Embarking on a new game development project is thrilling. A fresh concept ignites creativity and energizes your team. Yet, once production begins, challenges inevitably arise — sound familiar? Without a clear vision and structured development plan, chaos can quickly ensue. Fortunately, following the 7 stages of development can guide your game to completion.
Moreover, using a fax application like comfax.com can be invaluable in project management, facilitating effective communication and streamlining document sharing among team members.
1. Planning
Every game starts with brainstorming, covering ideas like premise, genre, theme, mechanics, art style, mood, characters, and what makes it fun. Conduct market research to understand competitors and your audience, and define your game’s unique features.
Planning includes hiring a team, setting a timeline, and budgeting. Funding might come from crowdfunding or pitching to a publisher with a Proof of Concept. Regular POCs test game elements during development.
2. Pre-production
During pre-production, the foundation for game development is set, with writers, art designers, sound designers, developers, and engineers each contributing their expertise. The team compiles a Game Design Document (GDD) that details the game’s story, theme, and mechanics, guiding the production process.
In this phase, using a fax application like https://comfax.com streamlines communication and document sharing among team members, ensuring everyone is updated with the latest changes. Pre-Alpha testing involves experimenting with early ideas while the game is still in its initial stages, typically conducted internally. The GDD and game components may undergo modifications during this phase.
3. Production
The production phase is crucial in game development, often becoming the most challenging part despite being expected as the simplest stage. Developers refine the code, art designers create visuals, sound designers tweak audio, and level designers craft engaging levels.
Project leads coordinate workflows using project management tools for seamless collaboration, ensuring the project remains on track and cohesive.
4. Testing
After completing game development, rigorous internal QA testing begins to ensure mechanics, characters, and environments work correctly, and no bugs or issues exist. Testing includes ensuring game performance, legal compliance, and player enjoyment. A centralized bug tracking system is essential for efficient resolution.
Once internal testing is complete, Alpha testing involves select players identifying unforeseen bugs, while Early Access allows broader player feedback for improvements. This iterative process continues until the game meets expectations.
5. Pre-launch
Reaching the pre-launch stage of a game is crucial for generating excitement. Key strategies include marketing campaigns, sponsorships, engaging with influencers, and attending events.
Effective marketing requires careful planning, often aided by project management software to keep tasks organized. The pre-launch phase also involves final testing and refinement through a Beta release, where players help identify bugs and exploits before the official launch.
6. Launch
Finally, it’s time to launch. Your game is complete and available for purchase and download on all targeted platforms. However, while you can celebrate, there is more work ahead.
Post-launch, monitor all platforms where the game is available, as well as all support channels, including social media. Address any technical issues promptly to prevent negative feedback and media coverage.
Track your KPIs in real-time to collect data on server performance, player behavior, player count, playtime, and more.
7. Post-launch
The post-launch phase is an ongoing stage of game development. Continue to monitor player feedback to improve the game through patches, updates, bug fixes, adjustments, and requested features.
Stay engaged in the game’s community spaces to gather valuable feedback. Add this feedback to your backlog and tag relevant team members to ensure it’s addressed.
If there are more stories to tell, consider releasing DLCs to expand the base game and maintain player interest.