Webinar Recap: Developing Gamification Project Using Game Development Lifecycle

Home Services Our Works Gamification 101 Case Studies Turnkey Contact Home Services Our Works Gamification 101 Case Studies Turnkey Contact Home Services Our Works Gamification 101 Case Studies Turnkey Contact Home Services Our Works Gamification 101 Case Studies Turnkey Contact Edit Template Level Up Powered by Agate at What’s New? Summit 2023: Maximizing ROI | Gamification 101 | Level Up powered by Agate Whether you’re exploring vast open worlds, solving intricate puzzles, or battling it out with friends, one thing’s for sure: the games we love don’t just materialize out of thin air. They go through a fascinating journey, from a spark of an idea to the polished experience on your screen. This journey is called the Game Development Life Cycle (GDLC), and it’s like a behind-the-scenes roadmap for your favorite games. It’s a mix of creative brainstorming, technical wizardry, and some serious planning, where every step builds on the last. We recently conducted a webinar on developing gamification projects using GDLC. With this recap, we will look back at the important discussion points from the webinar. If you’re interested in how video games you love come to life, then you’re in for a treat because this article is for you! So, buckle up, grab your metaphorical controller, and get ready to dive into the world of GDLC! We’ll explore everything from the initial brainstorming sessions, where game ideas are born, to the rigorous testing phases that make sure your gameplay is smooth and enjoyable. About the speaker Sandi is a gamification guru who can make any project fun and engaging. He has been in the game industry and gamification for over 7 years, starting as a Quality Assurance Lead and now leading the Gamification Production team. So, if you want to know the secrets to fun in gamification, you can count on Sandi! Learn More Game Development Lifecycle in Agate Creation Pre-production Production Product Launch Live Ops Sunset Creation Phase: The Foundation of Game Development This initial stage of the game development lifecycle serves as the foundation where the groundwork is laid for the entire project. Its core objective is to explore and brainstorm a variety of potential concepts, premises, systems, and themes. Through this exploration, the team aims to identify and refine the one with the most promise and feasibility for further development. Key Activities IdeationDuring this crucial phase, the team conducts thorough research to understand the current market landscape, identifying existing problems and opportunities. This research might involve analyzing competitor games, studying industry trends, and exploring player preferences. PitchingOnce a diverse range of ideas has been generated, the team carefully evaluates and selects the most promising ones. These chosen concepts are then presented and championed to directors and senior leadership, securing their buy-in and approval to move forward. Feasibility StudyTo ensure the chosen concept has a solid foundation for success, a comprehensive feasibility study is conducted. This study analyzes the potential market size and demand for the game, while also creating initial budget estimates. It aims to assess the financial viability of the project before significant resources are invested. Gamification Context Within the Gamification division, this stage is typically carried out during the presales phase. This means the team explores various game concepts and conducts feasibility studies before officially engaging with potential clients. This allows them to tailor proposals and present well-defined and researched concepts that meet the clients’ specific needs and objectives. Pre-Production: Refining the Game Design The pre-production phase follows the concept phase and serves as a bridge between the initial idea and actual development. This stage focuses on solidifying the game design before investing significant resources in full-scale production. Its primary goal is to minimize the need for major changes in the later stages by validating and refining the design through various activities. Key Activities PrototypingThis involves creating playable, but potentially limited, versions of the game. These prototypes allow designers, artists, and programmers to experiment with different mechanics, features, and visuals. They also serve as valuable tools for user research and testing. User Research and TestingBy conducting playtests and user interviews, the team can gather feedback from potential players. This feedback is crucial for identifying any issues with the game design and ensuring it is engaging and enjoyable for the target audience. Design ValidationBased on the insights gained from prototyping and user testing, the team refines and validates the game design. This may involve adjusting mechanics, balancing gameplay, and redefining the overall vision for the project. Gamification Context For the Gamification division, this stage is used to collaborate closely with the client to finalize key details before full development begins. This includes: Detailed RequirementsWorking with the client, the team establishes the specific requirements for the gamified element, ensuring it aligns with their objectives and target audience. Game Art StyleThe team collaborates with the client to define the desired visual style for the gamified experience, considering factors like branding and target audience preferences. Product Vision and Requirements Document (PRD)The team collaborates with the client to create a comprehensive PRD that outlines the finalized vision and detailed technical and functional requirements for the gamified experience. This document serves as a blueprint for the development phase. Production: Bringing the Game to Life The production stage is the heart of the game development lifecycle, where the vision and design from pre-production materialize into a playable game. This is the longest and most resource-intensive stage, demanding close collaboration and coordination across various teams and roles. Key Activities Pre-AlphaThis initial development phase focuses on building the core gameplay mechanics and systems. It involves programmers writing code, artists creating assets, and designers refining the game’s core loop. While not yet feature-complete or visually polished, pre-alpha builds allow for early internal testing to identify and address critical issues. AlphaDuring the alpha phase, the game becomes more feature-complete and playable. Additional gameplay elements and systems are integrated, and preliminary balancing adjustments are made. Alpha builds are often used for internal testing by a wider range of players, including testers and potentially external