How to Plan a Video Game - The Pre-Production Phase || Syntax_Error

Welcome to Syntax_Error, the show where I analyze topics that relate to game design and try to teach viewers how to develop their games. In this episode I attempt to create a list of steps developers can take in order to plan their games and make it through the pre-production phase of development.

Next Episode (Using Visuals to Create Satisfying and Engaging Gameplay - Game Feel):
youtube.com/watch?v=73UTerhHxHw

Previous Episode (Blending the Story & Gameplay - Ludonarrative Dissonance):
youtube.com/watch?v=KzTmQvVfwx8

Syntax_Error Playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2UjyYmae-_X-tVhtXiU…


Twitter:
twitter.com/SuperSonic7CE

Facebook:
facebook.com/SuperSonic7CE/

Twitch:
twitch.tv/supersonic7ce

Hitbox:
hitbox.tv/SuperSonic7CE

Picarto:
picarto.tv/SuperSonic7CE


Linked Videos:

Miitomo Review [iOS]
youtube.com/watch?v=b_WGEJg2Tjw

Talking 'n' Drawing Podcast Ep. 35: Unbirthday - Ft. Krycklund, & The Slinky Kid
youtube.com/watch?v=AhVNwsTVRvc

Yooka-Laylee Toybox Plus Livestream
youtube.com/watch?v=AV4oQ8TwgqQ


Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro and Overview
2:11 - Step 1 || Brainstorm Gameplay Ideas
3:37 - Step 2 || Create a Gameplay Prototype
4:54 - Step 3 || Experiment with the Prototype
5:41 - Step 4 || Determine the Game’s Scale
8:25 - Step 5 || Brainstorm Story Ideas
9:27 - Step 6 || Create a Character Bible
10:42 - Step 7 || Outline the Story Events
12:15 - Step 8 || Make a Story Exposition List
13:21 - Step 9 || Expand and Refine the Story Outline
14:00 - Step 10 || Refine the Game’s Core
15:00 - Step 11 || Create a List of Level Ideas
16:29 - Step 12 || Write Your Story
17:35 - Step 13 || Create a Debug Mode
18:40 - Step 14 || Plan the Intro Level
20:40 - Step 15 || Plan the Intro Boss
21:22 - Step 16 || Plan the Intro Cutscene
23:00 - Step 17 || Revise, Then Exit the Pre-Production Phase


Credits:

Special thanks to everyone who stuck with this show and it's countless changes for two years!


Footage List:

docs.google.com/document/d/1vs_rHxAWsuUEHObgZIt…