People spend hours playing their favorite games on various systems, such as smartphones, PCs, or gaming consoles. Gaming enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new games to try, which opens up a suite of opportunities for developers to create a product, release it, and make profit from it. But creating a game requires a lot of input, and learning how to do this can help build a successful game.
Ideate
To begin with, have a clear idea of what one wants to start with. The idea should be entertaining, unique, and challenging enough to keep gamers engaged. One should brainstorm mobile game ideas and write down as many concepts as possible. After the list is ready, narrow it down to the top three ideas one believes have the most potential and follow some tips to define the idea of a game.
Identify the target audience
Consider who the product is designed for – casual or hardcore gamers, children or adults, or a specific demographic. Identifying the target audiences will help assess the type of mechanics, story, and visuals that may appeal to end users in the game.
Plan the game mechanics
The mechanics of a game are essential when defining the idea. For instance, one should plan for the player’s actions, whether it is a puzzle, an action, or a simulation. Unique gameplay mechanics will help set the product apart from others in the same genre.
Visualize the game
Visualization is an important part of gameplay, and one must determine what kind of graphics and art style would be used, whether it is 2D or 3D. One should also decide if the game would have a consistent theme or it would change with the level or story.
Set the storyline and characters
The developer should brainstorm and decide if the story will be linear or nonlinear, text-based or cinematic, what kind of characters will be part of the game, and how they would interact with the player.
Pick a monetization angle
Since the purpose of most games is to make money eventually, one must consider how to monetize it. Developers usually charge a one-time fee to download the game or use an in-app purchase. Some also use in-game ads to generate revenue.
Understand the cost
One should understand the cost associated with game creation before initiating the journey. Smaller indie video games may cost between $1,000 and $100,000 to make, while mid-sized titles cost between $1 million and $10 million to develop. Further, the cost of making AAA titles can go up to $1 billion. Factors that may influence the cost include the time it takes to make the game, the design and features the title requires, and the game’s difficulty. The cost may vary based on the development team, platform used, game engine, graphics and sound design systems, and marketing and distribution expenses.
Pick the game engine
A dedicated engine will help piece the game together. Various gaming engine software offer developers the tools and resources to create the game. While there is a range of available gaming engines, some popular ones include Unreal Engine, Unity, and GameMaker Studio. Each engine will have unique benefits, so one should research to find the right one. When selecting a gaming engine, one must determine if they need sophisticated software for 3D renders or a simpler one, whether it’s intuitive and easy to use, and how convenient it is to get support for potential problems. One must also check licensing and subscription fees, and test the software before making a final decision.
Design graphics
After one selects the game engine, one must decide the graphics. This includes creating the backgrounds, characters, user interface, and levels. One could design the game using 2D and 3D graphics based on the type of game that one wants to create. Further, the game must be visually appealing to attract players and keep them engaged. While designing the graphics, one must keep a consistent style throughout the game, use colors to highlight crucial elements, and create a mood or atmosphere. It is also important to ensure the graphics are optimized for varied performances so that the game runs smoothly across devices.
Code
The next step is coding to create the game’s logic using programming languages. If one isn’t well-versed with coding, they could hire a programmer to get this done. Coding can take a long time to complete, depending on the complexity of the game. One can speed up the process by using pre-built code libraries or hiring a professional developer. The user could always break down the game into smaller chunks and address them one at a time to make coding simpler. It is also important to test the code thoroughly to make sure it works as expected on a variety of device types and platforms.
Prepare for after-launch support
While one might assume the game is tied down on all fronts, there are usually obstacles that may arise after launch. So, one must prepare for post-launch support by focusing on modern technologies and scalable solutions. Factors to consider are integrating support software into the game and using chatbot assistance. One can also add multilingual support since a game is usually played globally. It should also offer cross-platform and in-app support.
Test
The next step in creating a game is to test it on different devices, including those with varied screen sizes, processors, and resolutions, to check if it works smoothly. The developer must also conduct trials in various scenarios, like when the device is on low battery or with other apps running in the background. Other tests might revolve around game crashes, performance, and compatibility.
Publish
The final step is to publish the game. There are various stores online where one can submit the game. It is important to determine the right store as each would have unique submission policies and requirements. Also, prepare assets of the game, such as gameplay screenshots, trailers, and other content to attract users. It is also crucial to use the right categories and keywords to ensure the product is well-described to end users.