Start Developing Computer Games
The interest and fascination with computer and video games began almost as soon as the first computers appeared. The roots of this kind of gaming can be traced back to 1958 when a physicist named William Higinbotham, in conjunction with technician Robert Dvorak, created a very simple tennis game called Tennis for Two as an interactive demonstration for the Brookhaven National Laboratory. The game was a huge success and clearly demonstrated the message that William Higinbotham was trying to display – that scientific pursuits are relevant to ordinary society. Shortly after Tennis for Two there came Spacewar! which was released in 1961-1962 and from that time onwards computer and video games only increased in popularity.
For all the interest that there is in the gaming industry, it might be surprising to learn that there are several careers in this field that appear on the official Shortage Occupation List in the UK for 2015. These include Software Developer, Shader Writer and Game Designer – all of which are both financially and creatively rewarding careers to pursue. It can be a difficult industry to break in to so, in an effort to assist you in beginning a successful career, we have compiled some helpful information to enable you to start developing computer games.
Game Development Overview
Developing video and computer games (often singularly called computer games) is when companies create the games which will be played by their customers. There are many job roles in this industry such as:
• Game Designer
• Sound Engineer
• Musician
• Programmer
• Graphic Artist
• Producer
When developing computer games, teams of qualified professionals will work each work on the components that are assigned to them and when all of these are complete they will be assembled to create the complete computer game which will eventually be released to the public. Developing computer games is a long-term project and many of the high end games can take years to complete. An example of this is Diablo III, which took 10 years from the beginning of development to its release. Bethesda Game Studios (a development team) is also renowned for lengthy development periods due to the nature of the computer games that they create.
Best Programming Languages for Developing Computer Games
Developing computer games is reliant upon using programming languages. These are used to code each of the various features and aspects of any computer game. There are many different types of programming languages available but there are a select few which are considered to be favourites amongst Game Designers. The most popular of these which are used for developing computer games are:
Java – a relatively simple programming language often used when developing computer games that will be played on the internet (online games, etc)
public class HelloWorld {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World");
}
}
C# – is a Microsoft programming language which is object-oriented and is considered to be modern, simple and general-purpose
class Hello {
static void Main() {
System.Console.Write("Hello World");
}
}
C++ – is another object-oriented programming language from Microsoft, however, C++ tends to be used when developing computer games that are large-scale and high-level
#includeusing namespace std; int main() { cout << "Hello World!"; return 0; }
Python – is a high-level general-purpose programming language that is able to express concepts using fewer code lines than others of its kind
print "hello world"
The Process for Developing Computer Games
The process for developing computer games is a lengthy, complex and intensive one which requires qualified individuals and a well structured approach. It is quite common in the computer games industry for the Scrum project management method to be used as it suits the way in which computer games are created and developed. Working in stages or phases and reviewing the work at the end of each stage allows adjustments and changes to be made more smoothly during the process of developing computer games. The Scrum method also enables components to be completed during each phase which allows for high levels of productivity.
Below we take a brief and simplified look at each of the common stages that are undertaken when developing computer games.
1. DESIGN THE COMPUTER GAME
The very first step in developing computer games is to create the design for the game. This requires the input of a professional design team which generally includes the following roles:
• Game Designer
• Programmer
• Artist
• Sound Engineer
This team will work together to create the Design Document which will detail all of the features which need to be included in the game in order for it to function successfully. This will comprise of the game play description, the visual style of the game, the audio style of the game and a detailed look at the approach that will be taken to the programming aspect of the game.
When the first draft of the Design Document is ready it will be presented for approval and once approval has been granted, the Design team will begin to plan the next stage used in developing computer games.
2. THE RESEARCH PHASE
The research phase is very important when it comes to developing computer games as this will provide the information necessary to create a successful and fully functioning game. Some of the aspects that need to be researched and defined are:
• Format of the graphics
• Code structure and layout
• Sound format
• The required tools for game construction
Coding examples will be created during this phase in order to test these aspects and the design will be adjusted to take into account the findings of the research phase. After these preparations have been made, the real work in development will begin.
3. DEVELOPING COMPUTER GAMES
The first component that must be created when developing computer games is the engine. This is the computer code which will run the game and it is the framework upon which the entire game will be based. At the beginning of the development stage the design team will expand and two further documents will be created to join the Design Document – these are the Task List for the team members and the Development Schedule.
The aim of the development stage is to create the code, graphics, sound and music that will be needed for the game. These will then be assembled to develop a functioning prototype of the computer game which should demonstrate that the concepts are viable. At this time amendments will be made where necessary and components will be modified to ensure that they function correctly. This is the main creative phase for developing computer games.
4. THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE
When game development moves into the implementation phase, it shifts away from creativity and towards productivity. At this time the development of the engine should be nearly complete and the various components (after necessary adjustments) can be fully assembled to create the complete game. This is the implementation of the multiple components that are used when developing computer games.
5. THE TESTING PHASE
Testing is a vital phase for any project and especially so when it comes to developing computer games. Alpha testing is the first form of testing and this is when an example of each game feature is tested and reviewed. Once the game has been completed and all the game play and assets are implemented, Beta testing will be conducted. It is quite common for bugs and glitches to be present at this time and the main purpose of Beta testing is to expose these so that they can be rectified before the game is released. This cycle will continue until such time as the game is considered to be free of bugs.
Another aspect of the testing phase is to test the actual game play of the computer game that is being developed. This is usually done by using focus groups and other individuals who are unfamiliar with the computer game. This assists in evaluating the game’s controls, difficulty, learning curve and many other key features of game play.
6. SUBMISSION
Many computer games must also be submitted to the manufacturer of the hardware which the game will be played on in order to be tested by them and approved for release. This usually applies to console games such as Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Wii. Developing computers games is not just about the creation of a game but also relies on the computer game functioning on the platform that it is being developed for.
7. LICENSING
There are also computer games which must first be submitted for licensing and these are most often computer games which are based on movies, toys or animated characters from other franchises. These licenses must be granted before these types of computer games can be released. When developing computer games it is crucial that the final product meets the licensing requirements where they are applicable.
8. THE RELEASE
When developing computer games all of the applicable stages above must be completed in order for the computer game to be considered ready for release. Game Designers can work on developing any particular computer game for as long as several years. When the game has been granted approval by all of the concerned parties, the game will be sent to the manufacturers and duplicated. Following this the computer game will be released and can be purchased by the public. Computer game releases are almost always very high profile and are marketed prior to the actual release date. The release of a new computer game is a very exciting moment for any Game Designer who has worked on the project.
Computer Games Designer Career
As mentioned previously a career as a computer games designer is rewarding on many levels. For the creative types it will satisfy their creativity needs and earn them a good salary in the process. Computer games take many forms in the modern world – from mobile phone application games to console gaming to pc games. Regardless of the specific type of computer game, there is a great demand for qualified professionals who are certified in the required fields such as programming languages.
COMPUTER GAME DEVELOPER SALARY TREND
To pursue a career as a Game Designer it is advisable to study high quality training courses to gain the knowledge and skills that will be necessary to fulfil the job role effectively and efficiently. Although these requirements can be learned by anyone, there is a certain level of study that should be achieved to begin a career as a Game Designer. These are highly sought after positions with fierce competition so it is important to become certified in as many aspects as possible to enable a successful career in this field. There are many different specialisations when it comes to developing computer games so whether you want to become a Game Designer or explore another avenue such as computer game Programmer, it is vital that you have the qualifications that the game development industry wants from you.