How To Develop a Video Game: 3 Steps For Success

How To Develop a Video Game: 3 Steps For Success

In 2020, the gaming industry generated $155 billion in revenue. By 2025, it is predicted that the industry will create more than $260 billion in revenue across the globe. Tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Apple are preparing their entry into the video game industry, to claim some of the success that the big gaming companies have been swimming in. Activision Blizzard for example is the biggest video game company worldwide with a market cap of around $75.2 billion. 

However, huge companies aren’t the only ones that are producing successful games for users to enjoy. There is a market for indie games - in 2020 it was worth over $90 billion. This means that in theory, anyone can publish a game. You may be here because you are looking to develop a video game, and you’re wondering how to make your creation successful. Let’s talk about some important steps for success when developing an indie video game. 

What is an indie game? 

"An indie developer is an individual or small group that is not owned by another company that makes games," says Jeremiah Slaczka, CEO and creative director of 5th Cell, the developer behind Scribblenauts, Run Roo Run and XBLA shooter Hybrid. "An indie game is a game made by an indie developer, simple as that." The term 'indie' suggests that the financial status of the game developer is independent from any larger company. The indie scene, though, is also defined by an alternative creative spirit and rejection of corporate intervention. 

What is the process of developing a game? 

The first stage in the process of developing a game is pre-production, where you will be able to develop the idea for your game. Then, there will be a production stage, where your idea will start to take form; this is the longest stage in the process. The last step is post-production, where the bugs in your game will be fixed and you’ll be able to launch it. It is important to fully understand all the stages involved in creating a game to produce the right idea and hire the right professionals for your game to come to life. 

Pre-production

  • Game budget

  • Choice of the gaming platform

  • Choice of the game genre

  • Intended gameplay

  • Game mechanics, plot, characters

  • Monetization

Production

  • Graphics, design, and animation

  • Programming

  • Sound design

Post-production

  • Testing

  • Bug fixing

Where to start? 3 steps for success

A great but simple idea

Any indie game developer will be able to tell you that the most important starting point to any good game is a strong idea. It shouldn’t be something incredibly complex, but rather a bite-sized concept that will provide you with the right foundation to develop your first game. Making simple games is the most effective way to start learning how to develop games, in a rewarding and straightforward way. 

Anyone can make a video game. ​​You don’t have to be an expert programmer or amazing artist, because there are enough powerful tools out there to create a great game without a ton of knowledge. Why some people fail when attempting to create a video game is in the idea - the most important thing is executing your idea. 

Manufacturing your game

Choosing your game technology

What type of gaming technology do you want your game to be compatible with? Here is a list of current popular technologies:

Consoles - Consoles like the Xbox and the PlayStation are likely the most stereotypical technology when someone thinks of video games. Around 41% of gamers identify as console gamers. 

PCs - Personal computers have grown in popularity as the gaming technology of choice due to their graphics and processing power capabilities. 52% of gamers identify as PC gamers.

Cloud Gaming Platforms - Cloud gaming is a streaming service that delivers a variety of high-quality games at only the cost of a monthly subscription. 

VR - Virtual reality has revolutionized the gaming industry by simulating a gamer's actual presence in the world with lifelike images, sounds, and sensations.

Mobile - As mobile phone technology advances, so does the types of portable games that can be played on phones. The highest percentage of people, 90%, identify as mobile gamers.

Choosing your platform

Now that you’ve narrowed down the technology you want to use for your game, you need to consider the available platforms on those pieces of technology. Like with gaming technology, each platform has specialized processes, and you will want to investigate these options further before making a decision. Some popular platforms include:


Consoles

  • PlayStation

  • Xbox

  • Nintendo 

PCs 

  • Steam

  • Origin

  • UPlay

  • Epic Games 

  • Battle.net

Note: You will also need to think about the operating systems (Mac, Linux, Microsoft) that you want your game to be compatible with. 

Cloud Gaming Platforms

  • Google Stadia

  • PlayStation Now

  • Microsoft xCloud

  • GeForce Now

Virtual Reality

  • Steam

  • Oculus Platform

  • Littlstar

  • Svrf

Mobile

  • iOS Apple Store

  • Android Play Store

Finding a team of specialists

Now that you have your idea, your concept, your preferred technology and platform, it is time to hire a game development team to go forth with the process. These teams are usually comprised of professionals with different competencies in:

  • Programming

  • 3D modelling

  • Audio

  • Animation

  • UI/UX

  • Visual arts

The size of your game development team will depend on the complexity of the game you are creating. The Unreal Engine’s forum survey stated that a successful game team generally consists of 1 to 30 game developers. You can find a talented team in different ways:

These platforms can allow you to rapidly and inexpensively find a team thanks to a huge network of talented freelancers eager to work on exciting new creative game projects, just like yours. Sounds pretty indie, doesn’t it? 

How to promote an indie game

Focus on ASO

More than 50% of the apps are discovered via search. That means you should be devoting many resources to app store optimization, making sure that your app is visible in searches. 

Plan a soft launch

Your game’s soft launch will help you determine if it is ready to be published or if it needs to be tweaked. You will be launching it to a restricted audience, collecting their experience and improving the game based on the gauged experience. This concept can also be implemented through Early Access, which is a program where game developers can release early versions of their creations for the public to purchase. Users can offer feedback and suggestions that the developers will add to the final version. This will not only will help you create a great finished version but will also offer a privileged sense of ownership to your Early Access users, which will turn them into life-long customers of your game. 

Gather an audience

There are many ways of gathering an audience when preparing for the launch of your game. You can: 

  • Use word of mouth

  • Reach out to the press

  • Use the power of social media

  • Be active on forums and communities

  • Use cross-promotion

  • Go to events

It is understandable if you feel slightly overwhelmed after reading all the steps requires to develop an indie game. However, in this day and age, there are so many tools available that anyone can develop a game, with very little knowledge. As we’ve previously mentioned, it’s all about having a great idea. Have faith in your concept and keep going - having your finished game ready to be played will be the best feeling ever. 

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