This article was contributed by Daria Trubichyna who is a freelance writer and content manager for iLogos.
Creating a video game is a very serious decision. A long process, a tight deadline, and a desire to justify investors’ efforts… But with the right guidance, taking the first steps can be easy. We want to warn you that if you plan to create games, you should find help through guides, tutorials, and outsourced helpers like iLogos. We will guide you through the first steps on your way to making a game, from the idea to prototyping and further polishing.
1: Ideation
The first step in creating a video game is coming up with an idea. You can draw inspiration from your favorite games, books, movies, or even your own experiences. Brainstorm what kind of game you want to make. Think of what sets it apart from other games in the same genre. It’s important to create a unique selling point that will make your game stand out.
2: Planning
Write down the key elements of your game, such as the story, characters, mechanics, and level design. Consider what kind of art style and sound design you want to use. You should also create a timeline for your project, setting deadlines for each stage of development.
3: Choose a game engine
The next step is to choose a game engine. A game engine is software that provides developers with the tools and resources to create a game. Some popular game engines: Source, Godot, Unity, Unreal Engine. Research the different game engines and choose the one that best suits your needs.
4: Create a prototype
With your planning and game engine chosen, it’s time to start creating a prototype. A prototype is a rough draft of your game, designed to test out the mechanics and get a feel for how the game will play. Keep in mind that the prototype doesn’t have to be perfect! It only should give you an idea of how the game will function.
5: Refine and polish
Once you have a prototype, it’s time to refine and polish your game. Test out different mechanics, level designs, and art styles to see what works best. Take feedback from playtesters and make changes as needed. This is also the time to add sound effects, music, and voice acting to your game.
6: Release and market
After refining and polishing your game, it’s time to release it to the public. Choose a platform to release your game on, such as Steam or the App Store, and set a release date. You should also create a marketing strategy to promote your game and build hype before release.
7: Maintenance and Updates
After the release, keeping up with the game’s maintenance and updates is essential. This includes bug fixes, new features, and improvements to the gameplay experience. Pay attention to player feedback and reviews to see what areas can be improved.
8: Expand your game
Finally, after the game is released and performing well, consider expanding your game with new content, updates, or even a sequel. This can help keep the game fresh and exciting for players and help you grow your fan base.
Final Thoughts
Creating a video game is a rewarding experience. Following these first steps will help you bring your game idea to life and share it with the world. Remember to stay focused, hire game developers if needed, accept feedback from others, and don’t be afraid to make changes as you go along. Good luck on your way to making a game!
About the author
Daria Trubichyna is a freelance writer and content manager for iLogos and another IT project. She is a driven woman with a passion for business and technology. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Last Updated on May 9, 2023 3:16 pm CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff
