1. The Concept Stage: Brainstorming and Research
The first stage of the video game creation process is the concept stage, where developers brainstorm ideas for the game, research the market, and create a detailed plan for the project. During this stage, developers need to answer important questions such as: What type of game do we want to create? Who is our target audience? What are the key features of the game? How long will it take to develop?
One of the most successful games in recent years, Fortnite, started out as a simple idea. In an interview with Polygon, the game’s creative director, Darren Suggitt, revealed that the team wanted to create a game that combined elements of first-person shooters and survival games. They spent months brainstorming ideas, playing other games, and researching the market to come up with a unique concept that would appeal to players.
Another important aspect of the concept stage is market research. Developers need to understand their target audience, what they like and dislike in games, and what kind of experience they are looking for. This information can help developers create a game that resonates with players and has a higher chance of success.
2. The Pre-Production Stage: Design and Planning
The pre-production stage is where the actual game design and planning take place. During this stage, developers create a detailed game design document (GDD) that outlines the game’s mechanics, levels, characters, and story. They also create concept art, storyboards, and other visual elements that will help guide the development process.
One of the most important aspects of pre-production is playtesting. Playtesting involves testing the game with a small group of players to gather feedback on the game’s mechanics, balance, and overall fun factor. Based on this feedback, developers can make changes to the game design and adjust the gameplay to ensure it meets player expectations.
3. The Production Stage: Programming and Art Asset Creation
The production stage is where the actual game development takes place. During this stage, developers write code to implement the game’s mechanics, create 3D models and textures for characters and environments, and record sound effects and music for the game.
One of the most important aspects of the production stage is testing and debugging. Developers need to thoroughly test the game to ensure that it works as intended and fix any bugs or glitches that they encounter. They also need to optimize the game’s performance to ensure that it runs smoothly on a variety of platforms and devices.
4. The Post-Production Stage: Marketing and Launch
The post-production stage is where developers launch the game and promote it to their target audience. During this stage, they create marketing materials such as trailers, press kits, and social media posts, and work with publishers and distributors to ensure that the game reaches as many players as possible.
One of the most important aspects of post-production is community engagement. Developers need to engage with their players, respond to feedback, and create content that keeps players coming back to the game. This can include regular updates, new characters and levels, and special events.
Comparing the Video Game Creation Process to Other Creative Pursuits
Creating a successful video game is similar to other creative pursuits such as writing a novel or creating a film.
