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Game Development Cost: An In-depth Analysis (With Case Studies)

2023-09-18 09:59:29

When diving into the world of video games, it's easy to get lost in the immersive stories, stunning graphics, and captivating gameplay. But behind every successful game lies a significant investment of time, effort, and money. So, if you've ever wondered, "How much does it cost to make a game?" you're not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricacies of game development costs, breaking down the factors that influence them and offering real-world examples to illustrate our points.

What is Game Development?

Before we delve into the cost aspects, let's clarify what game development entails. Game development is the process of creating video games from concept to final product. It encompasses various disciplines, including game design, programming, art and animation, sound design, quality assurance, and project management. Game development can range from small indie projects created by a handful of developers to massive AAA titles produced by large teams over several years.

Now, let's explore the factors that affect the cost of game development.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Game Development?

Game development costs can vary significantly depending on a multitude of factors. To provide a clearer picture, we'll break down these factors into specific categories:

Complexity of the Game:

The complexity of a game is one of the most critical factors influencing its development cost. Complexity encompasses various aspects, such as the game's design, mechanics, and overall scope. Here, we can draw a real-world example to highlight the impact of complexity on cost:

Case Study: "Minecraft" vs. "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"

"Minecraft," a sandbox game created by Markus Persson, started as a simple indie project. Its development cost was relatively low, primarily consisting of Persson's time and minimal resources. In contrast, "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," developed by CD Projekt Red, is a sprawling open-world RPG with intricate storylines, high-quality graphics, and complex gameplay mechanics. The development cost for "The Witcher 3" reportedly exceeded $80 million. The vast difference in complexity between these two games directly correlates with their development costs.

The choice of platform(s) for which a game is developed can significantly impact the cost. Different platforms have varying technical requirements and user expectations, leading to differences in development efforts and expenses. 

Case Study: "Candy Crush Saga" on Mobile vs. "Red Dead Redemption 2" on Console

"Candy Crush Saga" is a mobile puzzle game developed by King. It's optimized for touchscreen devices and has relatively modest technical demands. Its development cost, while still substantial, was significantly lower than that of a complex console game like "Red Dead Redemption 2," which required high-end graphics, advanced AI, and a vast open world. The latter had a development cost estimated at over $100 million.

The number of people working on a game can significantly affect the development cost. More team members mean higher salaries, project management costs, and increased resource management needs.

Case Study: "Undertale" vs. "Grand Theft Auto V"

"Undertale," an indie RPG developed primarily by Toby Fox, was created with a small team and a limited budget. The game's development cost was relatively modest, estimated at around $50,000. On the other hand, "Grand Theft Auto V" required a massive team of hundreds of developers, designers, and artists over several years. The game's development budget surpassed $270 million, making it one of the most expensive games ever created.

Technology:

The use of advanced technology and tools can increase the cost of development. Cutting-edge graphics engines, physics simulations, and virtual reality integration all require specialized skills and resources.

Case Study: "Fortnite" vs. "Half-Life: Alyx"

"Fortnite," developed by Epic Games, utilizes the Unreal Engine, a powerful and versatile game engine that streamlines development. While "Fortnite" has undoubtedly incurred significant expenses due to its live service model and frequent updates, it benefited from the efficiency of the engine. In contrast, "Half-Life: Alyx," a virtual reality game developed by Valve, required extensive research and development to create a groundbreaking VR experience. The cost of developing "Half-Life: Alyx" was estimated at around $40 million.

Art and Assets:

High-quality graphics, sound effects, music, and other assets contribute to a game's overall production value. These assets can be expensive to create in-house or license from third-party providers.

Case Study: "Limbo" vs. "Final Fantasy XV"

"Limbo," an indie puzzle-platformer by Playdead, features minimalist black-and-white visuals and a haunting soundtrack. Its development cost was relatively low due to its simple art style. In contrast, "Final Fantasy XV" boasts breathtakingly detailed environments, orchestral music, and lifelike character models. The production of these assets significantly contributed to the game's reported development cost of over $100 million.

Localization:

Translating a game into multiple languages and adapting it for different regions can increase development costs. Localization involves not only translating text but also ensuring cultural sensitivity and compliance with local regulations.

Case Study: "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"

Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" achieved global success, partly due to its thorough localization efforts. The game was translated into numerous languages, and cultural nuances were carefully considered to make it accessible and enjoyable for players worldwide. Such extensive localization efforts can substantially add to a game's overall development cost.

Marketing and Distribution:

Promoting and distributing a game are essential steps in its success, but they also come with costs. Marketing campaigns, advertising, public relations, and distribution platforms all require financial investment.

Case Study: "Cyberpunk 2077"

CD Projekt Red's "Cyberpunk 2077" garnered significant attention leading up to its release, with extensive marketing efforts and a highly anticipated launch. However, the game's troubled release highlighted the potential risks of excessive marketing spending. While the game itself had a substantial development budget, the total cost, including marketing, is estimated to have exceeded $300 million.

How Can I Estimate the Cost of Developing My Game Idea?

Now that we've explored the various factors that influence game development costs, you may be wondering how to estimate the cost of developing your game idea. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Define Your Game's Concept: 

Begin with a thorough exploration of your game idea. Define its core concept, gameplay mechanics, and narrative elements. Consider the following questions:

• What is the primary gameplay mechanic or hook that sets your game apart?
• What is the game's genre, and how does it fit into the market?
• Are there unique selling points or innovative features that will attract players?
• A well-defined concept serves as the foundation for all budgeting decisions.

Determine the Complexity:  

Assess the complexity of your game by breaking it down into its various components. Consider the following aspects:

• Gameplay Complexity: Is your game a simple puzzle or a complex strategy game?
• Narrative Depth: How intricate is the game's story, and how much branching or non-linear storytelling is involved?
• Game World: Is your game set in a small, contained environment or a sprawling open world?
• Number of Features: List all the gameplay features and mechanics you plan to include.

Understanding the complexity of your game will help you estimate the time and resources needed for development accurately.

Choose Your Platform(s): 

Decide on the platforms you intend to release your game on. Consider the following platforms and their implications:

• PC: Development for PC offers flexibility but may require optimization for various hardware configurations.
• Console: Console development provides a fixed platform but often involves certification processes and licensing fees.
• Mobile: Mobile games have a vast market, but they require adaptation to touch controls and various screen sizes.
• VR/AR: Developing for virtual or augmented reality can be exciting but comes with specific technical challenges and niche audiences.

Each platform choice has unique development considerations and potential costs.

Build a Team: 

Determine the size and composition of your development team based on your game's complexity and platform requirements. Consider the following roles:

• Programmers: Responsible for coding gameplay, mechanics, and technical systems.
• Artists: Create visual assets, including character models, environments, and animations.
• Designers: Craft gameplay systems, level layouts, and user interfaces.
• Sound Engineers: Produce music and sound effects.
• Project Managers: Oversee the development process, scheduling, and resource management.

Estimate the number of team members needed for each role and their corresponding salaries, taking into account experience levels and location.

Technology and Tools: 

Evaluate the technology stack and tools you'll use for development. Consider the following factors:

• Game Engine: Decide whether to use an existing game engine like Unity, Unreal Engine, or a custom engine. Licensing fees may apply.
• Development Software: List the software tools required for asset creation, coding, and project management.
• Hardware: Determine the hardware requirements for development, including computers, VR headsets, or specialized equipment.

Asset Creation: 

Estimate the cost of creating or licensing assets essential for your game's visual and auditory appeal:

• Graphics: Calculate expenses for 2D and 3D art assets, including character models, animations, textures, and environment design.
• Audio: Include costs for music composition, sound effects, voiceovers, and audio editing.
• Licensing: If you plan to use third-party assets, account for licensing fees and royalties.

Localization:  

If you intend to target international markets, consider the cost of localization, which involves translating the game's text and adapting content for different regions. Include expenses for professional translators and cultural consultants.

Marketing and Distribution: 

Develop a marketing strategy tailored to your target audience and game genre. Consider these factors:

• Advertising: Budget for online ads, social media promotions, and influencer marketing campaigns.
• Public Relations: Include expenses for press releases, interviews, and events.
• Distribution Fees: Account for platform fees and revenue-sharing agreements if you're publishing on platforms like Steam, the App Store, or consoles.

Create a Detailed Budget: 

Based on your assessments, create a detailed budget that accounts for all the expenses mentioned above. Be realistic and include contingencies for unexpected costs.

If you're uncertain about any aspect of budgeting or development, don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced developers or industry experts.

Whether you need help from one of our experienced service consultants or assistance with budget planning, VNEXT Global has got you covered. 

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Game?

The cost of making a game can vary widely, as demonstrated by the real-world examples and factors discussed above. Here's a summary of the typical cost ranges for different types of games:

• Small Indie Games : Simple mobile games or indie projects can have budgets ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, depending on complexity and scope.
• Mid-sized Games : Games for PC or console with moderate complexity can range from $1 million to $10 million or more.
• AAA Titles : Large-scale AAA games can have budgets that exceed $100 million, with some reaching $300 million or more, including marketing expenses.

It's important to note that these are general estimates, and individual projects may fall outside these ranges. Additionally, factors such as location, the experience of the development team, and market conditions can further influence costs.

Are there any ways to reduce game development costs without sacrificing quality?

Yes, there are several ways to reduce game development costs without sacrificing quality. Here are a few suggestions:

Choose the right game engine: 

There are several game engines available in the market, both free and paid. Choosing the right game engine can significantly reduce development costs.

Outsource functions: 

Outsourcing functions that your company's resources can't handle, such as game testing or development , can be a smart move. By simply planning your ideas and working with outsourcing vendors, you can enjoy the benefits of cost-cutting without sacrificing quality. Let the experts handle the rest while you focus on growing your business.

Use agile development methodologies: 

Agile development methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban can help reduce development costs by improving efficiency and reducing waste.

Focus on core features: 

Prioritize the development of core features that are essential to the game's success. This will help reduce development time and costs while ensuring that the game meets the player's needs.

By implementing these strategies, developers can reduce game development costs without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts:

The cost of game development is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including the game's complexity, platform, team size, technology, art and assets, localization, and marketing efforts. To estimate the cost of developing your game idea, carefully consider these factors, create a detailed budget, and seek expert advice if needed. Game development is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, but with careful planning and budgeting, you can turn your creative vision into a reality.

If you are looking for a trusted IT partner, VNEXT Global is the ideal choice. With 14+ years of experience, we surely can help you to optimize your business digitalization within a small budget and short time. Currently, we have 400+ IT consultants and developers in Mobile App , Web App , System Development , Blockchain Development and Testing Services . We have provided solutions to 600+ projects in several industries for clients worldwide. We are willing to become a companion on your way to success. Please tell us when is convenient for you to have an online meeting to discuss this further. Have a nice day! 

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Towards an Understanding of Game Software Development Processes: A Case Study

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• Ann Osborne O’Hagan 16 &
• Rory V. O’Connor 17  

Part of the book series: Communications in Computer and Information Science ((CCIS,volume 543))

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This paper aims to fill the gap that exists about software development processes in game development in the research literature, and address the gap in the research literature by investigating and reporting information about the software development processes used in game development. To investigate the role of the software development process in relation to the game development process, and to better understand the processes and practices used in game software development, a single industrial based case study was undertaken and reported to investigate in a real world context the software development processes and practices used in game development. This research contributes to our knowledge of the field of game development and potentially forms the foundation for further research in the area.

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O’Hagan, A.O., O’Connor, R.V. (2015). Towards an Understanding of Game Software Development Processes: A Case Study. In: O’Connor, R., Umay Akkaya, M., Kemaneci, K., Yilmaz, M., Poth, A., Messnarz, R. (eds) Systems, Software and Services Process Improvement. EuroSPI 2015. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 543. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24647-5_1

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• Introduction To Game Engineering
• Developing a Good Game

Game Development Lifecycle Models

• Understanding Game Architecture
• What is Game Engine?
• Understanding Genres of Game
• Basics of Animation
• Game Project Management
• Using UML Diagrams
• Evaluating your Game Project
• TDD and GDD

Time for Unity!

• Getting Started with Unity
• Installing Unity Game Engine
• Introduction to Unity
• Elements of Unity 3D
• First Project with Unity
• Adding and Managing Assets
• Unity Engine Physics Components
• Adding C# Script to Game Object
• Rigid Bodies in Unity
• Making Player Move in Unity
• Collisions and Colliders
• Prefabs and Instantiation
• Prefab Instantiation with preset Properties
• Parent and Child Game Objects
• Detecting Collisions
• Destroying Game Objects
• RigidBody Movement: velocity and AddForce()
• Unity 3D Canvas
• Adding UI Elements to Canvas
• Update UI Elements in Realtime
• Calling Method in other Scripts
• Audio in Unity

Miscellaneous

• Navigation Using Navmash
• Scene Handling
• Test Driven Development & Unit Testing
• Animation and Animator
• Changing Scene
• Export Project as Android SDK

Unity Projects

• Maze Game - Part 1
• Maze Game - Part 2
• Maze Game - Finale
• Animation with Unity
• Solar System Animation Example

Since in the last chapter, there were a lot of topics/terms which were left unexplained, so let's try and help you understand the whole picture. First let us discuss about the software/game development lifecycle models which are usually followed in the corporate or individual firms.

If you are a beginner Game developer, we understand it will be difficult for you to follow any of these lifecycle models, but there is no harm in knowing about them.

Lifecycle Models

There are a lot of proposed software/game development lifecycle models which follow a specific life cycle during the process of development. These models are also termed as Process & Development Models . All these models follow a chain of steps in a circular formation, which is unique to its type for ensuring success in its development stage.

The list of some of the famous development models that all corporate firms and game developers follow are:

Waterfall Model

It is the oldest and most frequently used model and follows simple and straight-forward methodologies - according to which first complete one phase, then move on to the next phase (no going backwards). Every stage of waterfall model depends on the information passed on from the previous stage. It is easier to understand and to manage effectively.

This model was very popular during early(1980's to mid 90's) game developments when the requirements were constant through the development. But these days, requirements change every day, hence following this model is not a good choice. It can be used for small game projects.

Spiral Model

This one is a flexible model. The spiral model has a repetitive approach, going forward in a circular manner where the project passes through four phases over and over in the form of a spiral , until it reaches the completion, hence allowing several rounds of refinement.

In Game development, the typical steps in a Spiral Lifecycle Model are:

• Design and Planning
• Implement the plan or in other words code the Game.
• Play Test : This involves playing the game and analysing it for improvements, looking for bugs/issues etc.
• Evaluation of the current progress. Understanding what we did right, what we did wrong, and with new point of observations, move back to step 1.

Advantages of Spiral Model

• Risk is Low.
• One should always start with development of Core features.
• A working prototype is ready in less time.
• This model allows for faster changes.
• This model works well with SCRUM .

Iterative Model

Here instead of beginning with fully known requirements, you can also start implementing a set of software requirements, testing, evaluating and plug-in further requirements after an iteration. During each iteration, new version of the game gets produced. This rinsing and repetition goes on until the complete project is ready.

V-Shaped Model

This model is also called the Verification and Validation model and this model was born out of the Waterfall model and has the characteristics of a parallel running testing activity during each of its development stages. Like the waterfall model, each stage of V-shaped model is dependent on its previous stage. This model plays its role perfectly when all the requirements are clear before hand, as it's very difficult to have a backward movement for making any changes.

Big Bang Model

It doesn't totally follow the SDLC methodologies or in other words this model does not follows any specific process, and very small amount of time is spent on planning and designing this model at the time of game development. A bulk amount of resources are focused towards development. This is one of the uncommon methodologies normally used for small projects where only two to three developers are working for developing a game.

Agile Model

In this model, the product is broken down into a set of features, and hence it is used for quickly delivering a working product and so considered as a very rational development method. This model generates ongoing releases of your project, each having small and incremental changes updated from the previous released version. At each cycle, the project is tested and then released.

For detailed info on Agile: Agile Principles

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How to Get Started with Game Development?

How would you feel if you could change your reality and create a whole new one? A reality which is maybe based in space with asteroids attacking a spaceship! Or maybe a reality-based in the ocean where you try to fight pirates! Well, creating a new reality is not possible in the real world but it is definitely possible in the world of Game Development . And the popularity of Game Development is only increasing. This can be because video games are becoming more and more popular and people now want to not only participate in these worlds but also create them!!!

So if you want to know How to Get Started with Game Development, this article is perfect for you as it will teach you the basics and provide you with various resources that will take you further on your journey.

Let’s begin with understanding what is Game Development and then move on to more complex topics.

What is Game Development?

Simply speaking, Game Development is the overall process of creating a video game. And if you thought that making a video game is as easy as playing one, well it’s not!!! There are many components while creating a game such as Story, Characters, Audio, Art, Lighting, etc. that eventually merge together to create a whole new world in a video game!!! This process of Game Development for commercial games is funded by a publisher (a rich company!) but independent video games are comparatively cheaper and smaller so they can be funded by individuals also (That can be you!).

Now there is a common doubt relating to Game Development that only good Game Players can be good Game Developers. So let’s address that now.

Is Being a Good Game Player necessary for Game Development?

There are many people who assume that if they are good Game Players then they will definitely be good in Game Development. Well, don’t make that mistake!!! If you are a good Game Player then you have some advantage because you already know something about game stories, players, levels etc. But that’s it! Actually Game Playing and Game Development are very different fields and the skills you acquire in the former will not necessarily help you in the latter. For example: If you love movies, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a good movie director!!! So get into Game Development only if you are passionate about game programming and really want to develop a game for fun(Loving game playing is just a bonus!).

What are the Different Components in Game Development?

There are many different components in Game Development that can either be handled by a single developer who is individually creating a game (and who is a genius!!!) or normally by a team of multiple people. So if you want to get started with Game Development, it’s best to first understand the various components in this field so that you can identify the ones that most interest you.

1. Story: Everything has a story and that is equally true for video games!!! Your story can have a linear structure which is relatively easy, or it can even have a non-linear structure with various plot changes according to character actions. The main point is that there should be an interesting story to hook your players!!!

2. Characters: Do you know any story without characters? No! That’s because, after the story, the characters are a fundamental part of any video game. You have to decide the looks and personalities of the characters, how fast they should move, what should be manners and characteristics etc.

3. Audio: It is the backbone of video games!!! That means it should support the game and yet not be too obvious! You have to decide the various sounds in the game world like player sounds, background music , etc. that together create a lifelike and believable video game.

4. Art: It can be said that video games are basically just responsive art!!! So art is very important as it decides the feel of the game. Normally art in video games can include various things like the game texture, game lighting, 3D modeling of characters and objects, particle systems to create fire, fog, snow, etc.

5. Lighting: All the lighting in video games is obviously artificial and very important for mood setting. Less lighting can be used in association with horror or thriller games while increased lighting can denote more adventure or fun games. Also, lighting can be an important factor in stealth challenges with darker areas providing cover to characters.

6. Levels: All good video games have various levels that increase the difficulty as time goes on. Levels can be denoted in games by multiple floors, different buildings, or even different countries (Depending on the game you are playing!) and each level can have many potential paths that eventually lead to the next level. And designing games with many possible path combinations for different levels is a big factor in Game Development.

How to Start Learning Game Development?

Now that you have understood all the components involved in Game Development, the topics provided here are a roadmap that is enough to make you understand the basics of Learning Game Development. After learning these you can make a decent game and then move on to creating more and more complex worlds as you progress.

1. Learn Computer Programming: The interesting world-view in a game is all created using Computer programming. So it stands to reason that you need to know programming in case you want to enter this world! Now if you have some basic knowledge about coding in programming languages like C++ , C# , Python , Java , etc. then great, otherwise it’s best if you learn programming before moving any further.

There is no specific programming language that is exclusively used for Game Development. But C++ is the most popular in game development and also the most commonly used language for writing game engines. Some of the popular games made with C++ are Counter-Strike, King Quest, World of Warcraft, etc. Another popular language is Java as it has multithreading and sockets. A popular game made in Java is Angry Birds Chrome.

Note: If you are a total beginner, you can refer Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard University to get a basic understanding of Computer programming.

2. Choose a known Game Engine: As you are a beginner in Game Development, it is best to start with a known Game Engine. They are quite useful in general as they provide various functionalities for your games like 3D and 2D graphics rendering, audio support, animation, collision detection, artificial intelligence, networking, etc.

The most popular Game Engine is Unity as it is quite easy to learn, and also has the personal edition which is free! Another popular Game Engine is the Unreal Engine which can be modified to create unique games. However, eventually it doesn’t matter what Game Engine you use but what matters is that you stick with that game engine so that you understand it well enough to use it in future projects. On a side point, it is not absolutely essential that you use a Game Engine. In fact, not using a Game Engine will mean you have to do most of the technical work yourself, which is hard but will provide you many learning opportunities. It will even be useful in case you have to develop the design patterns for game programming yourself some time in the future!

3. Create a Basic Game: Now that you have some idea of Game Development, create a basic game. Now you might want to get carried away and wish to create a masterpiece but trust me and start small!! Try to keep your project around a week or so because the most important thing now is not that you become a master overnight but that you understand the basics.

A common first game is Tetris as it is easy to make and yet it will introduce you to many concepts in Game Development. It will basically teach you about the three steps in the Game Loop i.e. initialize, update and draw which are at the heart of any possible game development you will do in the future.

But in case you are not interested in starting with Tetris, you can pick any game that is easy enough (or difficult, it’s your choice!!!) but make sure that the game is not confusing or complicated and it has a clear objective and endpoint.

4. Understand Game Design Patterns: Game Design Patterns is where things get a little complicated as you have already understood the basics of making a video game. But the first question is, What are Game Design Patterns?

Suppose that you have to put in multiple asteroids that destroy a spaceship in a space video game. It is much wiser in this situation to have a code module that can be reused again and again for the asteroids rather than focusing on individual asteroids. This is a Game Design Pattern known as Object pooling . Similarly, there are many Game Design Patterns that are basically just templates for creating modular code that can be used as a repeated solution for any problem in Game Development.

Some of the other common Game Design Patterns are Flyweight, Prototype, Observer , etc. It’s best that you first understand these Game Patterns and then apply them in various small games. This will help you in understanding the various impacts and benefits that Game Design Patterns can have on Game Development in general.

Note : A fantastic book for learning Game Design Patterns is Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom that will elaborate on various Design Patterns to optimize your game.

5. Learn 3D Graphics and Associated Maths: It is not possible to make a video game without graphics and so you need to learn about them now. And while 2D graphics were quite popular in the mid-1990s, most of the famous games today require 3D graphics which can be rendered in Fixed 3D, First-person perspective, Third-person perspective , etc. which provides a realistic feeling to the game. So if you want to become a top-notch Game Programmer, you should know computer graphics and also the mathematics behind it. This is even more important if you are not planning on using an already-made game engine.

The maths commonly required for 3D Graphics is Linear Algebra which mainly deals with linear equations, matrices, vectors, etc. If you understand these concepts, you can easily manipulate the 3D world of your game to achieve miraculous effects!!!

Note : You can learn 3D Graphics in Game Development using 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development Book and the Basic Linear Algebra from the MIT OpenCourseWare Linear Algebra course available on YouTube.

What are some Online Resources to Learn Game Development?

There are many books, courses, articles, etc. online that you can use to learn various aspects of Game Development. But for your convenience, some of the popular resources are provided here:

• A popular book for learning the basics of Game Design is The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jesse Schell. This book will teach you the art of viewing your video game from many perspectives or lenses which is the key to good game design.
• If you want an online course for Game Development, then Introduction to Game Development offered by Michigan State University on Coursera is ideal. Another such course is Introduction to Game Design offered by Calarts.
• A Course based on Game Development using Unity is Unity Game Development Build 2D & 3D Games on Udemy that you can opt for in case you wish to focus exclusively on Unity.
• For free articles and interesting information on Game Development, you can refer Gamasutra: The Art & Business of Making Games , which is a website that does what it says basically!

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Software Engineering Perspectives in Computer Game Development

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Featuring contributions from leading experts in software engineering, this edited book provides a comprehensive introduction to computer game software development. It is a complex, interdisciplinary field that relies on contributions from a wide variety of disciplines including arts and humanities, behavioural sciences, business, engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, etc. The book focuses on the emerging research at the intersection of game and software engineering communities. A brief history of game development is presented, which considers the shift from the development of rare games in isolated research environments in the 1950s to their ubiquitous presence in popular culture today. A summary is provided of the latest peer-reviewed research results in computer game development that have been reported at multiple levels of maturity (workshops, conferences, and journals). The core chapters of the book are devoted to sharing emerging research at the intersection of game development and software engineering. In addition, future research opportunities on new software engineering methods for games and serious educational games for software engineering education are highlighted. As an ideal reference for software engineers, developers, educators, and researchers, this book explores game development topics from software engineering and education perspectives.

Key Features:

• Includes contributions from leading academic experts in the community
• Presents a current collection of emerging research at the intersection of games and software engineering
• Considers the interdisciplinary field from two broad perspectives: software engineering methods for game development and serious games for software engineering education
• Provides a snapshot of the recent literature (i.e., 2015-2020) on game development from software engineering perspectives

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 | 33  pages, introduction to software engineering perspectives in computer game development, section section i | 103  pages, emerging research on serious games for software engineering education, chapter 2 | 21  pages, case studies and practices in local game jam software development organization, chapter 3 | 32  pages, developing essential software engineering competencies supported by digital game-based learning, chapter 4 | 11  pages, building casual games and apis for teaching introductory programming concepts, chapter 5 | 35  pages, evolution of a model for the evaluation of games for software engineering education, section section ii | 155  pages, emerging research on software engineering methods for game development, chapter 6 | 19  pages, applied game design didactics, chapter 7 | 35  pages, learning with the body, chapter 8 | 40  pages, using ideation cards for designing mixed reality games, chapter 9 | 16  pages, from role-playing game to exergame, chapter 10 | 26  pages, survey on software architecture, creativity, and game technology, chapter 11 | 15  pages, games and software engineering topics.

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Mr Funology

Games for engaging teachers.

Run The Gauntlet

A thrilling physical education game that requires courage, agility, speed and yet more courage! Did I mention courage?!

Game Type: Physical Education

Recommended Ages: 8+

Number Of Players: Whole class

Equipment Required: Soft balls (12 balls is a good number to play with)

Where To Play: Playground or gymnasium (Ideally a basketball court)

Duration: 20 minutes

Historical Note

Run The Gauntlet is believed to have originated in the Roman Empire. It was used as a form of execution for soldiers using cudgels. Let it known however that Mr Funology does not condone the use of cudgels or executions during school lessons.

The objective of Run The Gauntlet is to run the length of a basketball court and back again without being hit by a ball.

How To Play

Step One: Sort your students into two groups. One group lines up at one end of the basketball court. This group are the ‘runners’. The other group stands on either side of the court with the soft balls. This group are the ‘throwers’.

Step Two: When you say ‘go’, the first runner tries to get to the other end of the court and back again without being hit by the balls thrown by the throwers. A runner can not be hit while inside the ‘D’ of the basketball court. For safety reasons, a runner may only be hit from the waist down.  Hint: If you are not playing on a basketball court, use cones to indicate an area at each end of the game space in which a runner is safe.

Step Three: If a runner makes it back, the next runner goes. If a runner is hit, they must sit down where they are and become a ‘barricade’. Barricades may use their arms or bodies to protect runners from balls as they pass by however a barricade must remain sitting or kneeling.

Step Four: Team gains one point for each runner who makes it back from running the gauntlet.

Step Five: Once each runner has had a turn, teams swap.

Ultimate Run The Gauntlet: In Ultimate Run The Gauntlet, runners who make it back keep trying to run the gauntlet until they are hit. Each time they make it back, they gain another point for their team.

Thank you to the excellent teachers at North Fitzroy Primary School for teaching me Run The Gauntlet when I was but a mere pup of a teacher!

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