Game development typically begins with a concept or idea for a game. The game designers will then create a game design document that outlines the gameplay mechanics, art style, story, and other important aspects of the game. The game developers will then begin working on the game, creating the code, art assets, and sound effects necessary to make the game functional.

The game development process is usually broken down into several stages, including pre-production, production, testing, and release. During pre-production, the game designers and developers work together to create the game design document and plan out the game development process. In the production phase, the actual development of the game takes place. In the testing phase, the game is tested for bugs and glitches to ensure that it is playable and functional. Finally, in the release phase, the game is released to the public.

Game development is a complex and time-consuming process, requiring a high level of skill and creativity. It can be done by an individual or a team of developers, and can take anywhere from a few months to several years to complete depending on the complexity and scope of the game.

Game development is a challenging job that requires the use of several different tools, from the development environment to testing and level design. Knowing what tools to use can be difficult, especially for those beginning their journey in game development. To help make the process easier, here is an overview of some essential tools every game developer should have in their arsenal.

Game Development Environment

Creating a game begins with a development environment. This is an integrated set of tools designed to let developers create games quickly and easily. The most popular game development environments include Unity, Unreal Engine, and GameMaker Studio 2. Each of these offers powerful features like asset management, scripting support, animation editing capabilities, timeline controls and more. Unity also supports cross-platform compatibility for creating mobile games for Android or iOS devices.

Programming Languages

While some game developers may find it convenient to utilize visual scripting tools offered by certain development environments like Unity or Unreal Engine 4, programming languages are still essential for creating more complex games. Depending on the platform you are developing for (such as mobile devices), there may be specific languages you need to learn such as Java or Swift for Android or iOS respectively. Other popular programming languages used in game development include C# and C++ for Windows platforms, JavaScript for web-based games, Lua for scripting complex behaviors and reactions in-game, and others like Python or Rust which offer great flexibility when coding a game from scratch. It’s important to take some time out to study the basics of these languages before attempting any serious project involving them; fortunately there are numerous online tutorials available which make this learning process even easier!

Level Design Software & 3D Modeling Tools

Level design software such as Tiled Editor lets developers craft different levels utilizing various tilesets and objects stored within your project files. To bring these levels to life even further there are 3D modeling tools such as Blender where you can create complex 3D models that look incredible when rendered into your projects. Additionally there are other helpful utilities such as Autodesk Maya which provide users with powerful modeling capabilities not found in other applications – making it invaluable when building more detailed 3D models associated with your project!

Audio & Video Editing Software

Having good audio/music tracks or videos/trailers goes a long way towards making your project look more professional so having access to audio/video editing software is crucial if you’re planning on producing high quality materials associated with your project. Popular audio/video editing suites include Adobe Premiere Pro & Audition or Logic Pro X depending on the platform you’re working on (Windows vs macOS). Additionally there are countless free alternatives available if budgeting is an issue such as Avid Media Composer Free version! Also consider using some YouTube downloader.

Testing & Debugging Tools

The importance of robust testing cannot be underestimated – after all no matter how good your code may be errors can always creep in unexpectedly so having reliable debugging solutions handy will save plenty of headaches during production! For Windows users Visual Studio Code provides powerful debugging capabilities within its IDE while Mac users can take advantage of Apple’s Xcode integrated environment which includes a custom debugger unique to that particular platform!

General Tools & Utilities

There are plenty of general purpose utilities that are invaluable when developing video games; two particular examples are version control systems such as Git (to help manage code changes during collaborative work) and task tracking applications like Trello (to keep track of tasks during team collaborations). Additionally don’t forget about useful communication channels such as Slack (for quick asynchronous conversations) or Discord (for realtime chat rooms between team members!)

By taking advantage of all these useful tools available out there today any game developer will get off on the right foot while beginning their journey down this exciting yet challenging path!

The post Useful Tools for Every Game Developer appeared first on Futur-Idium.

Game development is a competitive field that requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and business acumen to succeed. However, with the right approach and dedication, you can become a successful game developer.

Learn the Fundamentals:

Before diving into game development, it is essential to learn the fundamentals of programming, software development, and game design. Understanding programming languages like C++, C#, or Java, and software development tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, is crucial to building a successful career in game development.

You can learn the fundamentals of game development by enrolling in a game development course, boot camp or attending workshops. These resources will provide you with a solid foundation in software development and game design.

Learning programming languages is especially important, as they are the foundation of game development. You should also spend time studying game design principles, which include user experience design and level design. These elements will help you understand what makes a good game, how to create one, and how to collaborate with other developers in the industry.

Build a Portfolio:

Building a portfolio is crucial to showcase your skills to potential employers or clients. This is where you can demonstrate your technical abilities, creativity, and versatility in game development. You can start by creating simple games or participating in game jams to gain experience and build your portfolio.

It is essential to focus on creating polished and functional games that demonstrate your technical skills and creativity. This includes paying attention to the details, making sure the game runs smoothly, and testing it thoroughly. You should also make your portfolio accessible to potential clients or employers, whether it be on a personal website, online gaming communities or social media.

As you build your portfolio, it is important to showcase your individual style, approach, and creativity. Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to develop unique game ideas that are engaging and entertaining.

Network:

Networking is crucial in the game development industry, and it can help you find job opportunities, collaborate with other developers, and gain industry insights. You can join game development communities, attend game development conferences, and participate in game development forums to expand your network.

It is also essential to keep in mind that networking is not solely about gaining job opportunities or making connections with other game developers. It is also about finding and developing relationships with other professionals who can offer valuable insights and help you develop your career.

Specialize:

Game development is a broad field, and it is important to specialize in a particular area to increase your chances of success. You can specialize in game design, programming, 2D/3D art, audio design, or project management, depending on your skills and interests.

You should consider what aspect of game development you are most passionate about and develop your skills in that area. By specializing, you will be able to provide specific, specialized expertise in your chosen field, and in turn, become more valuable in the job market.

Stay Up-to-Date:

The game development industry is constantly evolving, and it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and tools. You can subscribe to game development blogs and websites, participate in game development communities, and attend game development conferences to stay informed.

By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and tools, you can gain insights into what is most in demand in the job market and adjust your skills and portfolio accordingly. Additionally, being up-to-date can provide you with inspiration and the opportunity to learn from other successful game developers in the industry.

Work on Soft Skills:

In addition to technical skills, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are also important for success in game development. You can work on your soft skills by collaborating with other developers, participating in team projects, and participating in team projects, and seeking feedback on your work. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial in game development, where teams often work in high-pressure environments to deliver a quality product on time.

Additionally, problem-solving skills are essential for game developers to identify and fix technical issues that may arise during the development process. By honing these soft skills, you can demonstrate to potential employers or clients that you are not only technically proficient but also a valuable team player.

Conclusion:

Becoming a successful game developer takes time, effort, and dedication, but by learning the fundamentals of game development, building a strong portfolio, networking, specializing in a specific area, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, and developing your soft skills, you can increase your chances of success in this highly competitive industry.

Keep in mind that success in game development requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. With the right approach, you can achieve your career goals and become a successful game developer.

The post How to Become a Successful Game Developer appeared first on Futur-Idium.

Newzoo estimates that mobile gaming revenue will reach $76.7 billion by the end of 2020, a 12 percent increase over 2019. By comparison, global box office revenue was $42.5 billion. In 2019, the global music industry generated $20.2 billion in wholesale revenue. In other words, by the end of 2020, mobile games alone brought in more annual revenue than the music and movie industries combined.

Mobile Gaming Industry Statistics

According to GameAnalytics, the number of mobile gamers grew from 1.2 billion to 1.75 billion per month in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 46%.

Newzoo says the number of mobile gamers in 2020 peaked at 2.6 billion, of which 38% are paying for games.

Consumers spent more than $19 billion on mobile games in the second quarter of 2020, the largest quarter ever, according to App Annie, with 21% of Android apps and 25% of iOS apps downloaded being games. Google Play revenue continues to grow faster than iOS App Store revenue: from 19.6% to 13.2%

Android games are projected to account for 56% of all mobile gaming revenue by 2023.

Mobile Game Market

App Annie data shows that casual games lead the world in download growth, up 45% over the first half of 2020.

For marketers, the cost to acquire a player in 2020 dropped significantly to $1.47, 66% less than in 2019. Despite this, it is more expensive to acquire a paying user than it was in 2019: the $43.88 cost means a 24% increase over the same period last year. This suggests that app developers will focus more on monetizing users through advertising.

Mobile gaming trends in 2022

According to App Annie, here are the top 10 mobile games worldwide from 2020 in terms of downloads:

• Free Fire (Garena Online).
• Subway Surfers (Sybo)
• PUBG Mobile (Tencent)
• Gardenscapes – New Acres (Playrix)
• Brain Out (Eyewind)
• Ludio King (Gametion)
• My Talking Tom Friends (Outfit7)
• Homescapes (Playrix)
• Brain Test: Tricky Puzzles (Unico Studio)
• Tiles Hop: EDM Rush (Amanotes)

Mobile gaming industry analysis and trends in 2022

Gametech will continue to drive gaming growth.

In 2020, Newzoo released an infographic depicting the many levels of the gametech ecosystem that both supports the gaming industry and fosters its growth.

New technologies and developments in the gametech ecosystem will continue to strengthen the industry: on the development side, game engines such as Unity and Unreal will improve their products and allow more game developers to create compelling products. In terms of platforms, leading game companies such as Epic Games and Roblox will continue to merge music and movies with virtual game worlds, ushering in a new era of innovative experiences, and the advertising technology and monetization tools developers use to make money will become even more advanced, most notably in-app betting.

Betting solutions like ironSource LevelPlay are used by mobile game developers of all genres, allowing them to maximize ad monetization and automate labor-intensive processes and the technology will only get better.

The high rate of ad monetization within games.

As pointed out by GameRefinery in IronSource’s 2020 Game Trends Survey, developers of all genres are widely using in-game advertising to support monetization of in-app purchases. With fierce competition forcing developers to optimize their ads in terms of both creativity and in-game placement, ad units such as reward videos and ad walls actually add value to gameplay, and for many interested players, they are a welcome alternative to real cash payments.

There are several reasons why we are likely to see further proliferation of ad monetization in IAP-focused games. First, as mentioned earlier, in 2020, the cost of attracting a user to make in-app purchases jumped 24% year over year to $43.88. As a consequence, many managers will try to attract cost-effective users who can be monetized through advertising instead of in-app purchases. In fact, the most savvy development managers are already realizing the potential of subscription advertising, such as offerwall, to further increase IAP by giving users a “taste” of premium content without spending any money.

Apple’s ATT platform will force UA managers to adapt

Apple’s new privacy rules, which aim to prevent unwanted tracking at the user level by giving users more control over their data, will force UA managers to change their approach. App Tracking Transparency (ATT) is one way Apple is implementing these changes. Essentially, it will require all apps to ask users for permission to track their data, and many industry professionals expect that most users will not give permission.This means that existing methods of tracking and optimizing marketing campaigns and ad monetization will not be possible in most cases.

Apple will provide developers with an alternative way to intelligently track campaigns through its SKAdnetwork, opening up a new environment for UA and what it takes to effectively engage users in the mobile gaming industry.

Social features will continue to grow

As app stores become more and more saturated, finding ways to retain users for longer is a top priority for developers: expect to see many games, from casual to hardcore, integrate social mechanisms such as activity feeds (where users can follow the game progress of others), in-game chats, push notifications that alert users to mentions or invitations from friends, and guilds (clans or AKA groups), not to forget the game associate The development of the hyper-casual games category, with developers adding more depth and meta-features to their games, could also contribute to a surge in social interaction.

The rise of Bunch, which attracted a $20 million investment from EA and Ubisoft in September 2020 for its app that allows players to have group video chats during multiplayer games, are an indicator of where the industry is headed.

Unification

Despite the Covid-19 coronavirus, there have been many mergers and acquisitions in the mobile gaming industry in 2020, and the main theme has been company mergers. In 2020, Zynga acquired two leading Istanbul developers, Peak Games for $1.8 billion and Rollic Games for $180 million, Stillfront Group acquired Storm8 for $300 million, Take Two acquired Playdots (which developed the popular game Two Dots) for $192 million, Miniclip acquired Israel-based Ilyon Games for $100 million, etc. We expect this trend to continue, and gaming giants will absorb mid-tier gaming companies.

The post A trend in the mobile online gaming industry appeared first on Futur-Idium.

As technology improves at an astounding rate, the industry’s top players are pushing for advances and new gaming features that are leading to a complete overhaul of how we play online.

Over the past couple of years, with the COVID-19 pandemic, online gaming has become a great alternative for those left at home to comply with medical and social distancing protocols, and the online gaming industry has recorded some of the highest growth rates in world history.

In these atypical years, online gambling platforms, or iGaming, which have grown in popularity, have introduced a new generation of consoles and even gamification of learning and thus opened up a whole new world of possibilities for gamers around the world.

Although the pandemic is finally coming to an end, interest in gaming remains high, and recent studies have shown that new gaming opportunities such as blockchain, or crypto-games, will have a big impact on sales in the industry for years to come. Consequently, it is reasonable to assume that there is more to come as online gaming matures and becomes a force in the entertainment marketplace.

With the introduction of newer technologies, innovative gaming platforms and new gaming trends, developers, publishers and even software providers have been able to create new gaming activities, provide immersive and enhanced gaming environments that allow gamers to fully explore the world of online gaming and enjoy various aspects of virtual entertainment.

The following is a look at some of these new trends that are paving the way for a complete change in the online gaming industry.

Blockchain Gaming

Blockchains, criptomoedas e NFTs are now some of the most popular phenomena on the Internet.

For those unfamiliar with these terms, blockchains act as cash books for cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether; in turn, cryptocurrencies are digital currencies stored in encrypted databases, and NFTs (from non-original tokens) are unique digital assets in a blockchain.

Blockchain games or cryptogames, as we mentioned above, are games that incorporate one or more of these aspects. The concept of blockchain games was originally introduced in the early 2010s, and the first games were released in 2015.

Initially, most of these games were developed around collectibles in the form of NFT, such as virtual pets, trading cards, and even virtual real estate.

As blockchain technology has evolved, many new games have been created with more advanced gameplay and mechanics. Currently, some of the most popular crypto games include Elevation, in which players become digital landlords by buying, selling and exchanging virtual property based on real locations, Bomba Crypto, an adventure game with “play to win” (play to earn) mechanics and gameplay similar to the classic Bomberman and Splinterlands, a card game very similar to the classic Hearthstone.

IGaming

Gambling and betting have long been some of the most popular hobbies around the world, whether it’s classic games like roulette and blackjack or sports betting.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, the online gambling industry, or iGaming, has experienced a surge in popularity as physical gambling establishments have been forced to suspend their operations.

Today, there is a wide variety of online casinos and sports betting sites. Online casino options range from classic casino games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps to live, real-time games.

As for sports betting, players can bet on major sporting events from around the world, including popular leagues and tournaments such as the NBA, UEFA Champions League, Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro.

Game-Based Learning

A game-based learning is an educational approach that uses video game design and game elements in the learning environment to engage and encourage students. The ultimate goal is to increase enjoyment and engagement by engaging students and encouraging them to learn more. In the past two years, game-based learning has played a key role in educational processes during the pandemic.

According to gamification theory in education, “Students learn best when they are having fun.” It also means that students learn best when they have clear goals, milestones, objectives, and achievements to strive for.

Given the appealing features of video games that intrigue children and adults alike, it makes sense to see similar engagement results when these gaming components are applied to learning materials.

As technology advances and penetrates much of our daily lives, changing the way we work, shop, socialize, and play, teacher educators and researchers are beginning to explore the potential benefits of using technology in the classroom.

The post New Trends in Online Gaming appeared first on Futur-Idium.

Due to limitations and lockdowns put in place to combat the current epidemic last year, gamers from many different nations couldn’t access their typical brick-and-mortar gambling establishments. The same was true for local internet casinos. However, new Australian online casinos have simultaneously made every effort to improve their online selection and meet the increasing demand.

Nearly all online casino games that you have used to play in a traditional “physical” native casino location are now available in the extensive and diverse online casino game selection. Although there are some obvious differences when playing online, operators have created clever solutions including live gambling & video gambling to minimize these discrepancies and maximize entertainment. You’ll discover a summary of the most well-liked online casino games available right now on this page.

Most Played Casino Games Online

The games on the list below are the most played casino games online in nations including Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the UK.

• Pokie Machines

There are tens of hundreds of various pokie machines available, each with its own set of rules and betting possibilities. Slot machines are incredibly popular games. Bright colors, lighting, exhilarating music, and the search for a good combination make this a straightforward and uncomplicated game. The players’ favorite option is video slots. Before gaming with a real bet, many operators provide the players the opportunity to test out several machines for free to see which ones they enjoy the best.

• Roulette

24% of casino table game activity is roulette. Roulette has captivated players for ages even though it is fundamentally a game of complete chance. The precise number of the pit the ball will fall in, a range of slots, the color of the pocket, or whether the winning ticket is odd or even are all choices for wagers available to players. The rewards vary according to the wager type and the specific game, player, or table. There are often minimum and maximum wagers at the roulette table. A few intriguing and well-liked roulette varieties are also available, such as Marvel Roulette, which has an additional slot that leads to a second roulette where you may win a progressive jackpot.

• Blackjack

31% of casino table game activity is blackjack. It should come as no surprise that players prefer the online version of the game given how well-liked it is at casinos all over the world. On a green table, few games can match the adrenaline rush that blackjack provides. The actual game is not all that, unlike Baccarat. However, blackjack may be viewed as a more mainstream and commercial variation.

Numerous operators provide various gaming alternatives, including live blackjack, and video blackjack, in addition to several game variations. Each player receives 2 cards, and in the majority of variants, the dealer also receives one or two cards. Typically, there are 5 to 7 participants per table. From cards 2 through 10, the value assigned to each card matches the pip value, with face cards having a value of 10. One or eleven can be assigned to an ace. The total value of a hand is the total of its card values. There are more than 100 distinct variations of blackjack available online, each with its own set of rules plus betting opportunities. In addition, live-dealer & video versions will allow you to engage with the dealer as well as other players in a variety of ways to suit the tastes of all players.

• Poker Games

There are several table games based on poker available today. They account for 21% of activity at casino tables as a whole. Among the most popular card games is poker, which is also the most well-known of them all in terms of media fame and popularity in general. Of the many variations of this game, Texas hold ’em as well as the traditional five-card draw poker are the most well-known. Depending on the variation, many games also provide wagers for progressive jackpots.

Poker is a player’s favorite because, unlike other casino games, not much of it is based on luck. Fundamental elements of this game’s variations include strategy, skill, and psychology, which are often considerably more significant than random chance. Poker is among the casino games that call for the greatest talent and skill. You may practice and get better at the game over time, which would be a highly alluring feature in a game.

There are several variations of poker games. The most played variations of poker are live poker as well as live-dealer poker. Because the longer version most closely resembles playing at a real table and allows for the use of particular planning as you would play it in a brick-and-mortar slot machine, video poker is indeed a favorite within and between millions of casino enthusiasts.

• Craps

Craps account for 6% of activity at casino tables. Predicting the results of a dice roll or a string of two-dice rolls is the players’ objective. The “Pass Line,” “Don’t Pass,” “Come,” & “Don’t Come” bets are the most popular ones.

• Bingo

Bingo is a highly well-liked game, and there are many online variations of it. There is no place for strategy in bingo; just luck is important. It is a probability game in which participants check off the figures on their cards after a caller draws them at random. The first player to cross off every number on the card wins. Numerous betting choices are available and are based on single versions.

• Scratch Card

The easiest game to play, scratch cards are primarily designed for enthusiasts and players who lack the expertise and knowledge necessary to play traditional casino table games. Most online scratch cards contain only a digital representation of actual cards, as well as the rules, are equally simple. 

New Casino Games in Australia from Our Team

Together with some of the best Australian online casinos: https://onlinecasinoaustralia.online we are working on adding some new games for the gamblers to benefit. It is a good step. It would attract new players from all over the world.

What are we looking to bring to our clients?

Well, the answer is we are working on some new game mechanics, especially in slots, when players will find new ways to hit multiple wins or even get out of a difficult situation with new winning conditions!

Let’s move forward and see what innovative ideas might make games of pokies even more exiting.

The post Futur-Idium Will Develop New Games for Online Casinos in Australia appeared first on Futur-Idium.

New Playgrounds

     We all loved the maps from Overwatch, but surely OW2 needs something new to spice things up. This is exactly why the new maps were developed, bringing new and iconic locations to life for the players to wreak havoc on. The Dev team is particularly excited to introduce the Rome map, where a number of real-world features like its historic architecture, the Coliseum and the Seven Hills are integrated. Of course, it won’t be OW without its own futuristic spin on everything, so expect a teched up Rome. 

     The other map the Devs teased would be the New York City map of Overwatch 2. Alongside its signature high-tech vibe, expect some good ol’ NY traits like the bodegas, fire stations and pizza shops that give it a really authentic feel. All these new maps will have more cover to make-up for the missing Tank role. 

F2P

It has already been established that OW2 would be free-to-play, according to director Aaron Keller. In other words, you can start playing right away after release without spending a dime. The Loot Boxes are completely gone too, and would be replaced with Seasonal unlock ladders for every avid player to enjoy. Each season will be up for a total of nine weeks, allowing you to earn the cosmetics naturally along the way as you play. All that means that it will be a huge potential for services that provide OW 2 boosting. Play more, earn more!

     VP and commercial leader, Jon Spector states that they wish to expand the player base and audience around the globe. By dropping the barriers for entry, they hope that more people get to try the game, fall in love with it and then invite their friends into it.

PVP

     Expect some major updates to PvP! The Dev team is actively experimenting with hero passives and may very well take on different forms in OW2. The best examples are how Tanks would have reduced knockback and decreased ult charge generation; DPS characters would have higher speeds (facilitating flank); and Sups having auto-heals that activate if they dont take damage for some time. 

     The sole Tank role is undergoing massive revamping. These characters would have more utility, like how Reinhardt now has two charges for Firestrike and can now steer and cancel his charge. They are large and in-charge brawlers who mustn’t fear anyone!

Visceral Combat

     Developers have done some noteworthy changes to the audio and visual effects of OW2’s design, giving it a more visceral feel. The brain ain’t enough anymore, you gotta rely on your gut feelings too now! Combat has been overhauled and modernized to the point that even very minor attacks look and feel more satisfying and riveting. 

     The new Convolution reverb system is in place to let you and your team capture the acoustics of your environment and adjust the audio accordingly. No matter where you are in the map, the sound of your hero’s weapon reacting to the area around it would make a significant difference, paving way for a more immersive and responsive experience.

Cosmetics

     Spector stated they knew exactly how much we all love skins. Questions like “What do you get at each tier?” and “What do you get for free?” aren’t a main focus just yet, but they are thinking about how to make the old OW cosmetics available to new players.

     In Overwatch 2, “Mythic” cosmetics are the peak unlock on each seasonal pass. These have higher rarity than Legendary drops and even have their own discrete customization! One of the very first Mythic skins you can expect is Genji’s. It is a good example of what to expect from future cosmetics, as it can be set to different colors like “Neon” or “Demonic,” changing the overall look of the characters and his weapon. They also have the capacity for enhancements like custom animations too!

A few more neat development facts:

1. New and refined Hero Missions.
2. Renewed looks for good ol’ Heroes.
3. Further story and lore development.
4. Secret upgrades in the form of voicelines to expand the lore.
5. A ping system, to easily alert teammates to points of interest on the map.
6. A PvP mode known as “Push” will be introduced (similar to tug of war).
7. Two control point maps, like the Horizon Lunar Colony, won’t be available in OW2.
8. Runs on an upgraded version of OW’s engine, allowing for larger map sizes.
9. Blizzard stated that they put too much focus on OW2, leading to the downfall of OW. As such, OW2 would be released in parts for PvP and PvE. 
10. Kaplan voiced how they prioritized the quality of the product over the timeliness of its release.

     There’s so many more interesting facts about Overwatch 2’s Development we could not include here. Truly, this article could go on for ages, but since we all have limited time on our hands, we made it a point to include the biggest ones. Eitherway, we hope we learned something engaging here and we hope to see you soon on the battlegrounds of Overwatch 2.

The post Interesting Facts About Overwatch 2 Development appeared first on Futur-Idium.

How much time and effort have you put into these games that reward you with so much happiness and excitement? 

     Well, the games that exhilate us so much are no walk in the park to create. Developing legendary games is an art and skill of its own. If you’re a gamer, there must have been some point in their life where you considered going into Game Development. If you ended up dropping the idea, here’s a quick and simple outline of what Game Development is like!

     From the surface, Video Game Development is simply the process of developing a video game. But underneath the surface, there are so many different aspects working together in perfect unison to make a functional game. The ever challenging efforts required to pull this off is undertaken by a Game Developer, ranging from one enthusiastic individual with his/her PC to an international team spanning the entire globe. One can start at rock bottom and still reach the epitome of gaming, because extremely high–end games don’t necessarily mean success. 

     Game Development is typically funded by a specific Publisher, and depending on the scale can take upto years for final completion. As for Indie games, they take up less time and resources as they are being produced by individuals and smaller developers. Overall, the Gaming industry is booming now, thanks to the rise of accessible game development software like the infamous Unity platform and Unreal Engine. Online gaming is the forerunner in the present age, facilitated by efficient distribution systems Steam, Epic Games, Blizzard and Uplay. Thanks to everyone’s busier lifestyles now, Mobile gaming is also showing incremental trends on both Android and iOS platforms.

The Phases

     Game Development takes place in an organized system of phases. Let’s consider a typical Mainstream PC game developed for commercial purposes, the phases are as follows;

1. Pre-production – Planning phase of the project focusing on idea and concept development as well as production of initial design documents.
2. Pitches – A short summary document used to present the game’s selling points and detail its profitability.
3. Prototypes – Building prototypes of gameplay ideas and features. This allows the programmers and designers to experiment with different algorithms and usability scenarios for the game.
4. Writing of Game design documents 
5. Idea approval 
6. Funding for Game Developer
7. Full-scale development

The Big Brains

     A proficient team of 20-100 individuals band together and split responsibilities to make a fully functional game. To each their own, each person has an area or areas of expertise and focus their full efforts there. Below are the biggest roles;

1. Producer – They manage the development team, schedules, reports progress, hires, assigns staff, oversees developer progress and budget. Responsibilities include PR, contract negotiation, liaising between the staff and stakeholders, schedule and budget maintenance, quality assurance, beta test management and localization.
2. Publisher – The company that publishes the video game which they’ve developed internally or was developed externally. Responsibilities include product manufacturing, marketing, market research and advertising.
3. Development team – Division of subtasks of Game Development. Mainly consists of;

• Designer – Designs the gameplay, conceives and designs the rules and structure of the game. As the main Game visionary, they act as writers and formulate the game’s narrative, dialogues, commentary, cutscene narratives, journals, video game packaging content, hint system and so on.
• Artist – The Visual artistic geniuses who creates the game’s art. The art director must manage, coordinate and schedule the art team.
• Programmer – The software engineer who develops the game and any related software. The game’s codebase development is handled by them. 
• Level designer – The person who creates the levels, challenges and/or missions for players using a very specific set of programs.
• Sound engineer – Technical pros responsible for great sound effects and sound positioning. 
• Tester – Their job is quality assurance. Testers play and analyze games to document any and all software defects as a part of the quality control process. 

 As you can see above, Game Development is no easy process. Using the software development process, the games that you know and love are developed as creative outlets and serve to generate profits for many organizations. This sacred process can be considered as one of the best examples of where Art meets Science. But like most things, money is essential to get a game rolling and this is exactly why proper planning and backups must be in place. 

     Once a Game takes flight, the revenue is divided among all the parties along the distribution chain, including the developer, publisher, retail, manufacturer and console royalty. Unfortunately, most games end up flopping, making the developers go bankrupt (yes, we are a tough crowd to please). Don’t let this discourage you though, because there are more than enough Games that become massive hits and leave the Developers rolling in the dough. Do your research, plan properly, obtain relevant backing, get the right help, secure the funding, play smart and understand the Gaming community to increase your odds.

     We hope this article helped you get a better idea about Game Development. Whether you’re an aspiring Developer or interested Gamer, remember to appreciate the effort and resources put into all the games that we play~

The post Game Development: How does it work? appeared first on Futur-Idium.

Here are eight trends game developers currently consider when creating new games.

1.Multiplatform Development

Multiplatform development creates a game that you can play on various devices, including mobile phones and tablets. It is possible to develop games to run on multiple platforms simultaneously, but they may not interact with each other. This type of development is becoming increasingly popular as more people own smartphones and tablets than PCs.

The most important thing about multiplatform games is that they must have a unified user interface that works well across all platforms. The developer must also ensure that there are no performance issues such as lag or frame rate drops when players move from one platform to another.

2. Accessibility

Accessibility is a critical factor in the current gaming industry. As more people are using mobile devices and desktop computers are becoming less common, accessibility is more important than ever before.

There are many ways that developers can make their games more accessible. They can ensure a game version is available on multiple platforms, such as mobile and web browsers and tablets. They can also ensure they thoroughly test their games with those who use them most often.

Another way developers can make their games more accessible is by including tutorials or other guidance for players who may be new to their genre or game type.

3. Game Streaming

Game streaming is simply playing a game on a different computer or device than the one you’re sitting in front of. You can do it with a simple program that runs in the background and transmits your game to another player or through services like Twitch and YouTube Gaming that allow you to stream directly from your computer.

There are benefits to game streaming. For one thing, it’s more convenient than playing games off your computer — especially if you’re not home all the time and want to avoid waiting for downloads or syncing up with other players locally.

Streaming also means you don’t have to worry about hardware maintenance; if something breaks down, you can just switch computers for another session at no additional cost. There aren’t any issues with lag or bad connection either — as long as both players use computers with Internet access, they should be able to connect without any problems.

It’s also easy enough for anyone with basic technical skills (and a willingness to learn) to start streaming their games online. You don’t need any special software or hardware, just an internet connection, and some patience.

4. Big Data

Big Data is a crucial trend for game developers. Big data is so large and complex that traditional database systems and other analytical tools cannot process it efficiently. It is collected by many sources, such as sensors, transaction logs, social networks, and mobile devices.

With the help of big data, it is possible to produce better and more accurate game statistics than those available through traditional methods. For example, big data can track players’ performance across different games. This information can help designers improve their games by providing insights into how players interact with their games.

5. Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming is a new trend in the gaming industry. It has been increasing rapidly as more people are starting to use it. Cloud gaming allows you to visit sites that you are interested in and play your favorite games from your smartphone or tablet without buying any hardware. You can even play games on your computer without installing anything.

Cloud gaming is becoming more popular because of its convenience and flexibility. You can use it even if you don’t have a powerful computer or gaming console at home. For example, if you want to visit sites like http://topcasinoer.net/ or play an online game but don’t have enough free time, cloud gaming will be able to help you with that problem. You can just log into the internet and start with whatever you want.

6. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are becoming more common in video games. VR and AR are relatively new to the video game industry, but they have already proven to be a significant trend in the gaming world.

VR games allow players to experience a virtual world they can interact with like never before. It is one of the most exciting trends in video games today because it allows players to feel like they are part of the game instead of watching from the sidelines.

Augmented Reality (AR) is another technology that has recently made waves in the gaming world. AR allows users to place objects into their real-world environment, which then reacts with light when you move towards them or interact with them using your phone or tablet device (e.g., placing a bottle on your living room floor). This gives AR some exciting possibilities for creating new types of gameplay experiences for gamers.

7. Increased Creative Freedom for Developers

There’s been a lot of talk about how digital games can be more artistic and creative than their physical counterparts. This is especially true in game development, where developers are given more freedom to design new mechanics and ideas that may not have been possible with traditional games.

The introduction of procedural generation has also led to more exciting gameplay experiences, where players can build their unique worlds by simply pressing a button. 

While this sounds like it would take away from the narrative aspect of games, it allows developers to focus on creating unique levels without worrying about too many similar environments or puzzles.

8. Emphasis on Social Networking and Integration

A big trend in the gaming industry is social networking integration. Games are now designed to be played with friends and family, as well as players from around the world. Games like Pokemon Go, Fortnite, and even PUBG have integrated social networking into the game so that people can find each other and play together. 

This integration has been a major factor in how successful these games are, as it allows players to connect with other players regardless of where they live.

Gaming Is the Next Big Thing!

What is clear is that game developers aren’t simply creating games by looking backwards. They are looking to the future, and trying to leverage trends that are prevalent today in innovative ways to create new gaming experiences for players.

The post 8 Trends Game Developers Consider When Creating New Games appeared first on Futur-Idium.

According to a 2021 report by Newzoo, there are around 3 billion gamers in the world. It is no wonder that gaming holds the prospect of being a highly rewarding career option in the future. In this article, we’re going to take a glance at the changes that took place in the gaming industry over the years and what the future has in store for us.

The Switch in Video Games

The origin of video games can be dated back to the 60s when a computer scientist named Steve Russell developed a game called ‘Spacewar!’ for the PDP-1 minicomputer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Video games were mostly limited to home and arcade gaming. With the introduction of 3D Graphics and optical media in the 90s, the gaming industry went through a revolutionary transition. Microsoft introduced PC Gaming to millions while Sony released its PlayStation in the market. Online gambling platforms and review sites like betting-sider.net also started to come up in the 90s.

The 21st century is experiencing a boom in mobile gaming with the advent of smartphones. High-definition graphics and cross-platform play were followed by the introduction of Augmented Reality in mobile games, which was popularized by ‘Pokémon GO’. We can conclude that the present is highly modernized, and the future looks more so. 

What Can We Expect from the Future?

Although futuristic technologies are getting implemented in the gaming industry, it is difficult to estimate their extent. We can focus on a few aspects that bear the potential for a turnaround.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is supposed to provide a first-person immersive experience to gamers. VR headsets are designed to alter your 2D gaming experience to a more realistic, real-world gaming experience, so much so that you start to feel like the main character and become a part of the game. It can be accompanied by machines that are designed to improve your sensations in real-time to add to our experience. For example, gaming vests that serve similar purposes are being designed.

The slow and steady progress in the implementation of VR is yet to live up to the hype. However, we can expect something massive in the future. VR headsets, at the present, are inconveniently bulky and expensive, which hinders their acceptance by the mainstream audience.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming basically involves streaming video games on a remote server. It follows the same method by which movies and TV shows are streamed on Netflix. The company’s powerful server spares you from the need of installing the game in your own device. This solves the problem of constantly upgrading your device according to the demands of a game. All you need is a streaming device of some sort and an internet connection.

In cloud gaming, your inputs are sent to the server where it gets processed and reaches you in real life. However, cloud gaming may lag without a powerful internet connection. The advent of 5G networks is expected to boost the advancement of cloud gaming and its popularity among the gamers.

Artificial Intelligence

The prospects of Artificial Intelligence in gaming are immense. The introduction of NPCs or non-playable characters governed by AI and activities like pathfinding, data mining, or player experience modelling have an immediate future in the online gaming industry. AI can be implemented to reduce human labour, curb unprofessional behaviours like cheating and create complex modelling systems that make online gaming more realistic for the players.

It can be presumed that online gaming and AI would work hand in hand in the future. AI is not only important for generating behavioural models with respect to the players but would also help the developers to generate games that suit their businesses the best.

High Fidelity Graphics

High-fidelity graphics is an umbrella term to describe the incorporation of advanced 3D graphics, high vertex counts, fragment shaders, and high GPU demands in video games. Gaming companies are already experimenting with the incorporation of ray tracing techniques in the future. The future advancement of high-fidelity graphics in gaming corresponds to the advancement of 5G, AI, and VR.

Metaverse and Blockchain Technology

The metaverse is the ultimate amalgamation of a virtual world with reality. Metaverse would provide a social media-like virtual space for multiplayer gaming. When accompanied by Virtual Reality, it would create a 3D world that can be ‘felt’ in 360 degrees through a realistic perceptivity. This virtual world of gaming won’t be restricted just to the tech giants, but players would be allowed to create and own games as well.

Digital currencies governed by blockchain technology would let players earn money via Metaverse gaming. Games are being developed that pay their players via NFTs or Non-Fungible Tokens. Thus, players can gain some capital besides engaging in developing social relationships that can be transcended beyond the virtual world. Metaverse gaming would essentially bring a mixed-reality experience of fantasy worlds into our everyday lives.

The Bottomline: A Gaming Revolution Calls for Responsible Actions

The companies are investing heavily in these futuristic technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the world of gaming. One can expect the tech giants to compete against each other which would make these services cheaper in the future.

However, just like everything else, technological advancement in the gaming industry has its own downsides. The players lie under the risk of getting addicted and drifting away from reality, which should be taken special care of by the game developers. Responsible business models and behavioural actions, when coupled with this progress, can take gaming to a whole new level, which is not too far ahead in the future. 

The post What Does Future Gaming Look Like? appeared first on Futur-Idium.

Start a Website for Your Game

This is the first step in effectively marketing your game. Having your site will allow you to show off your game and keep track of sales and other information that can be used to promote the game. You may even want to offer downloadable content or other features you can provide in exchange for money. A website is also a great place to advertise free demos, beta versions, and other promotional materials that will help get more attention for your games.

The site should include information about how your game works and what types of things players can do in it. It should also have links to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter so that players can share their experiences with others who want to try the same game.

Use Good SEO

Use search engine optimization (SEO) tactics to boost your visibility on the web. Your game must have a unique title, description, and keywords to appear in search engines when people look for similar games. If you’re unsure how to do this, try using an advertising service like Google AdWords to help you optimize your website or app listing.

Create an Email List

This may seem obvious, but building an email list as soon as possible is essential. You’ll be able to reach out to potential customers with updates about special offers or discounts on future games by sending them emails directly through your website or social media accounts. Also, if your product has bugs or compatibility issues, sending out an email alerting players will help keep them from posting negative reviews online, which could damage your reputation.

Don’t Forget Social Media

Social media can be highly beneficial when promoting your video game. Most successful brands have a social media presence today. Yet, there may be some aspects of your brand that can be improved upon by making use of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. These platforms allow users to interact with each other and businesses with pages. This will enable companies to interact with their customers directly and build relationships with them over time.

Social media ads are a great way of getting the word out about your new release. You can target specific demographics based on their interests and location, which means that you’ll be reaching the right people with minimal effort from your end. It might be worth considering if you’re looking for an efficient way of reaching your target audience without breaking the bank.

Get Reviews from Trusted Sources

If you’re a game developer, the best way to get your game noticed is to review it by a trusted source. This can be done through indie game websites or even on YouTube.

However, getting a review isn’t easy. You have to work hard at it, and it’s not something that will happen overnight. You need to build relationships with these sites and let them know what you’re doing and how they can help promote your game. Once you’ve built up this relationship, then it’s easier for them to agree to review your game and promote it on their site or social media account.

Create Great Content

Another way of getting more people interested in your game is by writing blogs about what it’s like making games from scratch – from ideation to release day, including photos from behind-the-scenes events and details about development costs. This will help build an audience interested in learning more about how games are made. It also provides an opportunity for those who want to learn more about making video games themselves!

Telling people how hard you worked on your game is one way to increase interest in its release date. By sharing blog posts about how much time and effort went into creating your title, readers will feel like they’re part of the process too. This will make them more likely to buy on launch day!

Partner With Influencers In Related Fields

You can’t just rely on word-of-mouth and social media to promote your game. If you do, you might miss out on some significant opportunities. You’ll also miss valuable information about what people like and don’t like about your game which could help improve future releases.

Influencers are a great marketing strategy due to the massive following on their platforms. To find these influencers, check out sites like YouTube and Tiktok. These sites feature thousands of content creators willing to promote products in exchange for free products or cash payments. This means that if your game has an audience on one of these sites, then there’s a good chance an influencer will want to partner with you as well.

Attend Gaming Expos and Host Panels

Attending a gaming convention can be a great way to market your video game. You can use the opportunity to show off your game and get feedback from players in person. Make sure you set up some booths at these events so people can find your game quickly. You could also host panels or presentations about the development process of your game’s development process and its history and evolution over time.

Test the Game for Bugs

Testing will ensure that players have a smooth experience once they start playing the game. It also provides that there aren’t any glitches that could cost you sales because they’re annoying users who might otherwise have been interested in purchasing your product.

Conclusion

The video game industry is a fickle and competitive business. Thousands of developers want nothing more than success, but they often fall short. To almost guarantee your place and ensure you get the attention you need, you need a sound plan of action. You need to stand out amidst an overwhelming sea of new releases, and you need marketing that fits with your game’s genre and delivers outstanding results. 

The post Tips for Successfully Marketing Your Video Game appeared first on Futur-Idium.