Developing video games is no joke. From initial concept generation to the big launch day, building a fully functioning digital world requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Aspiring game developers need to be aware of the many facets of game development, from programming and design to production and marketing. And one of the most important aspects of the video game industry is understanding the business side of video game development.
Every business, including video game development, has to operate in a certain way in order to be successful. Those who understand good business practices can give themselves a leg up in the industry – they can better understand what type of game they should be making, how to market it, how to fund it, and even how to price it.
The first step to a successful video game is to start off with a well-thought-out game design document. This document will serve as the roadmap for the entirety of the development process. It will keep everyone on the same page and ensure that the project meets the expected timeline. A game designer must be able to document the story and gameplay, the characters and levels, and how all of the art, sound, and music will function together.
Once the design document is complete, a team of game developers can get to work. This may include programmers, artists, 3D modelers, and level designers, among others. Every experience they have, every piece of software they use, and every decision they make will all contribute to the cost of the game.
The cost of development will be divided up between the time it takes to build, including the cost of the development tools and programming language; the money spent on visual assets, sound, and music; and other costs like marketing and advertising. Depending on the size and complexity of the game, its development cost can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
As the cost of game development rises, understanding the business of game development becomes crucial. To make a sustainable game, the cost of development must be met through proper management of the production and marketing budget. This also involves pricing the game correctly – a poorly chosen price tag can result in lost sales and profits.
Finally, there is the ongoing cost of support and maintenance to consider. Video game development teams must be able to provide updates and patches if bugs are discovered. This could potentially involve costly fees for post-launch services.
Developing video games is not for the faint of heart – it requires a robust understanding of the complete game development process, from concept to launch and beyond. Of all areas of expertise, the business of video game development can be the most intimidating, but it is also the most critical to success.