Animated Review 9-1: Stages of Video Game Production
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Transcript:
Stages of Video Game Production
(0:00 - 0:04): Video game production starts in the concept stage. This stage includes brainstorming ideas, getting them down on paper, forming the structure of the game, and preparing the game for production. Design documents will be composed in this stage to set the foundation on which the entire game will be built.
(0:05 - 0:07): The construction stage is next. In this stage, the rough idea for the game is refined into something workable. A basic prototype game is built, and then added to and improved upon. Eight areas of design are included in the bridge from concept through construction.
(0:08 - 0:10): 1. Gameplay modes. The objectives or activities players must achieve must be determined. 2. Protagonist and character development. The characters must be designed and fully developed to fit within the game concept. 3. Game world. The world in which the video game takes place must be carefully created in great detail, determining the game’s entire look and feel.
(0:10 - 0:11): 4. Core mechanics. The rules that tell both the player and the game system what they can and cannot do must be developed and put in place. 5. Mode elaboration. The addition of secondary gameplay modes improves immersion and makes for better storytelling. 6. Story elaboration. The story or plot of the video game must be written out in full to establish a linear path for the game to follow.
(0:12 - 0:13): 7. Level design. Different levels must be created to take the player step-by-step through the story. 8. Testing and debugging. The game must be fully tested to locate and repair every glitch and imperfection in the game.
(0:14 - 0:17): The final stage is the tuning stage. Here, the game’s playability will be closely scrutinized and finely tuned. This is to ensure that the game flows smoothly and nothing seems out of place in the game world. These adjustments will be made to ensure that the final game will be a commercial success.