The Production Stages of Video Game Development

Learn, with the help of an expert, the four basic creative stages of game development

Nacho Yagüe (@nachoyague) is a professional concept artist with ample experience in the development of AAA video games, such as Assassins Creed Unity or Watch Dogs 2. As a concept artist, he is involved in all production phases. He explains that, regardless of the size of the studio, these tend to be very similar, although delivery and decision-making times will vary.

If you have always wanted to work in a game studio, or launch an independent one, this explanation will be very valuable.

Conception

The initial sketches and concepts for the game will be created in this phase. It involves many brainstorming meetings. Different tests are performed to see what style will be used and how the experience will be for the player. It is a fun stage, with a lot of freedom, creativity and teamwork.

At this time you also have to prepare yourself to deal with frustration, because most of the ideas that are proposed will not be used in the final concept. However, some of the initial ones will continue to work and will reach the finished product.

Preproduction

For Nacho, this stage is the most interesting, because the direction the game will take is already known. At this time, more solid ideas are presented and will continue to be polished throughout the entire process. The workload is bigger, though. It is a very intense phase in terms of the development of ideas and creative proposals.

For example, in the role of the concept artist, detailed sketches are prepared, colors, moods, textures and environments are proposed for the different levels. It requires a lot of research to find sources of inspiration and references that will form the personality of the game.

Production

Here is where all the teams must be perfect and polish the ideas. The key word of this phase is detail, since thorough and precise work is required for the game to take shape. The research and day-to-day work of all teams is focused on solving problems that arise as the development progresses.

For example, if the aesthetics of a playable level have already been decided, 3D artists, animation artists and art directors focus on distilling the most attractive details for the player. In the end, all this exhaustive work will culminate in a memorable experience.

Marketing

Finally, you have to design concepts and strategies for the promotion of the game itself. This includes many additional items, such as the cover of the game, a booklet if it will have it, promotional videos, press material, etc.
From the point of view of designers and concept artists, it is necessary to go back to the finished product to be able to communicate to the possible player why the game is attractive.

If you want to learn more about the world of video game development, don't miss the Concept Art for Video Games course. Nacho Yagüe teaches the processes needed to create professional scenarios and explains how to make an initial briefing and presentation for a client or director.

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