Game development costs may be affected by a number of variables. This may depend on factors including the game’s complexity, the size of the development team, the game’s ambitions, and the game’s design. Even though the platform is crucial, we’ll be concentrating on console game design for the time being.
The 7 Stages of Console Game Development
To understand AAA game development expenses, you must understand the game development process. Without knowing the time and effort necessary throughout several phases of development, game production expenses might rise. Let’s review the seven game-making steps.
- Planning
Here, the GDD is created. You and your team must decide what you’re making. Budget? Who’s it for? And what platform will we use? A definite concept is needed before game development or production can begin. Without a firm basis, difficulties will arise.
- Pre-production
This is an early prototype. In game production, ideas and concepts must be interesting and long-lasting. Play it to see how it feels. Early storyboarding and storytelling are also formed.
- Production
Game creation requires the most labor. This is the longest and most intensive stage. This stage includes modeling, design, game mechanics, physics, audio/visual FX, general development, and final rendering. Production creates video games. Here’s more about game production.
- Testing
Technically speaking, testing isn’t its own stage. This is something that takes place constantly when making a video game. It involves checking the game’s mechanics for flaws and hunting for bugs. The teams are also investigating the challenge and pace of the game. All of these things need to be taken into account all through manufacturing, not just at the end.
- Pre-launch
Testing and vetting before release often occur simultaneously. In addition to being an essential part of the testing process, here is where the alpha and beta phases take place. The difference is that at this point, serious advertising efforts would be launched. When there are substantial chunks of gameplay to display, it is easier to generate excitement for testing and the eventual release of the game.
- Launch
Launch is as described. Once the game is ready, QA will begin. Launch day bug-squashing and testing. The final days are spent proofing game language, fixing game-breaking bugs, and polishing aspects.
- Post-launch
After the product is launched, problems may be addressed. Once the game is out, the crew will repair bugs and other issues. After everyone gets a copy, patches will be distributed. If it was planned, we may then concentrate on post-launch stuff.
What affects the cost of console game development?
As you can see, game design and development include several factors. Creating a game is not simple, and the seven phases are frequently ignored. Even the finest game creators face altering trends and technology. From the original game idea and concept through drafting and finalizing the GDD, producing game prototypes, testing, production, and final deployment, no step may be neglected.
Is there a GDD? Creating a GDD is a big job that will affect your game’s appearance and feel if you outsource. Creating one yourself is challenging, but materials are accessible, and it will help game development. Creating a game isn’t simple, but there are ways to save time and money, for example, use animation studio services and hire a development team.
Complexity also affects game costs. Want a simple shooter? It’s easy to build than a deep RPG. Call of Duty doesn’t require branching plots, supplementary dialogue, or numerous endings. Players want a powerful, cinematic experience. In series like Dragon Age or Mass Effect, players will miss them. Games with player choice and agency need time and money to develop.
Multiplayer and online options impact prices. Invest in servers or a peer-to-peer network. It entails adopting cybersecurity throughout game development and production.