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. : More

:: 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.

The job of the testers is to play the game repeatedly to find all the mistakes, or "bugs."

Problems are prioritized in many ways, from "fatal" bugs which must be resolved immediately, to minor issues which may or may not affect the game's release.

The first version sent to testers is called the "alpha" version, and it is tested to detect any major flaws in the game while they are still relatively easy to fix. Once all of the major flaws are addressed, a "beta" version is released, often to a larger group of testers that sometimes includes the public. The beta version is exhaustively tested, fixed and re-released until the developers are satisfied that the game is in its prime.

Sources:

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