Have you ever wondered how video games are made? It’s a complex process that involves many different people and skill sets. This blog post will look at the process of making a video game from start to finish.
We’ll discuss the different roles involved in game development and show you some examples of how games are created. So if you’re curious about the world of video game development, read on.
What is a Game Development Pipeline?
A game development pipeline is a process that video game developers use to create a video game. It involves several stages, from initial conception and design to coding and testing.
There are many different ways to create a video game development pipeline, but most games go through some or all of the following stages we’re going to discuss in a few.
But did you know that you can also play video games on this website and have so much fun? Try it and see how it turns out. That said, below are the stages of making a video game:
Stage 1: Pre-production
Pre-production is the first stage of game development, where ideas are turned into a vision and a plan for the game. This is when the team decides what the game will be about, what it will look like, and how it will work. They also start to put together a schedule and budget for the project.
Game Design Document
A Game Design Document (GDD) is created in this stage. This document contains all the information about the game, including the story, characters, gameplay, and technical details. It is used to communicate the vision for the game to the entire development team.
Prototyping
Once the vision for the game is clear, the team starts creating prototypes. A prototype is a small version of the game that is used to test ideas and gameplay. It can be as simple as a few pieces of paper put together, or it can be a fully playable game.
Prototyping is an important part of game development because it allows the team to try out different ideas and see what works before they spend a lot of time and money on something that might not work.
Stage 2: Production
The production stage is when the game starts to take shape. The team will finalize the game’s design and start creating all the assets used in the game, such as the characters, environments, and objects. This is also the stage where the game’s code is written. Once all the assets and code are completed, the game is ready for testing.
During production, the team will also create a schedule for the game’s development. This schedule includes milestones for each primary task that needs to be completed. The schedule helps the team stay on track and ensures the game is finished on time.
Production Stages
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- Prototype: A prototype is an early version of the game used to test the game’s concept. For example, a prototype can be used to test the game’s mechanics or art style.
- First playable: The first playable is a game version that includes all the core gameplay mechanics, such as character movement and collision detection. This game version tests how fun the game is to play.
- Alpha: The alpha is a nearly completed version of the game that is used to test the game’s features. Usually, the game’s levels are not yet complete in the alpha stage.
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- Vertical slice: A vertical slice is a game section that includes all the game’s content and features, such as art, audio, animation, and gameplay. This game section tests the game’s performance on different devices.
- Pre-alpha: The pre-alpha is a game version that includes all the game’s content and features.
- Beta: The beta is the game’s final version released to the public.
- Gold master: The gold master is the game’s final version sent to manufacturing. Usually, the game’s levels are complete in the gold master stage.
Final Stage: Post-production
The post-production stage of game development is where all the final touches are added to the game. This includes adding any final graphics, sounds, and gameplay features. Once the game is complete, it is ready to be released to the public.
The post-production stage can be lengthy, as many elements need to be finalized. However, it is also one of the most critical stages, as it can make or break a game. A well-polished game will be more successful than a rushed and unpolished one.
Post-production is an excellent stage to get involved in if you’re interested in game development. There are many different aspects to consider and work on, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re good at art or music, you can contribute by creating graphics or composing tracks. If you’re a code wizard, you can help to add the final touches to the gameplay.
Whatever your skill set may be, post-production is a crucial stage of game development that needs to be given the time and attention it deserves. A game is only as good as its post-production, so do your best!
Conclusion
Video games are fun and a big business. The video game industry is expected to be worth $300 billion by 2025. And there’s so much more that you can expect in the video game industry, so keep an eye on what will transpire in the future.
