How to Make a Video Game
Video games are a multibillion dollar business across a wide variety of platforms, including personal computers, dedicated video-game consoles and the increasingly popular iOS and Android mobile-phone platforms. With the industry booming, many developers are eager to create their own video games. Follow these steps, and learn how to get started.
First: Choose a platform
Every platform has different capability and development requirements. Mobile platforms like Android and iOS run on lower-power systems with limited graphic capabilities. Development for these platforms typically focuses on casual gaming with fun, addictive game mechanics. PC and console development offers more scope for today's intense, high-resolution 3D graphics. PC development has a low barrier to entry and scope for every type of video game. Although consoles have a much higher start-up cost, they also offer developers substantial market and gaming optimized hardware.
Second: Prototype and design
Build prototypes, designs and mock-ups before writing code. A strong and detailed game design helps one avoid wasting months writing code which they must later rewrite or discard entirely.
Third: Create a playable test game
Implement a basic game engine first, based on the prototypes created. Focus on creating game mechanics and levels which utilize the game's full feature set. A test application allows for intensive testing of the game to ensure that the engine delivers the performance and functionality required and that game mechanics provide a fun, engaging experience.
Fourth: Add art and polish
Once a playable prototype which satisfies design objectives is achieved, add artwork, user interface, additional levels and polish in order to construct a complete game. Make sure to play test the finished version extensively to avoid shipping a buggy product.