Creating your own video game is a dream for many people, just like creating poker casinos, but the process often turns out to be more complicated and time-consuming than expected at the initial stage. Before starting development, it is important to understand the main aspects and possible pitfalls.
The Main Stages of Game Development
1. Planning:
The first stage in game development is planning. During this stage, developers must determine the budget and time frame of the project. It is also necessary to set specific goals in order to have a clear idea of the desired result. It is important to calculate how much time and money you can devote to the project.
For example, if you calculate your work at $50 per hour and can devote five hours a week to development, a budget of $5,000 will accumulate in six months. This will allow you to create a small but functional game.
2. Creating a game design document:
The next step is to develop a game design document (GDD), which is the foundation for the entire project. The GDD describes all the key elements of the game: story, graphics, music, mechanics, and other aspects.
This document helps to keep the project within the given framework and facilitates communication within the team and with external investors. A properly drafted GDD is the key to the successful realisation of the idea.
3. Prototyping:
Prototyping is the creation of a basic version of the game that allows you to test the basic ideas and mechanics. The prototype should be simple, with minimal graphics and sounds so that the focus is on gameplay.
At this stage, it is important to make sure that the game is interesting and has an engaging concept at its core. Effective prototyping helps to identify potential problems and fix them before full development begins.
4. Prototype polishing:
Once the prototype has been created and tested, prototype polishing begins. This stage involves adding story elements, improving graphics and music. The central point is to refine the first level or the first 15 minutes of the game to show how the final product will look and function.
Polishing the prototype not only improves the quality of the game, but also significantly increases its appeal to future investors and players.
Why Does It Take Longer Than Expected to Create a Game?
1. The diversity of elements:
Game development involves many different components:
- Art;
- Programming;
- Player psychology;
- Sound design;
- And more.
Each of these elements requires in-depth knowledge and careful integration into the overall structure of the game. Interactions between different aspects can lead to the need for additional adjustments, increasing the overall development time. This complexity is often underestimated in the initial planning stages.
2. Underestimating complexity:
Developers often fail to consider the full complexity of each stage of development, or fail to anticipate how different elements of the game will interact with each other. This leads to the need to make changes along the way, which in turn increases the project’s timeline.
In addition, innovative ideas that emerge during the process may require additional time to implement that was not foreseen in the original plan.
3. Changes in the process:
During the game development process, there is often a need for changes that may be driven by both internal factors and external circumstances, such as feedback from testers or new market requirements.
Each such change requires time to rework existing elements of the game. These constant adjustments can significantly push back the planned release date of the game, making the process of its creation longer and more labour-intensive.
Summary
Developing a video game is not just a technical process, but a creative adventure that can take much more time and resources than originally planned. It is important to approach the process with an understanding of its complexity and a willingness to face possible challenges. Proper planning, testing, and a willingness to change will help make the development process smoother and more enjoyable.
FAQs
What software tools do I need to start developing a game?
You will need development tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as software for creating graphics and sounds.
Do I need to be a programmer to create a game?
Not necessarily. You can use game engines with visual programming, such as Unreal Engine with its Blueprints system.
How do I draw attention to my game?
Create an eye-catching trailer, be active on social media and participate in game shows and contests.
Is it possible to develop a game alone?
Yes, many indie developers successfully create games on their own, but it requires a broad skill set and a lot of time.
How do I get funding to develop a game?
You can use crowdfunding platforms, approach investors or find a publicist interested in your project.