Game content development

The development of content for the game consists of many stages and is a mix of creativity and theoretical and practical knowledge. In this concept, we include the development of dialogues , comments , quests , tasks and missions , game tips , as well as detailing and finalizing the game’s plot , creating sound effects. As you can see, the list is extensive and to a greater extent it requires the ability to “ feel a potential player ”. To create content, you need to be able to think outside the box , and most importantly, love computer games, at least the way we love them.

The service is complex, therefore it includes many other services, the quality of which determines entire project success.

Meaningful dialogues and comments

We involve a whole team of pros to develop dialogues and comments in a computer game. The purpose of all their work is to create communications not only between the characters of the game, but also with the players themselves. There should be a feeling that everything is happening for real, and the edge on opposite sides of the monitor should be smoothed out.

To make the gameplay captivating, making you oblivious of the time by non-stop clicking WASD, our masters perform:

• Scenario planning . The first stage, which determines the overall structure, the plot of the game. Developers and writers brainstorm time and again working on the creation of main scenario. They define important moments, describe characters, key events that should be covered by dialogues and comments.
• Writing text . Writers, together with screenwriters, go to their own “mind palaces”, where they create texts for dialogues and comments. They develop dialogues between characters, comments on game events, descriptions of the environment. The result is realistic, because we take into account the style of the characters, their features and relationships.
• Designing a Dialogue System . It allows players to interact with characters and choose different answers. The efforts spent at this stage determine the logic of the dialogues, branching and possible answers.

• Voice recording . If the game includes voice acting, the voice actors are recorded. They record dialogues and comments according to the given text and director’s instructions. The recorded voice files are then integrated into the game.
• Dialogs integration . We integrate dialogues and comments texts, as well as voice files into the game engine. It is extremely important here to achieve an effective and thoughtful connection of text with characters and events in the game. This is necessary to ensure all dialogs appear at the right time and display correctly.
• Testing and Debugging . Without this stage, it is impossible to talk about quality, so we pay special attention to it. After integrating dialogues, we run a lot of tests to make sure they work correctly and interact with all game elements. Errors and shortcomings are corrected, and dialogues are checked for coherence.
• Each stage is carried out with maximum efficiency and attention to detail, because it is in them that the devil lies.

Captivating quests

The development of quests for computer games begins with a brainstorming session, which involves both developers and screenwriters. The work requires maximum synergy, a common vision of the plot and genre. Despite the uniqueness of each project, it is possible to single out the stages of quest development that are common to all:

• Target definition . It must be clear and logical in the context of the game, otherwise the execution time will seem to be wasted.
• Plot elaboration. We use everything that will intrigue the player – elements of intrigue, conflict and the possibility of choosing alternatives.

• Division into stages . This will help structure the quest and make it more manageable. A long gameplay is tiring, but do we need an angry and tired player?
• Tasks creation. . Players love variety, which is why we always offer them different types of tasks and challenges. Collecting items, solving puzzles, fighting opponents, performing certain actions – this is what the modern hungry gamer demands.
• Adding awards . For completing the quest, the player must receive well-deserved new loadout, experience, new unlocked levels, etc.

As a team of researchers in the world of computer games, we create unique quests that need to be tested. This is the only way we can make sure that they are accessible, interesting and balanced. During development, we rely not only on our vision, but we also study best practices and analyze trends.

Missions and tasks with an interesting plot

The development of tasks and missions in computer games is a process in which we use all the huge creative potential that is only curbed by game mechanics. To achieve maximum immersion in the game, we adhere to the following sequence of actions:

• We define the goal . At the initial stage, we outline the goals that are being investigated in a given task or mission. The style of the game, the target audience, etc. are taken into account.

• Determine the type of task . By tasks, we mean different types of activities (collecting items, solving puzzles, exploring, shooting, racing, etc.). For a specific project, we choose the most suitable options and mix them, achieving a harmonious combination.
• We create obstacles . Tasks and missions should present a challenge for the players. There is a fine line in the matter of balance, which we adhere to with the grace of a tightrope walker. This is necessary to ensure the players are captivated, but the mission is not impossible, because we all want them to be able to reach the end of the game staying mentally healthy.

• We develop instructions . The player must have enough information and clues to understand what is required of him within the framework of the task, mission. We are able to gradually disclose information, provide hints as the player progresses. This is truly subtle psychology to keep interest and intrigue to the very end.
• Create reward, progression . Motivation should always be clear and comparable to the time and effort spent. That is why we pay a lot of attention to the reward system for completing tasks and missions. Most often, this is getting new items, experience, opening new levels. Creative thinking of specialists allows finding interesting solutions. Thanks to the latter, players feel their growth, development and, most importantly, their significance within the project.

It is also important that during development we take into account the diversity of game styles of players. Some players prefer combat missions, smashing everything around to smithereens, while others prefer puzzles, exploration. Only diversity will significantly expand the target audience , make the game popular.

Thoughtful game hints

Developing game hints for computer games is an important part of any game project. At the same time, they perform many functions:

• help in achieving gaming goals;
• introduce the features of the game world;
• immerse a player in the gaming atmosphere;
• provide support in non-linear gameplay;
• stimulate the ideas and creative thinking of the player.

Thinking over hints when developing a scenario is as important as considering each element during creation of the game world.

Before we start developing hints, we carefully consider what purpose they should serve (solving puzzles, finding a secret place, strategic advice). We firmly believe that the players will be able to deal with simple tasks themselves, so we do not overload them with hints. It is important to consider difficulty level of the game, so we adapt the hints to this parameter, as well as to the target audience.

If the game is intended for beginners, the hints should be more direct and informative. In more complex games for experienced gamers, it can be “cues” that do not reveal the whole solution at once. Our specialists know how to use progressive disclosure. This means that hints can be structured in such a way that the player gets more and more accurate and useful tips as they progress in the game. Thanks to this, the player retains a sense of achievement and independence.

Another method we use to fill in white areas in the game is implicit hints . Instead of directly giving a solution, implicit hints can be used to help players better understand the situation and find their own solution. For example, hints can be delivered through the environment, sound effects, or visual indicators.

Like any element in game development, we also test hints. Moreover, we conduct testing with players of different levels of experience to make sure that the hints are clear and effective. Game testing allows us to identify weaknesses and make the necessary adjustments.

Realistic sound effects

Today’s gamer is accustomed to the high bar in computer games. This also applies to sound effects. The development of sound effects for computer games involves several important steps that must be carried out by the pros using modern software. Fortunately, we have both, so we guarantee a high-quality result. The whole process can be divided into several key stages:

• Game Context Research . We always start with the study of the game world, plot, characters, actions. Understanding the context of the game helps determine what sound effects are required to emphasize the actions and events in the game.

• Creating sound effects library. Compiling a collection of sound effects that can be useful for the game is an important step that requires knowledge and experience. Now we are talking about the sounds of nature, technology, weapons, magic, characters and other elements of the game world. Most often we use programs to create sounds, but we can also record our own sounds. All actions are aimed at the elaboration of sound effects of the game, which will distinguish it from similar projects.
• Synchronization of sound with actions . At this stage, the task for the specialists is to ensure that the sound effects are perfectly coordinated with the actions in the game. For example, the sound of a weapon attack should match the moment of physical contact, and the sound effects of the characters’ motion should match their movements.
• Sound Processing Experiments . We are not afraid to be innovative, so we apply various effects, processing to create unique sound effects.
• After the sound effects are tested and the experts are satisfied, we say that the development was successful.

Detailing and finalizing the plot: no detail is too small

Maximum scrupulousness and attention to detail are the two main skills that help to complete the detailing and plot refinement of a computer game. Even if much effort is spent on creating graphics for the game , still this process is still inevitable if you want the game world to be exciting and solid .

Detailing and finalizing the plot implies a whole range of actions, including:

• Analysis of the current plot . There are no unimportant details here, so we consider all story arcs, characters, conflicts and turns of events. The goal is to highlight strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas that need improvement and addition.
• Development of additional characters, story arcs . Sometimes the addition of new characters, side quests and story arcs is required. We use this measure if it helps to deepen the game world, provide players with more opportunities to explore, create a richer game experience.
• Clarification of the goals and motivations of the characters. To ensure the plot is integral, the logical and unhacked motivation of the characters is important. Most often at this stage, we develop tasks and challenges that help the characters achieve their goals, develop over the course of the game.

• Creation of additional plot elements . If it seems to us that the player does not get the most out of the project, we will consider adding additional story elements, such as riddles, mysteries, twists, dilemmas.
• Linking story elements to gameplay . It is important that the story elements are organically connected with the gameplay and gameplay. For this purpose, we place all key events, dialogues, and plot development in such a way that they effectively interact with game mechanics, moments of the game.
• At the stage of improvements, we also listen to the wishes of the client, who has already got acquainted with the working version of the project. Our main task is to satisfy the wishes of the customer regarding the final result.

Why us or how can you get rid of unnecessary troubles?

The most precious thing for us is reputation , because, as you know, you can’t buy it. That is why game content development is carried out exclusively by professionals who are responsible for the outcome of the work. All points are negotiated down to the details, so as not to distract our customers once again. The same applies to the budget, which does not change without agreement. Completion period is always minimal, but without sacrificing quality.