What does a video game company do?
The video game industry is growing by leaps and bounds, attracting new audiences and constantly innovating.
There are many companies that specialise in developing video games, but what exactly do they do? The answer is extensive, and that is why we have made this article: to briefly explain the stages that make up the creation of a video game.
Phases for developing a video game
1.Idea and conceptualisation
To start the creation of a video game, it is necessary to have an idea of the fundamental aspects: the genre, what it is going to be about, what the objectives of the game are and the way to achieve them.
A storyboard or storyboard sketch is also prepared in which a general idea is reflected: how the style of the characters, the atmosphere, the music, the decorative elements, the movements, etc., will be reflected in the game.
2. Structure and design
Once the general idea of the game has been downloaded, we start to define all the elements that make it up and develop the story, starting to specify the flow of the game. The objective is to create a document in which all the artistic elements, the mechanics and programming of the videogame will be specified.
Visual proposals are presented to give shape to the original idea.
As you can see, at this stage it is necessary to go into detail, as they are defined:
- Physical elements: main characters, context, scenery, objects…
- Sound elements: sound effects, music, voices, ambience…
- Structure: levels, functioning, interaction, flow…
- Programming: programming language, methodology, phases…
3. Planning
Now that we know exactly what the video game is going to look like and the level of difficulty to develop it, we can make a list of all the tasks to be carried out. Each member of the team will have to be in charge of a part of the work according to their speciality.
For a more complete planning, it is advisable to also set deadlines and follow-up meetings, going into as much detail as possible to take each step into account and meet the established timings.
4. Production and development
The most extensive phase begins! With the design and planning documents in place, it is now time to start programming. The production and development phase aims to create the most finished prototype possible. It involves: all the programming of the game, the realisation of the artwork and the implementation of all the above in order to achieve the proposed goal.
5. Testing and testing
As soon as a first version of the game has been created, it has to be tested. It is very likely that some bugs will appear. Playing in first person with the already developed version is the best way to check that everything works as planned and to detect if there are any possible usability improvements.
The aim is to put yourself in the shoes of the users for whom the videogame is intended, to make sure that it is possible to play and to shape the user experience so that it is positive. Once the test has been carried out on various devices and all the possibilities have been considered, the video game is ready to go to market!
6. Distribution and promotion
At this stage, the videogame is made available to users and you look for ways to publicise your work in order to get as many players as possible. You can now publish the application in the markets and design campaigns to promote it among the target audience.
7. Analysis and maintenance
Once the videogame is launched, it is in the hands of the players! Study their behaviour, collect results, and listen to their feedback. It’s time to add new features or improve it if necessary, which requires updates.
Why not create a video game about your business?
At iBoo we have had the opportunity to develop several video games focused on advergaming, games created as part of a brand strategy that manage to connect in a unique way with the public.
In advergaming, the brand presence is not secondary, it is the core of the game. It is an incredible option to bring your product to life and offer a non-intrusive channel for the user to interact with your brand through an engaging, unique and fun platform.
