For BS in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing students, the elements of game development can be more exciting than the game itself.
The video game industry continues to grow, with 3.09 million active players worldwide. That’s good news for professionals in the entertainment and multimedia computing industry because career opportunities for video game animators, technical writers, game designers, and programmers will remain in demand! However, for Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing students, the elements of game development can be more exciting than the game itself. Their thrill is finding out how these elements work together to create an engaging world while having a fun gameplay loop.
Core Elements of Game Development
Every game consists of the same primary elements. These are the following:
Design
A game begins with a single concept. This is called the game design. Think of it as the foundation of your game where you plan out its rules, mechanics, objectives, and progression systems. This is where you also develop immersive characters and virtual worlds.
Game designers are challenged to create exciting gameplay narratives and level layouts to engage active gamers. Do you want to create a platformer where the hero travels the land while avoiding obstacles to save the princess or a simple simulator where a city person ends up having to take care of their grandfather’s old farm? Exploring these ideas and how they play out to become engaging interactive experiences is at the heart of game design.
Art
Art breathes life into your concept. Once you have laid out the intricacies of the gameplay, you must use your entertainment and multimedia computing skills to create the visual and auditory elements of the game. Often, the game art creates the game’s identity fitting the game design. A unique art style would enable your game to stand out from the rest.
Game artists are responsible for creating character models, environments, animations, textures, and special effects. This is crucial in establishing the mood, style, and tone of the game. Whether it’s pixel art, stylized comic-like visuals, or realistic 3D renders, the art is what the players will associate and interact with.
Programming
This is where we get technical – literally. Programming is responsible for implementing the game’s mechanics, systems, and interactions. Programming ensures that the game works and it works well. You may have nailed the concept, the gameplay, and the art, but the programming ensures that the game’s vision remains alive – and without bugs. A single glitch can make or break the game affecting a player’s experience.
Game programmers work on a wide range of tasks, including player controls, AI behavior, physics simulations, audio integration, networking, and user interfaces.
Testing
To tie up the elements of game development together, testing is done. Game testers ensure the game’s quality before its launch. This phase makes sure that all the elements are in place, cohesive, and enjoyable to the target audience. Bugs, glitches, and loopholes in gameplay are identified to ensure a smooth player experience.
Enhance Your Skills in Game Development at CIIT
Understanding the core elements of game development and how they work together to make an enjoyable game is crucial for a successful future career in the entertainment and multimedia computing industry.
Enhance your knowledge and technical skills in game development at CIIT. View our course outline for Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing through this link.
