Step-by-Step Process: How Unity Game Development Companies Build Games

Unity Game Development 

Is immersive game development on your mind? Are you looking for a high-end gaming engine that offers customized resources and optimized performance for creating interactive games? If yes, then Unity is the best choice for both big and small developers. 

It supports 2D and 3D models, is cross-platform compatible and offers multiplayer functionality. Besides, the engine supports visual scripting for non-coders and provides access to pre-developed assets for quick development.  

Are you also wondering how Unity developers build games from scratch? If yes then, you have hit the right link. In this article, we have shared the step-by-step procedure on how to develop games in Unity, from conceptualization to deployment.

1. Conceptualizing the Game Idea

The very first step in the game development process is coming up with a game idea and working around its central theme. In this phase, the development team brainstorms ideas and decides on the principal elements of the game.

• Game Genre: 

The development team decides on the type of game— action, sports, adventure, puzzle, horror, roleplay, shooting, etc.

• Target Audience:

Who would be the prospective users for the game? Is it for children, teenagers, students or for adults? The designing, difficulty level and marketing strategies would be made around it.

• Unique Selling Point (USP):

How would the game be any different from that of the competitors in the same genre? Consider adding surprise elements that stand out.

• Game Platform:

The team decides on the platform(s) for launching game— mobile, PC, console, VR, web version, etc.

• Game Design Document (GDD):

At this stage only, a detailed game blueprint, called the GDD, is created that includes conceptual details regarding character design, user interface, game mechanism, etc.

2. Planning and Prototyping the Game

The next step in our guide to planning of game is to define the fundamental elements of the game. This involves designing the prototype of the game, planning the assets and setting up the project.

• Prototyping:

• The team must create an initial rough prototype of the game to test the core logic without including real assets and in-depth functionality.
  
  

• During this phase, the team can redesign and retest the prototype multiple times until desired output is achieved.
  
  

• The aim is to create a workable gameplay logic.
  
  

• Asset Development:

• At this stage, the art team decides on the game characters, assets involved and the environments required.
  
  

• They create an entire virtual realm design as per the game theme—cartoonish, realistic, etc.
  
  

• Setting Up Unity Project:

• While the artists work on visual elements, developers can start with building the Unity project. 

• The import plugins, pick tools, manage scenes and integrate required external libraries as per requirement.   

3. Coding the Game Logic & Designing

Let us now figure out how developers build games with Unity by molding the ideas into working code.

• In-depth Metaverse Designing:

• In this stage, the graphic designers create visual elements of the game, including characters, props and terrain (concrete or natural environments). 

• This is done in close collaboration with the art team using Unity’s terrain creation and other graphic features.
  
  

• Gameplay Coding:

• At this point, programmers start generating the actual code or script for gameplay at the core and modular level. 

• The C# scripting feature of Unity assists in defining the behaviour of each element, from lifeless objects to animated characters. 

• Not just that, the interaction between different elements, their movement on the screen, etc. is also scripted in this phase.
  
  

• Importing Assets into Logic:

• Developers integrate the assets into the gameplay logic.

• They must also specify the animation, texture and positioning of assets within the game.
  
  

• Sound Designing:

• Once the entire environment is set up, sound engineers add sound effects to the game using Unity’s pre-designed audio package. 

• This involves integrating background music into scenes and situations along with imparting voice to characters.
  
  

• User Interface Designing:

• Unity’s UI interface tools are helpful in designing an interactive UI for enhanced user experience.
  
  

• It includes adding menu options, responsive buttons, inventory store, etc.

4. Testing the Game With Quality Assurance

Till now we discussed how Unity games are made by adding programming logic. Once the programming phase is completed, the next step is to test the programmed logic in the real world.

• Error Testing:

• Testers test the game in rigorous environments to identify and rectify potential bugs or any glitches. 

• This can be done using the Play Mode in Unity, allowing developers to test execution in real time. 

• The internal team conducts testing by themselves, called internal testing.

• When actual players are involved in the procedure, it becomes external testing. Since they are the ultimate users, their feedback helps in enhancing user experience at multiple levels.
  
  

• Optimizing Game Performance:

• This is also the time to optimize the game resources for different platforms. 

• This involves adjusting lighting, physics, polygon counts and asset quality to make the frame rate consistent and loading time minimal.

5. Deploying the Game

After testing, you can deploy your game, but this is definitely not the end of our guide. After all, what’s the point of creating any game if not launching it. In this phase, the game is compiled for different platforms before distributing in the market.

• Cross-Platform Game Optimization:

• Unity has built-in functionality that supports game optimization for different platforms such as mobile, PC, console, etc. 

• Use this feature to set game resolution, create customized controls and necessary UX for each platform.
  
  

• Package Building & Distribution:

• Create app bundles or executable files for Apple App Store, Google Play Store, etc.

• Launch the app on a specific platform with downloadable files. 

• Advertise game trailers on social media and spread word in dedicated gaming communities.

6. Game Maintenance

The developer’s job continues even after the deployment phase. That’s because consistent updates and expansion is the key to improvement.

• Introducing Updates:

• Developers monitor game performance regularly and keep checking for security bypasses. 

• They release security patches and updates for optimized performance and better experience.
   

• Integrating New Features:

• Developers can add new elements or segments into the game from time-to-time.

• These upgraded versions promise new adventures with better quality.
  
  

• Encouraging Community Engagement:

• Gaming studios can connect with new players through discussion forums on Discord, Reddit, etc. or on other social media platforms.

• They must answer customer reviews and feedback to acknowledge their support.

Conclusion

Developing a game in Unity is all about following a structured approach to programming, which starts with devising the game concept, followed by prototyping and coding of core logic. Partnering with a reliable unity game development company can make this journey smoother, ensuring quality at every stage. Finally, after extensive testing comes the game release and continuous maintenance. During this process, various optimization techniques are applied and user feedback is considered to enhance the experience. So, without a second thought, start working on your dream Unity game project today.