Have you ever thought about how those video games you play so often are made? Where do they start? How long does it take to get from an idea in someone’s head to your games console? The entire process is something that many people take for granted when purchasing the latest blockbuster game to play online with their friends. Nevertheless, there is actually a lot that goes into producing video games for our enjoyment, and it is typically divided into three distinct stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. Within each stage, much happens.
Pre-Production
Pre-production, also known as the design phase, is the stage that an idea or concept starts to take shape. During pre-production, the team creating the game will need to be clear on a number of issues.
From the initial concept, it must be decided what the game should be about and who it should be targeted at. Indeed, the final aim of the game is going to be just as important as deciding if it will be created with children or an older audience in mind.
Brainstorming sessions help get right down to the finer details of what type of game the final product will be. For example, will it be a free-to-play game with in-app purchases, or is the plan for it to be a standalone game designed for play on games consoles only.
The pre-production stage also considers other just as critical issues, such as the budget for the game’s development and the number of individuals who will be involved in this development. With all that in mind, the timeframe for development has to then be decided.
A GDD (game design document) will be created, which will be continuously referred to and updated throughout the entire project. This document will include details about the concept of the game, characters, gameplay details, sketches, and details about how and if the game will be monetized. GDDs are a terrific way to keep on track as well as be used to pitch the game to a developer.
Before the full game can be cranked out, a prototype has to be created, which will evaluate the functionality of the game and offer the team a chance to experience it first-hand and test certain ideas. Initial prototyping is usually done on paper before time and money are spent on a digital version. The prototype stage should unearth any potential difficulties or challenges that could affect gameplay.
Production
The production of a video game can take quite a long time. Indeed, it could take anywhere between one and four years, mainly because this is at this stage that all the main work takes place.
Artists are required to develop the game assets while programmers are needed for writing the source code. Music and sound effects are also developed and various levels within the game will need to be created.
As the game is being developed, constant testing is necessary, and any changes are made. While a game is in production, the publisher might set need-to-be-met milestones. These will be used to track development and progress. Some of the more common milestones are:
- Prototype: the first test of the game, typically done in the pre-production stage and usually on paper.
- First playable: the first digital version of the game, with many of the main elements of gameplay included. This stage gives the publisher a better idea of what the actual game will look like.
- Vertical slice: a full sample of the game that includes all of the features and which can be played by potential publishers. This is often used to pitch the game to investors. A vertical slice may be a few minutes long or up to a full half-hour.
- Pre-alpha: where most of the game development takes place. Features are often added and cut here before the game becomes ‘feature complete’.
- Alpha: all of the key features are included at this stage and the game is fully playable. Of course, additions can still be made, and the game can be tweaked and revised if necessary. This often happens after it has been tested.
- Beta: at the beta stage, the game is complete with all features and assets. All revisions have been made and only bugs are being fixed if needed.
- Code Release: all bugs have been corrected and the game is ready for review by the console manufacturers.
- Gold Master: this is the final version of the game that is released to the public.
Post-Production
After the gold master stage and the game has shipped, it is necessary to monitor it and fix any bugs that occur once it is being played by the general public. The game developers rely on bug reports from the playing public and once they have enough of these reports, they will start to develop a patch to fix any issues. These days, patches can be downloaded by players direct to their consoles.
One important issue at this stage is that when collecting information from players, game publishers need to be aware of the need to comply with GDPR (general data protection regulation) rules that apply in the specific country. Indeed, companies have a duty to keep the personal information of their customers both safe and secure. Large game publishers often employ GDPR data audit advisors to help them when undertaking this type of important work.
Timescales
If you have ever thought it would be easy to create your own online or games console game, the above paragraphs will give you some idea of what goes into the development of video games from initial concept to completion.
Timescales will vary depending on the size and complexity of the game, with pre-production taking anywhere from a week to a year. The availability of finances and resources is also a major consideration. As you have seen, the production stage takes a considerably longer time due to the scale of the work involved. Anywhere from one to four years is the average time it takes to get a game from prototype to gold master.
The magnitude of game development is lost on many people, but with the industry raking in billions of dollars every year, it is easy to see why so much time and effort is taken to create games that we all love to play.