The video game industry is a significant part of the entertainment sector in the contemporary world.
The gaming industry can be compared to the film industry in terms of its scale. The video game industry has experienced a higher growth rate than the referenced industry over the past five years.
The gaming industry has been recognized as a separate form of entertainment due to its unique ability to engage consumers in interactive environments through video games.
Game development is closely connected to the computer games industry as a whole and cannot be analyzed independently. The process of creating games is just one component of a comprehensive system that encompasses the entire life cycle of producing, distributing, and consuming intricate products like computer games.
The modern gaming industry is structured into distinct levels, including platforms, game engines, video game development, publishing and operating, as well as popularization and consumption.
Only a limited number of educational institutions globally offer direct training for specialists in the gaming industry.
Some gamers may not be aware of the time and effort required by developers to create video games, despite their desire for constant new releases. The production of a game can take varying amounts of time depending on the project’s size and the complexity of its components, ranging from several months to multiple years of effort.
The development of video games is a challenging task that requires a great deal of effort, surpassing even the production of films. This article will provide a step-by-step analysis of the process of creating games, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the process.
The first step is for the project manager to establish a goal for the upcoming game. To ensure a successful and profitable game release, a team must carefully consider factors such as game type, consumer appeal, and task planning to meet deadlines while demand is high.
During the initial phase, the project manager must make a determination regarding the genre. The foundation of every video game is typically established during development, and additional features may be added over time. Switching genres midway through the production process is not advisable, as it may be more efficient to begin a new creation from the beginning. In the initial phase, it is necessary to select the appropriate environment. The concept of setting refers to the stylistic and virtual world associated with a given project. There are various genres to choose from such as fantasy, sci-fi, steampunk, post-apocalyptic, anime, and World War II, among others. Once the developers have established their objectives, determined the genre and environment, they can proceed.
The first step in game development is selecting a programming language that will serve as the primary tool. The selection of a programming language is made by a team of programmers who consider the genre and setting of the project. Through its utilization, the creators are able to manipulate 2D and 3D objects within the context of the video games, and additionally incorporate visual, audio, and video content. The programming language is essential in connecting all the components of a future game, much like a needle and thread.
The engine is a crucial component of development tools. Modern game development often utilizes multiple programming languages and pre-made engines to streamline the process. Ready-made tools offer basic functionality that can simplify game development, but creating a valuable game requires a significant amount of code writing. This step requires the longest amount of time during the developmental process.
Developers create game mechanics once they have decided on the tools. Game mechanics are the most important component of any game, not the graphics. Mechanics define the gameplay such as character movement, battle with opponents, bonuses, and pumping depending on the genre.
The mechanics of the game are the internal systems that enable movement and task performance, comparable to those of a car. If the car experiences mechanical issues while driving, such as swaying left and right, it may affect overall satisfaction despite its attractive appearance. The mechanics in games are often focused around the player’s perspective.
Game mechanics begin with programming objects, such as the main character and other models. Control programming and physics engine writing comes next. The latter is typically responsible for object movement that occurs without player influence. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) is developed for bringing NPCs, enemies, and other characters in the game world alive.
After the creation of the mechanics, developers move on to designing levels. They use a set of rules that already work and develop locations where they will be applied. Every video games has levels and specific areas. Even in open-world projects, areas are implemented separately and then pieced together so players do not notice.
Level designers create levels and are usually chosen from avid gamers. Only regular players can anticipate how game situations will change based on the movement of characters and objects in a specific location. The levels are meticulously planned, and professionals spend a lot of time working on each section of the game. It is not done hastily just for the aesthetics.
Developers start working on graphics only after they have completed the mechanics and basic level models. The purpose of graphics is to enhance the setting and make the game enjoyable. Designers create art, which goes through numerous revisions before the final versions are produced. 3d modelers then use these drawings to create virtual models.
The next step in game development involves animating 3D models and proceeding to the final stage of graphics creation. This includes creating backgrounds for levels, adding special effects, and decorating the game menu. Once everything is complete, developers can move on to the next phase.
After creating the backbone and graphics of a video-game, the creators usually move on to the plot. A project must be interesting in order to be successful, so emphasis on plot development is increasing every year. Some studios create a detailed plot before development, while others add it after building the skeleton. Most games are still made this way.
Developing a story for a game involves more than just creating a plot. It requires the inclusion of dialogue, cinematics, scripted scenes, random events, and the possibility of changing the narrative based on player actions if the game allows it.
In the final stages of development, the publisher takes over. Their job is to handle advertising, localization, and finding sites to sell the project. Indie studios may handle this themselves due to budget constraints. Publishers provide funding at the start of development, making them crucial for game creators.