Video game development

Battle for Mandicor 0.0.5

Software dev2

Video game development is the process of creating a video game. The effort is undertaken by a developer, ranging from a single person to an international team dispersed across the globe. Traditional commercial PC and console games are normally funded by a publisher, and can take several years to reach completion. Indie games usually take less time and can be produced at a lower cost by individuals and smaller developers. The independent game industry has seen a rise in recent years with the growth of new online distribution systems and the mobile game market.

The first step in the development process is the creation of a game design, which involves coming up with the concept, goals, and rules of the game. Once the design is finalized, it moves into pre-production, a stage that involves planning the gameplay mechanics, selecting the software engine, and creating a detailed design document that guides the rest of the development process.

Programming, art design, and audio engineering are crucial components that are developed in parallel. Programmers write the code that makes the game work, artists create the visual elements, and audio engineers develop the soundtracks and sound effects. This development phase is often the longest and most expensive part of the video game creation process.

Quality assurance (QA) is conducted to find and fix bugs in the game. QA teams play the game extensively to identify any issues that need correction before the game goes live.

After development is complete, the game goes into the post-production phase, which includes testing, marketing, and distribution. The game is launched to the public through various platforms, which can include physical retail, digital download, or streaming services.

The video game industry is a rapidly changing field, with new technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and cloud gaming influencing the development process. Developers must keep up with these changes to create engaging and innovative games.