CISC 105: Intro to Game ModdingLecture 3: The Production Process

©Charles Palmer – Fall 2013

Unit: Production Process

To embark on the creation process, many teams utilize a development process, sometimes called the development life-cycle. This is a structure imposed on the development of products; i.e., software development life-cycle (SDLC).

Many game developers have adapted software development process models to help manage the production cycle. The three most common models used are: Waterfall (see image), Prototype, and Spiral.

Game Development Process

• Not standardized• Used by large, mid-sized, and indie teams alike• Three main phases• Grew out of the film industry• Each phase has hundreds if not

thousands of subtasks, and a final milestone/deliverable

Game Development Process Model

Why Mods FailMost mods are never completed. For one reason or another, the developer abandons the project and moves on to something else or gives up on the idea of creating their own game.

Ideas for moving forward:• Offer something new• Set realistic goals• Read your engine’s

documentation• Finish something

Valve’s Mod Making Tips – https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Making_a_Mod

Reading & WatchingThere is no production assignment due next week. Instead please continue reading the next section of the Game Documents and Assets: Preproduction Stage (p11-16)and watch the second part of the “Playing Like a Designer” videos. There is a good chance a quiz onthis material will be part of yourfuture.