10 sessions 26 speakers and presenters, all speaking sense, all sharing valuable insights, yet there was one special session that got the audience on its feet. Paradox Studios’ Ninad Chaya flew done from Mumbai inspite of suffering from Malaria and Jaundice to take his master class on game develoment. That’s called commitment and dedication.
Frequently taking breaks for sipping water, the ailing Ninad Chaya gave an insightful Masterclass on the various processes involved in game development and the mindsets and skillsets required of individuals seeking careers in game development.
Following is a point by point enlistment of the various processes involved in game development.
PRE PRO
———-
– Conceptualisation
– Game design document
– Story boarding
– The art guide
– Prototyping
PRODUCTION
——————
– Creation of art assets, 2d and 3d.
– Programming of game logic, AI etc
– Integration of various elements like graphics, animation, sound with code in the game engine
– Testing for game play balance and game play bugs
– Debugging and balancing game play
– Post Production
– Quality Assurance
– Testing and compliance according to industry standards
– Packaging
(Creating the ‘GOLD MASTER’ replicating it and packaging it i the box)
– Creating & marketing collaterals
creating product promotion materials like AVs,Product literature, website etc
– Launching the game and making it available to end users
– Game development process overview (ref to image below)
Career options in gaming and required skillsets and mindsets
4 broad categories
-Game Design
-Art
-Programming
-Testing
What does it take to be in gaming?
GAME DESIGN
-creative writer
-technical writer
-game designer
Req attitude and skill sets
*Creative bent of mind
*Command over spoken and written english
*Structured approach to thinking & writing
*Ability to think out of the box
*Ability to see a project through from concept to execution
ART
-concept artist
-texture attist
-level designer
-animator
-character modeller
Req attitude and skill sets
*Thorough understanding about art and aesthetics of art
*In depth knowledge of graphic editing and graphic creation software
*In depth knowledge of 2D &3D animation and tools
*Understanding of dynamics of human anatomy
*Understanding of space and motion
PROGRAMMING
-Engine Programmer
-Physics Programmer
-AI Programmer
Req attitude and skill sets
*Strong command over physics and mathematics
*Know how of various engines and technologies
*Conversant with various development languages like C, C++, Open GL, DirectX, VC++, Java etc
TESTING
-Game play testing
-Code testing
-Quality Assurance
Req attitude and skill sets
*Keen eye for detail
*Ability to spot visual and game play related bugs
*Well versed with industry standards of quality assuarance
Game design is the most critical part of game develoment. One has to think from the developer’s as well as the consumer’s perspective concluded Ninad.