Breaking Down The Game Design Process?

Answer 1

Video and computer games go through a process from the beginning idea to the finished disk, in much the same method. There are many people who take part in the production, from graphic artists, code programmers and even marketing representatives.

The first step is the game concept. A producer is assigned once a particular game is determined to be made. This is the manager of the project and the first person to work on the game. The designer is the second person assigned, and creates a brief document that describes the game in more detail than the basic concept that has been presented. A preliminary plan for the project is submitted to the manufacturer and owners of property licenses.

A design document is much like the concept document, only a much more detailed description of the game. The producer puts together a team of managers, which are the lead programmer and lead artist. These may be hired "in house" or from external places, which get bids to select managers. Audio is usually added later in production, but the information is gathered at this time. The technical team creates their document which describes the process they will use, and the technology being used, along with how challenges will be identified and handled.

The producer plans for everything that occurs during the course of the project and creates a detailed schedule and budget. The producer and technical director present the plan to executives for approval. Once granted, the entire team goes into full production.

The programmers start writing the code. This is the biggest effort in making a game, most likely requiring a number of programmers working on specific aspects of the game. Graphic artists create the visual part of the game. Sound technicians create the audio from sound effects and music. Sometimes live actors are needed, either for video scenes or voice-overs.

The marketing team begins planning how to enter the game into the marketplace by way of trade shows, magazines, television ads and other media. They also start thinking about the best title for the game, and types of images to promote the game on the box cover and in the advertisements.

By now, everything is coming together and the game is working. Graphics may be rough or not complete, and most features are implemented but not perfected. Audio may only have a placeholder, and added later. Game players could get a basic idea of how the game will be when finished. Approval is given after executives study the project and decide they like it.

The post production stage now begins. A testing team is put together and plans for the testing process. Lead testers are assigned for quality assurance. Marketing staff makes the final packaging and manual which needs to be in the proper format to meet the specifications of console manufactures tore buyers and the game company's on legal department. Someone on the production team may need to work with an outside publisher on a guide book.

Once everything is implemented, and the programmers believe they’ve gotten all the bugs out, and artists have improved all graphics and animation, and the gameplay has been fully tweaked, it must be submitted to the manufacturer of the console company. License property owner approval is also needed.

After the lead testers are satisfied that all the bugs are out, and all other problems solved, a master disk is sent to a duplication facility. Printed material such as box covers and manuals have been sent out two weeks earlier. The game is manufactured and shipped to store warehouses. If the game is being sent to other countries, it is translated and shipped to target areas.

Not everything is finished yet, however. There is the after market time. Sales support is needed. Salesmen may come back with questions about the game, in response to buyer questions or about game performance upon release. Some questions that come back to the producer will be handled by the marketing team.

Customer support is given when players have questions about using the game such as computer configuration or installation. Some may have questions about puzzles in console games. Such queries are taken by phone, email and land mail. Defective copies have to be replaced or replacement manuals sent out.

Sometimes the producer needs to make the game work on other platforms and be shipped with new computers or laptops.

Expansion packs for computer games can make more money, and be valuable to customers, by offering new aspects such as scenarios, characters or bonuses. And of course, if a game is successful enough, sequels are made.