Game Concepts

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand what is a game idea

• Understand the parts of a game concept
• Be aware how game concepts are made
 Learning Objectives

Outline:
• Game Concepts
• Parts of a Game Concept
Game Concepts
 Game Concepts

How To Come up With a Game Idea

• Incorporate new technology into old game titles (VR, AI)
• Produce an idea from scratch through braining storming
• Iterate a popular game by tweaking and adding other elements

After constructing the game idea, the next step would be to build on the
game concept that act as an instruction or blueprint of the game. The game
concept is then discussed throughout the department involved. This stage
talks about the concerns and issues of the game concept.
 Game Concepts

What Is a Game Concept?

Creating great games requires a lot of effort, and the first thing needed and
arguable most important is the game concept or the game documentation.

The game concept could be said to be simplest form to understand a game,

and easiest way to sell your game idea. The game concept includes what the
game is and what is involved in creating it. Examples of what should be
included in the game documentation is the story, art, and how could the
developers make money with the game.
 Game Concepts

Rough sketch of the game concept’s level design

Level design rough sketch

By: packtpub.com
 Game Concepts

The written game concept or game documentation puts the team on the
same page knowing the potential and the expectation when developing this
game.

The teams who studies the game document:

• Investors
• Publisher
• Art and programming team
• Developers
• Marketing team
Parts of a Game
Concept
 Parts of a Game Concept

There are different parts that fills up the game documentation. It is

important to note that each part is needed to be well thought of,
or it will likely be rejected by multiple departments for not
expounding on the idea.

This should also include statistical data, comprehensive story,

relevant facts, important details, and a financial goal.
 Parts of a Game Concept

The Core Idea

The core idea includes the beginning of the game concept. It simply present the game idea in a
series of paragraphs.

The paragraph should include:

• A description of your game
• The game’s style
• The game’s setting
• The different types of characters
• An overview of the story
• Any key elements
• How to play
• What sets it apart from other games
 Parts of a Game Concept

Complexity and difficulty of the game will determine how in-depth

the game document will be. The core idea should be clear and
understandable for the readers of the game document, to be able
to have a clear vision of the game idea.
 Parts of a Game Concept

The Financials
Investors and publishers are key factors in being able to develop games. Unless the team
is the one funding the development. The game concept should have a comprehensive
financial plan to be able to be invested by potential investors or publishers.

Profits may come from:

• Initial purchase price
• Monetizing ads
• In-app purchases (powerups, decorative items, etc.)
• Selling additional levels or features
• A combination of methods
 Parts of a Game Concept

After talking about the financial plans it is important to note how

much money is needed for the development. It should be realistic
when you ask for the amount needed in developing the game.
 Parts of a Game Concept

The Art
The art team needs to know what type of game they're going to be designing.
Whether it’s creating 2D sprites or 3D modeling assets. Therefore, it never
hurts to include some concept designs for the direction you want to take the
game so the art team will get an idea of what they can expect.
 Parts of a Game Concept

Difference of 2D sprite and 3D model

Mario 2D & 3D
By: Joanna from stretchforstrengthaz.com
 Parts of a Game Concept

The Extent of Development

The developers are provided a clear instruction on what is expected and
needed in the development. It is also important to note that developers
should be briefed early for them to be able to see the issues early or improve
and enhance the gameplay. This also includes what type of platform the game
will be supported and if it will be cross-platformed.
 Parts of a Game Concept

The Marketing Plan

The marketing plan provides the in-depth details of how the game will be sold and make money for
the developers. It also discuss how the game will be advertised to audience.

The contents you should include are:

• Goals: How much profit do you want to make?
• Distribution: Are you selling from a direct website store, portal, retail store, etc.?
• Product: Why would people want to buy your game?
• Promotion: How will your target audience know your game exists?
• Website: How will it get people to download a demo of your game?
• Demo: How can your demo close the deal?
• Measurement: How does each game or price modification affect your plan?
• Maintenance: How will you build a long-term relationship with your customers?
• Refinement: Are there ways you can optimize your plan?
 Summary

• The game concept could be said to be simplest form to understand a

game, and easiest way to sell your game idea.

• The game concept include statistical data, comprehensive story,

relevant facts, important details, and a financial goal.
 References

Online Source:
https://www.pluralsight.com/blog/film-games/creating-
game-concept-first-step-getting-game-ground