Game development is a complex process by which a game is produced. For most people, the computer game experience starts at the store and ends on the couch. Few realize that creating a game can be as complex as making a Hollywood blockbuster. Months of planning and preparation, script writing, casting, character development, cutting-edge technology and massive computing power go into making games. A contemporary entertainment game can take from one to three years to develop, though there are exceptions. : More

Stages in game development

:: The idea
Every game begins with an idea. The idea includes the aim of the game, its educational goals and funny elements. : More

:: Scenario development
The scenario is a detailed description of the idea and the main scenes of the game. : More

:: Storyboard
Once the basic game concept is decided upon, writers and artists work together on a storyboard. : More

:: Creating the characters
As the storyboard is made, designers begin to create the characters. : More

:: Putting all in motion
At this stage, the character is basically a digital marionette. The game developpers bring this figure to life by instructing the computer to move the character. : More

:: Game environment
One of the most important aspects of modern game creation is the environment.

Subtle touches like reflections in shiny surfaces and varied cloud patterns often go unnoticed by players, but they help create a much more realistic environment. And often such details can propel the story forward: for example, a twig snapping under a character's foot can signal approaching danger.

As the power of home computers rapidly increases, game developers are able to create ever more realistic and complex environments. Levels of detail that were unimaginable only a few years ago are now commonplace. It's hard to imagine the game worlds that await us in the future.

The majority of 3-D objects created for computer games are made up of polygons. A polygon is an area defined by lines. Each polygon has a set of vertices to define its shape, and it needs information that tells it what to look like. The most commonly used method to transmit this information is "texture mapping."

You can think of texture mapping much like wrapping a present. Each side of the box being wrapped is a blank polygon and the "paper" is an image of the texture to be applied. Most video game consoles and computers contain a special chip and dedicated memory that store the special images used for texture mapping and apply them to each polygon on the fly. This allows games to have incredibly detailed 3-D environments that you can interact with in real time.

:: Code
The code is what makes all of the game elements work together, though unseen by the user. : More

:: Postproduction and Testing
Once the game is complete, it enters the postproduction phase. This phase includes extensive testing, review, marketing and finally, distribution. : More

Sources:

:: http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/inside/how/06.html
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