is pre-production. This is where the team comes up with the idea for the game and begins to plan out how it will be made. The pre-production phase can last for months or even years as the team figures out what the game will be about, what features it will have, and how to make it all come together. Here are some things that developers should be taking care of during pre-production:
- Figuring out the game’s concept
Figuring out the game’s concept is the first and most important task that needs to be completed during pre-production. The team needs to come up with an original idea for a game that people will want to play. They also need to make sure that the game is feasible and that it can be completed within the budget and timeframe that they have set.
- Creating a design document
Creating a design document is the second task that needs to be completed during pre-production. This document will serve as a roadmap for the development team and will outline everything that needs to be done in order to make the game a reality.
Production
Once the pre-production phase is finished, it’s time to start production. This is where the team starts building the actual game. The production phase can take several years as well, depending on the size and scope of the project. During production, the team will create all of the game’s content, including its graphics, sound, and gameplay.
Gameplay and Mechanics
One of the most important aspects of any video game is its gameplay and mechanics. This is what makes the game fun to play and keeps players coming back for more. The team will spend a lot of time during production making sure the gameplay is enjoyable and easy to understand.
Graphics and Audio
Another important aspect of game development is creating graphics and audio that are both pleasing to the eye and ear. The team will work with artists and musicians to create graphics and soundtracks that fit the game’s setting and tone.
Post-production
After the game is finished being developed, it enters the post-production phase. This is where the team does final testing to make sure the game is bug-free and ready for release. The post-production phase can also include marketing and promotion for the game.
Monetization
The last stage of game development is monetization. This is where the team decides how they want to make money off of the game. There are several options for monetization, including selling the game for a one-time fee, offering it for free and making money through in-game microtransactions, or putting ads in the game.
Releasing the game
After the game is finished being developed and monetized, it’s time to release it to the public. The team will upload the game to digital storefronts like Steam or itch.io, or they might choose to release it on their own website. They will also promote the game through social media and other channels. And that’s it! The game is now out in the wild and players can enjoy it.
Support and Maintenance
After the game is released, the team may still need to provide support and maintenance. This can involve patching bugs, adding new content, or simply providing customer support.
The post-release phase can last for months or even years, depending on the game.
Marketing and Distribution
Finally, once the game is completed and released, it enters the marketing and distribution phase. This is where the team works to get the word out about the game and make sure people can actually buy and play it. Marketing and distribution can take many different forms, from online ads to traditional print ads.
The Future of Video Games
The video game industry is always changing and evolving. New technologies and platforms are constantly being introduced, which means new opportunities for game developers. The future of games is bright, and there’s no telling what new masterpiece will be created next.
Conclusion
This is a broad overview of the main stages of game development. Keep in mind that every project is different, and not all games will go through all of these stages. However, this should give you a general idea of what to expect when developing a video game. Thanks for reading!