In today’s world, the creation of video games is one of the largest segments of the entertainment industry. The scale of the game industry is comparable, for example, with the film industry. And in terms of growth rate over the last five years, the video games industry has been significantly ahead of it.
By the degree of influence on consumers and their involvement in the interactive environment offered by video games, this segment has long stood out among other forms of entertainment.
Gamemaking or game development cannot be considered in isolation from the computer games industry as a whole. The creation of games is only part of a complex “ecosystem” that ensures the full life cycle of production, distribution and consumption of such complex products as computer games.
The following levels can be distinguished in the structure of the modern game industry: platforms, game engines, video game development, publishing and operation, popularization and consumption.
Very few educational institutions in the world train specialists directly for the game industry.
GAME PLATFORMS
Hardware and software systems that allow to run interactive game applications. The main types include:
- Personal computers based on Windows, Mac/OS X or Linux
- Gaming consoles (specialized devices for gaming, now in its 8th generation – Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Wii U)
- Mobile devices (iOS, Android, Windows)
- Universal web platforms, social networks (FB, VK, MM)
- Arcade machines
- Innovative virtual reality platforms
GAMPLAYS
The software layer between the platform and the actual code of the game. Game engines simplify the development of new games, reduce their production cost and significantly decrease their launch time. Also, modern game engines provide cross-platform portability of created products. Among the most advanced engines are: Unity 3D, Unreal Development Kit, CryENGINE 3 Free SDK.
GAME DEVELOPMENT
A large number of companies and independent teams are involved in the creation of computer games. Different specialists from different professions are involved in development: programmers, game designers, artists, QA specialists, etc.
The development of large commercial game products involves large professional teams of 100+ specialists. And such projects in development can cost tens of millions of dollars.
However, quite successful game projects can also be implemented by small teams of enthusiasts. This is facilitated by the presence on the market of a large number of open and distributed platforms, quality and almost free engines, platforms for attracting “crowdfunding” investments and available distribution channels.
PUBLISHING AND OPERATING GAMES
As a rule, publishers, rather than developers themselves, are involved in game distribution or operation (in the case of MMOs). At the same time publishers (or operators) localize games, interact with platform owners, conduct marketing campaigns, deploy infrastructure, provide technical and informational support for released games.
For medium-sized and small game products, this level is practically unavailable. Such products, as a rule, are brought to market by developers themselves, interacting directly with platforms.
POPULARIZATION (MARKETING OF GAMES).
Specialized media have always been a powerful channel for getting information to users.
Nowadays the most effective and widely represented area of media is information sites devoted to game topics.
Gaming magazines, which for a long time were the main source of information about games, have now given way to Internet resources.
Specialized exhibitions are still important information platforms for the gaming industry (E3, GDC, Gamescom, Igromir, KRI, DevGamm). Direct communication of press and players with developers, experience exchange between market participants, new contacts – this is what conferences and exhibitions offer in a concentrated form.
CONTRIBUTION
Players are a major source of revenue for gaming products. But in today’s world, the most active players have become a significant driving force in the popularization of games and, in part, in the expansion of content.
GAMING COMMUNITIES.
Within the most popular gaming trends, gaming communities form around specific games or series, new websites, forums and social media groups emerge. Often such groups generate even a greater flow of information than developers and publishers can afford through their own resources and advertising. It is quite typical when an independent game site offers visitors more complete information on the game world compared to the official site.
CYBERSPORT
With the widespread proliferation of cybersports, the most experienced players have the opportunity to translate their hobbies of gaming into professional rails. There are quite a few championships around the world and the stakes are so high that productive players can make a good career as a cybersportsman. Nowadays cyber sports is a whole industry with its own infrastructure, funding and celebrities.
PLAYER CREATIVITY
The most dedicated game fans not only spend many years of their lives playing games, but often create a variety of content around their favorite game. This can include entire websites, drawings, cosplays, magazines, video shows, game add-ons, or even full-fledged games.