If you’re new to the world of video game development, you may be overwhelmed by all the technical jargon and terminology that comes with it. However, understanding these basic terms is essential to creating a successful game.
1. Game Design Document (GDD)
A game design document is a written plan that outlines the goals, mechanics, and overall vision for a video game. It serves as a blueprint for the entire development process, providing guidance to everyone involved in creating the game. A well-crafted GDD helps ensure that the final product aligns with the original vision, making it easier to keep track of progress and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Unity
Unity is a popular game engine used for creating 2D and 3D games across multiple platforms. It offers an intuitive interface and a vast library of assets that can be easily integrated into your games, making it accessible to both experienced and novice game developers. With its powerful tools and flexible workflow, Unity is a popular choice for indie and AAA studios alike.
3. Asset Store
The asset store is an online marketplace where developers can purchase pre-made assets, such as characters, environments, and sound effects, for use in their games. These assets are created by other developers and can save time and resources by providing a ready-to-use solution to common game development challenges. The asset store offers a wide variety of categories and price points, making it accessible to developers of all budgets.
4. Version Control
Version control is a system that allows developers to track changes made to their code over time. This makes it easier to collaborate with other team members, revert changes if necessary, and maintain multiple versions of the same project. Popular version control systems include Git and SVN.
5. Game Engine
A game engine is a software framework that provides developers with the tools and resources they need to create video games. Game engines handle many of the low-level tasks, such as rendering graphics, managing input, and optimizing performance, allowing developers to focus on higher-level design and programming. Examples of popular game engines include Unity, Unreal Engine, and CryEngine.
6. Codebase
The codebase is the collection of all the source code and assets that make up a video game project. It serves as the foundation for the game, providing the instructions and resources necessary to run the game on different platforms. A well-organized codebase makes it easier to understand and maintain the game over time, ensuring that changes and updates are made in a consistent and efficient manner.
7. Debugging
Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors in the code of a video game. It involves using tools and techniques to identify the cause of problems, such as crashes or bugs, and then implementing solutions to fix them. Debugging can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it is essential for creating high-quality games that are free from errors and glitches.
8. Optimization
Optimization is the process of improving the performance of a video game by making changes to the code or assets used in the game. This can involve reducing the size of textures, minimizing the number of draw calls, or adjusting the game’s settings to improve framerates. Optimization is crucial for creating games that run smoothly and provide a good user experience, especially on lower-end hardware.
9. Cross Platform Development
Cross platform development is the process of creating a video game that can be played on multiple platforms, such as PC, Mac, mobile, and consoles.