Game development is a complex process that involves multiple stages, each with its unique challenges. One of the most critical stages is the initial one, also known for their initial prototypes as blockouts.
This stage is where game programmers along with game designers create a prototype of the game using the simplest forms, such as cubes, to test if the game design works with the minimum expression.
In this post, we’ll explore how to validate your game design in the first stage of development and why it’s essential for the success of your game.
Table of Contents
Understanding the importance of Blockout
The blockout stage is the initial step in the development of a game, and it’s an essential part of game design validation. It involves creating a prototype of the game using the simplest forms, such as cubes, to test if the game mechanics work at a logical level.
The primary purpose of the blockout stage is to ensure that the game design makes sense, has engagement, and can be done as planned. At this stage, game designers and game programmers work together to focus on game design rather than aesthetics, as game art comes later in the development process.
The Role of Game Art in Game Design
Game art is what gives the game charm, distinction, and makes it stand out from other games. However, game art is not the foundation of game design. In the first stage of development, game designers should focus on game design and validation before moving on to game art.
On the other hand, the art team can help find ideas and inspiration for the design team, while the design team looks for what feels best, the artists look for what best fits the ideas.
Overworking artists before validating game design can lead to a waste of resources and time.
Blockout in Practice: War of Olympus Example
The blockout stage is an integral part of game development, as it allows game designers to test game mechanics, rhythm, and engagement before moving on to game art. One example of the effective application of the blockout stage is in the development of the game War of Olympus.
The game designers used the blockout stage to test combat dynamics, game rhythm, and attacks. They started with a simple 3-button system; Attack, Effect, and Magic, which later iterated to 3 skills per character because they had 3 different levels.
The blockout stage helped them test the turns of combat and who attacks first, based on the speed of each cube.
So, what do you need to start this initial stage?
Just a Game Design Document. That ‘s it.
Game Design Document
The GDD is a structured and living document that gathers the basic elements of the video game, including characters, mechanics, gameplay, level design, and game elements.
Having a GDD is essential because it helps game designers create an initial image of how the interactions and reactions of the characters will be. In the blockout stage, the task is to make real and tangible what has been detailed in the GDD.
The GDD evolves as we check what works and what doesn’t, having a base and updating and complementing it is fundamental.
Contextualizing the Game Cycle
Contextualizing the blockout stage can give meaning to the game and add to player engagement. Creating a game cycle, including combat start, combat, and reward or penalty, can test the effectiveness of the game design in the blockout stage.
After testing the game cycle, game designers can iterate and improve the game mechanics, rhythm, and engagement before moving on to game art.
So, validating a game design in the first stage of development is crucial for the success of a game. The blockout is a critical part of game design validation, and it involves creating a prototype of the game using the simplest forms, such as cubes, to test game mechanics and logic. Starting with a Game Design Document is also important, as it helps game designers create an initial image of how the interactions and reactions of the game will run.
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