The development of a video game is a complicated journey that involves a wide range of skills. These skills include game design, programming, art, sound, VFX, SFX, UX, and more, each aspect of development plays a crucial role in bringing a game to life. Here, I will try to share some basic knowledge and experiences of video game creation.
Programming
Programming is the process of writing the code that powers the game. This includes creating the AI behavior, physics engine, user interface, and networking code.
Programmers use many programming languages, such as C++ and C#, to create games that run smoothly and without bugs. The programmer’s rule is very critical. The behavior of a game object that is related to a specific code should be smooth and natural. This makes the player feels in control of the character. It also removes the frustration when a player gets punished as it puts the responsibility on the player and not the game. Programmers contribute a lot in delivering a beautiful game feel. In my opinion, programmers’ contribution to a video game is one of the biggest challenges that prevent delivering a beautiful game feel.
Visual Art
Visual Art is one of the main feeds that is communicated to the player. Artists create the game assets and then are integrated all together. These assets depend on the genre of the game. It could be models, textures, UI assets, animations, and VFXs. Artists use a range of software tools, such as Maya and Photoshop, to create 2D and 3D assets. Assets are usually created in a way that are optimized for the game and its performance. Many criteria are there to increase optimization. Hopefully, we will discuss this in depth later. Game art is critical for creating an immersive game world that draws players in and keeps them engaged.
Sound and SFX
Sound is an often-overlooked aspect of video game development, but it is essential for creating an immersive gaming experience. Designers create the music, sound effects, and voiceover recordings that bring the game world to life. They work closely with game designers and artists to ensure that the audio elements complement the visuals and gameplay. Sound is critical for creating an emotional connection with players and enhancing the overall game experience.
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance, or QA, is the process of testing the game for bugs and glitches. QA testers play the game extensively to identify any issues that could affect the player’s experience. QA is critical for ensuring that the game is bug-free and delivers a seamless gameplay experience for players.
Marketing and Distribution
Marketing and distribution are critical for the success of a video game. Teams create promotional materials, such as trailers and screenshots, and work with influencers and journalists to generate buzz for the game. Distribution teams work with retailers and digital storefronts to ensure that the game is available to players worldwide. Marketing and distribution are critical for ensuring that the game reaches a broad audience and generates the sales needed to fund future game development.
Game Design
Game design starts with idea generation. For us as indie developers, we discussed ideas on game genre, theme, mechanics, story, systems, game world, and much more. We took months to write the game design document. Microsoft Word was used at the beginning. Once the document got expanded, we have to combine Word, Excel, DunDoc, and more tools. In my opinion, game designers’ main rule is to specify game systems and connect them together. A well-designed game can draw players in and keep them engaged, while a poorly designed game can lead to frustration and disappointment.
Once the core mechanics have been established, the game designer will work with other members of the development team to create the game’s characters, levels, and user interface. Game designers collaborate with artists, programmers, and sound designers to create a cohesive and engaging game experience. They also playtest the game extensively to identify any issues or areas for improvement.
One key aspect of game design is balancing gameplay mechanics. Game designers must ensure that the game is challenging enough to keep players engaged, but not so difficult that players become frustrated and give up. They must also ensure that the game is fair and balanced, with no overpowered characters or items.
Another important aspect of game design is storytelling. Game designers must create compelling characters and storylines that draw players in and keep them engaged. This involves creating a rich and detailed game world, complete with unique characters, settings, and lore.
Overall, game design is a critical aspect of video game development. A well-designed game can draw players in and keep them engaged, while a poorly designed game can lead to frustration and disappointment. Game designers must balance gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and accessibility to create a game that is both fun and challenging for players, while also telling a compelling story. As the video game industry continues to grow and evolve, game design will play an increasingly important role in creating successful and engaging games.
Conclusion
Each aspect of video game development plays a critical role in creating a successful video game. By working together, game designers, programmers, artists, sound designers, QA testers, and marketing and distribution teams can create a game that is both engaging and commercially successful. The video game industry is constantly evolving, and developers must continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible to create games that capture the imagination of players around the world.