(Nerds only) What is invloded in making a video game?

[awaisroxs]

Well, im rather stupid and slow at learning so keep it easy. Its 4 a school porject, i got a couple of months. So start me off slow. P.S all your help me be seen as research.

[Shinanigans]

Design/Conception
-> Art
-> Models
---> Levels

Engine
-> Code
--> Scripting
--> Audio

A few off the top of my head.

- Basically you create an idea or concept which evolves into a storyline.
- Then you need a way to visualise these concepts, which is called concept art, which are those artist renditions of what you'd see in game.
- These give artists and level designers a visual cue to work off when developing the assets and levels.
- The artists then create models and texture them, this will give the level designers objects to use (guns, buildings, vehicles, etc) when developing the levels.
- Meanwhile, coders are writing code which allows everything to mesh together. Things like scripts for AI, scripts/properties for vehicles and weapons, etc. Wouldn't have a clue what goes into actual engine development.
- You've also got sound engineers putting together music and audio for all aspects of the game.

Probably missed heaps and that is about as basically as it can possibly be boiled down to. I've got 500+ page PDF files here that go into a bit more detail, if you like?

[Winged Sandals]

well judging by some time making flash games and coding at tafe, and making 3d models, and watching lots of stuff on tv and internet, id say its like making a movie really, oh and watched nice behind the scenes on halo 3 and oblivion, RA3

- story/art dpt, make storyboards, make concept art etc, get photos, scripts etc.
- sound, go out record foley, voice, atmospehere, fx,music etc, especiialy writing music for games today, orchestras, voice actors/talent
- models/textures, they go get the real version of say a Kar98 take heaps of photos, get details,get the feel of it, measurements etc, make models etc same for textures, go out and shoot photos of dirt etc...
- production, finances, staff, etc all the logistics, making sure production comes along nice and on time
- coding/testing, well u know.
- catering, the best bit
- PR/Market, market game,forums,website,etc
- mocap/animation, study somethings animation,motion capture

all i can think off of my head atm, hope it helps

[BarneyGumball]

As far as the coding side of things, I'd imagine it's a lot like making any software. There's a large design phase where everything is decided (and hopefully set in stone). Problems are dealt with early at this stage, such as any discrepancies between what they've set out to make and what they've designed.

Once this is set in stone (ideally set in stone, anyway) then programming begins. The project would be divided up into a lot of smaller parts. Changes can still be made to the design at this stage, but that's usually not a good idea.

This is what I can remember from the top of my head from my Software Engineering class. Hopefully Cyberpunk or someone can come and fully elaborate for you.

[Jeatalong]

Quality Assurance to remove all grammatical errors from within the game to stop it looking unprofessional.

[Disruptor4]

Did anyone mention a good story line? So that would mean a good script.

[tranquil]

might be some useful info over in our Game Design forum viewforum.php?f=237

[steve_rogers42]

most software projects these days follow the basic SDLC...

dunno, might ask the gamesTec guys at uni if they have the proper low-down on it all...Thats if they aren't immersed in the SC2 beta...