The field of video game design is broad and multifaceted, straddling the boundaries of visual design, computer science, and creative writing. It is the responsibility of the game designer to take the initiative and develop a thorough concept for the game that will be developed. It's frequently the difference between successful and unsuccessful game development.

Let's take a closer look at what video game design is and how seasoned developers go about creating it.

What is video game design? 

Video game design, according to well-known game designer and author of The Art of Game Design Jesse Schell, is "the act of deciding what a game should be". Hundreds, often thousands, of choices must be made in order to determine what a game is. 

Numerous factors are considered in these selections, such as but not restricted to: 

• ·        Playthrough
• ·        Building a World
• ·        Level design
• ·        Conversations and characters
• ·        Narrative Structures
• ·        Sounds and music
• ·        The user interface 

A game designer will create any artwork that relates to the artistic vision of a video game; this usually takes the form of storyboards, character models, concept art, mockups, or sketches. Many specialized game design tools are typically used to create these assets. 

Game design vs. game development 

Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, the terms "game design" and "game development" actually mean different things: 

    Game development includes the subset of game design. It speaks of the imaginative and conceptual aspects of things, such as the original idea, the mechanics, the narrative, the characters, the settings, and so forth.

    A more general phrase that encompasses both game design and the technical application of game concepts through the use of game development tools is "game development." It covers the whole process of making a game. 

Many smaller game development studios include team members who handle both tasks and have multiple responsibilities. However, for larger organizations, a different team of writers, illustrators, level designers, and interface designers handles game design. 

Game design process 

Different game design studios use different methods. AAA game studios' formal design workflows and procedures are not necessary for independent game designers. However, the first step is always the same: a skilled game designer makes a blueprint of what he plans to develop before writing a single line of code. 

Start with a GDD 

A new game development project is kicked off by creating a game design document (GDD). 

Pre-production 

Pre-production is a very adventurous phase. Different locations, characters, control systems, and other in-game components are prototyped by designers. To develop creative ideas and understand how they appear, feel, and work together, they employ storyboards, concept art, interface mockups, and other tools. Not every one of these designs is included in the finished game. 

Production 

Game designers hone the ideas that made the cut during the development phase. They create dynamic and immersive levels and environments, render character models, iterate on the interfaces, and collaborate with writers, artists, and voice actors. 

The finished games frequently deviate greatly from the original ideas, as is the case with many creative endeavors. As long as you provide your team with a single source of truth and document all changes in your GDD, don't be scared to let your designs change.