Video Game Prototyping and Its Importance in Game Development

You came up with the ultimate game idea and think it is perfect. But soon after the launch, the audience was not impressed with the game. Some might find the levels boring, the visual design distracting, or the story might not entice them. Failing to identify these issues early results in losing a lot of money. Therefore, before developing the game's final version, you must test a prototype. This is one of the most crucial parts of game development that can boost the game’s overall quality and success.  

What is a video game prototype, and why is it essential?

Video game prototyping is the process of developing a rough plan for your game. It is the basis of high-quality game development. It enables game app developers to fine-tune their ideas, find possible issues and test gameplay mechanics before the game is built. Discovering whether the game’s ideas are feasible and if they are truly enjoyable is the major goal of the prototype phase. Iterating on the game’s core concepts allows developers to evaluate whether or not their game idea will attract players. It enables them to avoid wasting money and time on building features that are either ineffective or unattractive.

Video game prototyping also aids developers in determining what works in their game and what does not. This is particularly beneficial for debugging because it helps them to detect flaws early and fix them before they become major issues. Furthermore, prototyping might assist developers in coming up with unique ideas that may not have been considered while brainstorming.

Why do you need video game prototyping?

Here, we will discuss what you can learn about your game by prototyping. A video game prototype can tell you about the following:

If your game idea is worth spending time on 

Many game designers and developers believe in their idea blindly and ultimately end up failing. A prototype, however, might serve as a reality check for your game concept. By developing a simplified version of the game, you can test the core mechanics, entertainment factor and interactions. This helps determine whether the game idea is worthwhile before investing resources and time.

Assess logical errors 

Some game ideas look great on paper but ultimately end up failing when put to the test. Prototyping allows you to perform various tests to find any logical flaws. If you find any defects, you can be sure that your players will also find them. Therefore, you can work on the solution there and then.  

Saves time 

Getting started on your game concept idea can be intriguing, but taking time to prototype your game idea can save time once you complete the game development. This is because you will not have the same difficulty once the game is finished.

Steps to develop a video game prototype

The following steps will help you create a video game prototype:

• Begin with a brainstorming session with your team and outline your objectives.
• Start with no more than 2-3 core gameplay features.
• Give your concept a physical form by sketching it out on paper.
• Share the information with project managers, stakeholders and test users. When necessary, ask for relevant feedback.
• Adjust your prototype design depending on the feedback received from other users. It will assist you in redefining the concept and give it a better form.  
• You must now convert the paper design to a digital form. You can find an array of software or tools to help you with prototype development. 
• Discuss points with the concerned people and ask for feedback or recommendations. If there is any significant input, make the necessary improvements.
• Make a playable demo, play-test it, and make revisions until it feels right.
• If the 2 or 3 characteristics you choose perform as expected, add more functionalities. 
• Develop documentation at each step. This is critical and ongoing throughout the game design and development process.

Tips for successful video game prototyping

Focus on one idea: When prototyping a video game, it is critical to start with one game idea and work your way up. Rather than trying to create an entire game in one go, focus on one particular feature and build upon it as you go.

Iterative processes: Successful game prototyping relies significantly on iterative methods. Rather than developing a complete game, employ iteration to improve the game’s mechanics as well as features until you are satisfied with the result. This reduces the possibility of building a game that isn’t enjoyable.

Clear plan: It is crucial to have a well-thought-out plan before beginning to design your prototype. You must have a clear understanding of what features you would like to add and how they would work together. This will make it easier for you to create a cohesive prototype.   

Emphasis on quality: When working on a game prototype, it is important to remember that quality is more than quantity. You don’t want to rush the process and end up with a game that isn’t as good as you want it to be.

Perform regular Testing: Testing is one of the most crucial components of video game prototyping. Ensure that you are testing your prototype on a regular basis. This will help you spot potential issues before they become major difficulties. 

Feedback: During the game prototyping phase of game development, player feedback is also essential. Ask colleagues and friends to test your prototype and give feedback. This will help you refine and improve the game.

Wrap up

Video game prototyping is an important aspect of game development. Developing a prototype allows you to find areas for improvement in the games and make changes before moving into full production. On the basis of the feedback, you can add or remove features. It is also a great way for game developers to experiment creatively and try out different ideas without spending too much resources and time on a product that might not be lucrative. 

Outsourcing game prototyping is a great choice as it can provide benefits like faster turnaround times, cost savings, precise results and access to expertise and technology. These advantages can be achieved by hiring a top game development company like Logic Simplified. We have been in the gaming industry for more than 10 years and have an expert team of developers and game designers for hire that assure top-notch quality work. To know more about us, contact us or drop us an email at enquiry@logicsimplified.com.