
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Making Fun Games: 9 steps of Game Designing Introduction</h2>



<p>Playing games is awesome. But have you ever wondered what goes into actually <strong>making</strong> them? It takes careful planning and lots of hard work. In this post, we&#8217;ll break down the key <a href="https://game-designers.net/introduction-to-game-systems-design-game-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">steps professional game designers</a> use to bring their ideas to life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://game-designers.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/9-steps-of-Game-Designing-–-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17281" style="width:1043px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-esc-wm-englishcomposition1/chapter/how-to-develop-a-research-question/">https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-esc-wm-englishcomposition1/chapter/how-to-develop-a-research-question/</a>9 steps of Game Designing &#8211; <strong>Research First, Ask Questions Later</strong></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-research-first-ask-questions-later-">Step 1: <strong>Research First, Ask Questions Later</strong></h2>



<p>When you start a new game project, the very first thing you should do is <strong>research</strong>. Learn everything you can about:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The game <strong>genres</strong> and <strong>types</strong> you&#8217;re interested in</li>



<li>What&#8217;s currently popular and selling well</li>



<li>Tools and technology options</li>



<li>Budget and team requirements</li>
</ul>



<p>Getting background knowledge upfront will help guide your decisions later. It also helps you shape ideas that are realistic and possible to accomplish.</p>



<p><em>&#8220;Knowledge is power.&#8221;</em> Don&#8217;t skip this vital first step!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rqoDpnCCrdpCFHM6qky3rS-1200-80.jpg" alt="Pixel art lightbulb icon indicating key takeaway"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://game-designers.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/9-steps-of-Game-Designing-–-2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17283"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">9 steps of Game Designing &#8211; <strong><strong>Understand Your Player Audience</strong></strong> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-your-player-audience-bartle-taxonomy-sandra-wong">Bartle Taxonomy</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-understand-your-player-audience-">Step 2: <strong>Understand Your Player Audience</strong></h2>



<p>Now that you&#8217;ve researched game design basics, the next big question is:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-will-play-your-game-">Who will play your game?</h3>



<p>Defining your <strong>target audience</strong> is super important. Games designed for kids play differently than complex strategy games for adults.</p>



<p>Ask questions like:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>How old are my players?</li>



<li>What other games do they like?</li>



<li>Are they casual or hardcore gamers?</li>



<li>What platforms and devices will they use?</li>
</ul>



<p>Nail down these details early because they impact all other decisions around:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Story and visuals</li>



<li>Game complexity</li>



<li>Pacing and progression</li>



<li>Marketing and platforms</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="research-your-competition">Research Your Competition</h3>



<p>Along with your player audience, research similar and competing games. Study what works well and what doesn&#8217;t. Identify missing elements you can include to help your game idea stand out.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="playtest-early-and-often">Playtest Early And Often</h3>



<p>Once you have a rough prototype ready, get it into players&#8217; hands quickly. Their feedback is invaluable for spotting issues and fine-tuning the overall fun factor.</p>



<p><strong>Key Takeaway:</strong> Spend lots of time upfront understanding your players. Design choices that ignore audience realities guarantee failure.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://game-designers.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/9-steps-of-Game-Designing-–-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17284"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">9 steps of Game Designing &#8211; <strong>Brainstorm Concept Ideas as a Team</strong></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-brainstorm-concept-ideas-as-a-team-">Step 3: <strong>Brainstorm Concept Ideas as a Team</strong></h2>



<p>Game design isn&#8217;t a solo activity. You need a team&#8217;s creative brains to turn your vision into a real product players love.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="host-open-brainstorm-sessions">Host Open Brainstorm Sessions</h3>



<p>Get everyone together &#8211; artists, coders, producers, sound engineers. Encourage them to shout out any idea without limits or judgement.</p>



<p>Write down everything and sort later. Wild, wacky ideas often morph into great ones with tweaking.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="compare-ideas-to-research">Compare Ideas to Research</h3>



<p>Refer back to your initial research after brainstorming. Filter concepts through the lens of actual player needs/wants, technical limitations, and resource constraints.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="define-your-pillars">Define Your pillars</h3>



<p>Solidify 5-6 core pillars that capture essential elements all ideas must include, such as:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Solo + multiplayer modes</li>



<li>Retro pixel art style</li>



<li>Rogue-like progression</li>
</ul>



<p>Pillars help evaluate if ideas fit within project scope and priorities.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://game-designers.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/9-steps-of-Game-Designing-–-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17285" style="width:1024px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong><strong>Making Fun Games: 9 steps of Game Designing &#8212;</strong></strong> <strong>Prototype Gameplay Mechanics</strong></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-prototype-gameplay-mechanics-">Step 4: <strong>Prototype Gameplay Mechanics</strong></h2>



<p>Now the real design work begins! Game mechanics bring concepts to life and keep players hooked.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="map-core-mechanics">Map Core Mechanics</h3>



<p>Detail exactly how the main one or two mechanics function. These are things like:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Shooting</li>



<li>Puzzles</li>



<li>Racing</li>



<li>Resource gathering</li>
</ul>



<p>Flesh out how they work technically, visually, and from a rules perspective.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="build-quick-prototypes">Build Quick Prototypes</h3>



<p>Create ugly but functional prototypes focused solely on nailing down core mechanics. Use placeholder art assets rather than getting distracted with polish.</p>



<p>Refine mechanics iteratively based on frequent informal testing. When they feel right, flow well, and are fun, you have a strong foundation to build upon.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="integrate-other-mechanics">Integrate Other Mechanics</h3>



<p>Add supplemental mechanics like character growth, customization, story elements, etc. Evaluate if they enhance and support the central mechanics without overcomplicating things.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://game-designers.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/9-steps-of-Game-Designing-–-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17286"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Making Fun Games: 9 steps of Game Designing &#8212;</strong> <strong>Construct an Immersive Game World</strong></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-construct-an-immersive-game-world-">Step 5: <strong>Construct an Immersive Game World</strong></h2>



<p>Once solid mechanics are proven, designers shift focus to crafting an immersive atmosphere and world that brings everything together visually.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="concept-key-environment-assets">Concept Key Environment Assets</h3>



<p>Get artists generating ideas and models for characters, environments/levels, props, FX, etc. Collaborate to define visual styling that aligns with target audience expectations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="build-narrative-and-quest-structure">Build Narrative and Quest Structure</h3>



<p>Work with writers if incorporating a story. Map out essential narrative pieces, quest flows, and dialogue trees. Ensure coherence with world visuals and core mechanics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="compose-custom-music-and-sounds">Compose Custom Music and Sounds</h3>



<p>Don&#8217;t underestimate a quality soundtrack and effects! Audio is hugely impactful on gameplay feel and emotional player connections. Work closely with composers and sound engineers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="refine-and-polish">Refine and Polish</h3>



<p>With all foundational pieces in place, dedicate resources to fixing flaws and maximizing production value. Upgrade visual assets and add juicy particles, animations, textures, and lighting.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://game-designers.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/9-steps-of-Game-Designing-–-6.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-17287"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Making Fun Games: 9 steps of Game Designing &#8212;<strong><strong>Test with Actual Players</strong></strong></strong></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-test-with-actual-players-">Step 6:<strong>Test with Actual Players</strong></h2>



<p>At multiple checkpoints, put your game in front of real users and observe them playing it. Their direct feedback is invaluable.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="fix-usability-issues-first">Fix Usability Issues First</h3>



<p>Look for confusion, lack of instructions, clunky controls, information overload, and difficulty progression. Fix major issues blocking basic usage first.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="evaluate-emotional-response">Evaluate Emotional Response</h3>



<p>Gauge player reactions as they encounter key story moments, challenges, and wins. Note strong emotional connections tied to specific elements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="identify-missing-fun-features">Identify Missing Fun Features</h3>



<p>Let testers freely articulate what additional mechanics or features would enhance enjoyment. Especially seek input around your big vision items and key differentiators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-plan-meticulously-">Step 7: <strong>Plan Meticulously</strong></h2>



<p>With an army of specialists collaborating, you need rock solid planning to hit targets.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="create-milestones">Create Milestones</h3>



<p>Break down every project stage into measurable milestones with assigned dates and owner accountability. Build in buffer time for the unknown.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="document-everything">Document Everything</h3>



<p>Overcommunicate using Team documents, wikis, notes, diagrams. Details will be forgotten without visible records.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="review-progress-daily">Review Progress Daily</h3>



<p>Start each day revisiting the plan and milestones. Call out slippage early making appropriate adjustments and resource shifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-the-final-push-">Step 8: <strong>The Final Brush</strong></h2>



<p>As you close in on the finish line, shift all effort toward quality and polish.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="fix-bugs-">Fix Bugs!</h3>



<p>Robust testing will reveal many bugs &#8211; tackle them ruthlessly. Prioritize major functional issues first.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="localize-for-regions">Localize for Regions</h3>



<p>Don&#8217;t neglect translation needs for target geographies. This includes text, audio dialogue, and culturalization.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="build-buzz">Build Buzz</h3>



<p>Begin seeding news of your game to relevant media outlets and influencers. Generate excitement leading up to launch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Step 9: Lessons learned</h2>



<p>After your game is complete and launched, take time to purposefully reflect. Identify what worked well through each design, development, and release phase along with what can be improved for next time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Document Challenges</h3>



<p>Where did your team encounter obstacles? What was blocking progress or causing significant rework? Common pitfalls include unclear vision, poor scoping, lack of testing validation, etc.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Flag Process Inefficiencies</h3>



<p>Note areas where business process can be streamlined. If budgets and schedules were frequently misaligned, analyze root causes within planning mechanisms or cross-functional handoffs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Capture Toolchain Learnings</h3>



<p>Building a game touches many parts of the technology stack. Work with engineers to catalog lessons around game engines, pipelines, asset management, dev ops, etc. What capabilities should be strengthened for future titles?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Identify Skill Gaps</h3>



<p>Understand where your studio needs to bolster expertise. Deepen talent in high leverage domains through mentoring, selective hiring and partnerships. Invest where bottlenecks are recurring.</p>



<p>Consolidating takeaways across staff reinforces strengths to leverage going forward and improvement areas to thoughtfully address. Companies continually learning and adjusting ultimately build better games!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://game-designers.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Game-design-process.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-17288" style="width:1043px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Making Fun Games: 9 steps of Game Designing &#8212;A diagram showcasing the steps of<a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/game-design/"> game design process</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="-key-takeaways-"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2>



<p>Game development involves equal parts creativity and process discipline. Follow these best practices shared by expert designers:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Research</strong> player needs and market opportunities early</li>



<li><strong>Prototype</strong> core mechanics quickly and pressure test with audiences</li>



<li><strong>Collaborate</strong> across specialists to enhance holistic gameplay experiences</li>



<li>Establish a <strong>plan</strong> and <strong>milestones</strong> upfront</li>
</ul>



<p>What key insights on game creation did you take away? Think through how you might apply them to develop your own winning game one day!</p>

Making Fun Games: 9 steps of Game Designing
GAME DESIGNERS -- Making Fun Games: 9 steps of Game Designing