There are different stages in video game development, and if you have any knowledge of software development, chances are that they are similar. The only difference is that video games require a bit more creative input. In order, the steps are as follows:

Conception Phase

Everything starts with an idea with which to shape the fundamental aspects, such as the video game’s genre, its process, and, very importantly, its storyboard. This is where all the ideas that will be adapted regarding characters, style, overall tone, atmosphere, and music, among others, will be done. Once the planning process is clear, the design process can effectively start.

Design Phase

First, the elements that make up a game must be defined, followed by plot and story development. To do this, some sketches of the scripts are created to determine objectives and the main characters, among other concepts. With that, the artists start to work and create the concepts for the look and feel of the game, as well as how the characters and settings will look. The job of these artists is to present those visual proposals that will shape the final idea.

On the other hand, the sound elements of the game, such as sound effects, voices, or music, must also be described, although, at this stage, no piece is composed or recorded yet.

At the same time, the general functioning of the game must be specified since, depending on the genre, the way in which the entities will interact within the video game will be indicated.

To finish with this phase, the programming is designed, and it describes how the videogame will be implemented or the programming language of the videogame.

Planning Phase

The main aim of this phase is to effectively identify the tasks needed in order to develop the video game. Work is distributed among the employees of the development department, and deadlines are set for delivery.

Production Phase

Once it is 100% clear what needs to be done and how to do it, time planning begins, and production starts to create a functioning demo of the videogame. In this phase, the planning is guided by the design document, which includes aspects such as programming, illustration, and sound development. If all the pieces fit together correctly, the phase is over, but it is very difficult to get it right the first time because the video game requires testing for bugs and performance issues.

Testing Phase

This is where all the errors that have occurred during the programming process are corrected, and, in addition, the gameplay is improved as the game is tested. There are two types of testing: alpha testing, which is carried out by a small group of people involved in the development and creation of the video game. Following this after there’s beta testing, in which an external team of players participates.

The main purpose of alpha testing is to correct the most serious defects in order to improve the fundamental features that were not in the original design, and the aim of the beta tests is to detect the slightest faults and finish the player’s experience.

Distribution/Marketing Phase

At this stage, copies of the finished game are made and distributed to shops for players to purchase. Marketing, meanwhile, is a very important part of the process, as the game needs to be known, and the main objective is to get a high number of players. 

Many different marketing strategies are used according to the genre of the game. For example, online casinos use loyalty strategies as a marketing strategy. Bonuses are one of the most commonly used is the one that takes place. Frequent users can request the top casinos for reload bonuses. Like other bonuses, reload bonuses are subject to specific terms and conditions that can vary depending on the casino. However, the general follows the same conditions. Some of them cannot have acted on more than one bonus simultaneously, stipulating a specific percentage that can be claimed or a minimum deposit. But you must have already played with a welcome bonus to attain this benefit. Some platforms explain these different bonuses and how to claim them.

This is one of the best practice marketing strategies on the market, especially because it offers a win-win situation for both parties, not just the party that develops and launches the video game. The importance of creating buzz and hype during this phase is crucial for the success of any game.

Maintenance Phase

Even though the game is finished and the players have it in their hands, maintenance patching and bug fixes must continue. To do this, patches or updates are released as well as DLCs that are added to the game to get more life and enjoyment out of it.