Order collection of references for computer games
During the creation of a game, the process of collecting references is one of the most important. Thanks to it all the details of the game world are worked out, the general theme and tone are set. The game takes on a more dynamic and realistic feel. No game product can do without references, they help to convey all the logical connections that exist in reality. If you miss this point, the gamer will be much more difficult to fully immerse in the gameplay, everything that happens in it will not be perceived as lively and realistic.
Collecting references for games is one of the important steps of game design at KOLORO.
Video game market analysis
A thorough preliminary study of the video game market allows you to see in which direction competitors are developing and which areas are most sought after by users.
Competitor research
Specialists in the process of analyzing games see how the overall situation in the segment is, who are among the leaders, and what trends they are setting. You can see what users like most about a competitor’s game product and utilize similar chips.
On the other hand, video game market research allows you to understand in which direction you should not develop, which strategy or idea will initially fail and lead to losses. Of course, doing this work is not about making a similar product or copying a competitor’s idea. After a qualitative analysis, developers will see what direction is worth pursuing and will propose ideas to the customer.
Searching for ideas to create a game
The process of finding a successful idea depends on the team, professionalism, and time allotted to create the product. Developing an idea for creating a game is an important stage, which includes a professional analysis of the market, competitive environment, the wishes of the target audience. To decide on the genre and theme of the game also requires analyzing the market in this segment.
The development team does not adhere to established canons as they search for ideas. They are experimenting with new ideas, visuals. Once the main ideas have been selected, their strengths and weaknesses should be highlighted. Then you can make final choices, assessing what you need to realize the idea.
Once the first version of the game is created, you need to test it by evaluating it from a game designer’s point of view. As the developers go through the game, they can gauge how they feel and watch other people play. During testing there is an opportunity to evaluate the physics of the game, the mechanics of all actions.
Collecting references for a video game
References in a video game are supporting images that become examples and inspiration for developers.
References for creating game graphics
Real-world references are often used to create the graphic design of a video game. For example, images of dishes, furniture, transportation, and other objects in video games are most often drawn from real objects.
The exception is games whose gameplay is based on magic, but even here some examples will be needed. Even in games using magic, there are real objects like plants, animals, and houses that need to look natural.
Game graphics references take up the lion’s share of all collected game references. This is due to the fact that the game is mainly perceived by sight, and sound sensations and other components of the game are important, but it is the appearance and graphics of the game a person evaluates first of all.
If the graphics don’t meet his expectations, even an engaging story and enjoyable gameplay can’t save the game.
Video game plot references
Collecting plot references is not necessary for copying other people’s ideas. It allows the game designer to utilize elements of story moves and figure out how to present the story in a clear and interesting way.
In games whose story is based on literature or movies, the references are the original works. In such a case, an adaptation of the story to the video game format is made.
There is the so-called “Bone House Concept”, according to which every story, including video games, is based on a character’s transformation after some specific event. By utilizing this when creating a story, it is possible to make what is happening believable and understandable to the player.
References for the development of game mechanics
Collecting references in other games is an important part of making modern games. In order for the gameplay to be understandable to the player, the game mechanics must remain similar to those mechanics that a person has already encountered in other games. Many games have similar controls because of this. A person doesn’t have to spend time learning, and he or she is immediately immersed in the gameplay.
You should not introduce fundamentally new ways of controlling the game character, as this will negatively affect immersion. In addition, references of movements from the real world will help portray them more realistically in the game.
Basic rules for collecting video game references
Working with references does not imply a complete copying of the collected materials. References are examples to be adapted to the story, gameplay and style of the game. Working with references is done according to the project bible – gamedesign document. It spells out important details and data about the game, taking into account which references are adapted and implemented into the game.
It is not recommended to completely copy the collected references and transfer them into the game. First, it is considered plagiarism in some cases. Second, the game should have a connection to the real world, but not depict it completely. Otherwise, the player will have the feeling of watching a movie instead of playing. This is detrimental to immersion – it’s important for people to feel that they make their own decisions in the game and can influence something. The overly realistic world, completely copied from references, takes away a sliver of the video game magic for which they are so beloved.
Read more about immersive gameplay in our article.
Working with references should be step-by-step and systematic. There are a few rules that are important to follow:
Do not store game references in the same folder
To create a complete game, you’ll have to collect hundreds of references for each location and character. Keeping them in one folder without organizing and categorizing them is a catastrophic mistake. It will take tons of time to find the right picture to create the initial draft. It is better to immediately distribute the collected references for the game in different folders and sections to simplify their search. Also give each reference a different name.
References are most often grouped into sections such as:
- Концепты. This is an approved general view of the model, a picture or drawing of it. This silhouette will help you look for more detailed and clearer references from the real world or other games.
- Фотографии. Photos of objects from the real world are the best example of references, as by copying the features of real objects, the artist creates familiar outlines for future players. As a result, the immersive gameplay experience is simplified.
- Works by other artists. Going through the experiences of other artists and game designers is a great idea. Over the years in the games industry, the items you develop have probably already been drawn by someone. Examples of other artists’ work can serve as great references for the game.
- Детали. References for creating individual details of objects are equally important. Gamedesign Trends 2020 features detail and realism to create games, so the better the small parts of objects are detailed, the better.
- Materials and textures. Texture references will help to create a realistic game environment familiar to the human eye.
- Damage and scuffs. Depicting flaws and breakdowns also needs to be smart. To understand exactly how jeans rub through after years of wear, pick up the appropriate photos. Chips, breaks, cracks – also add to this reference folder.
The game designer can also create additional reference sections depending on the specifics of the game.
Getting the missing game references
The references collected before you start creating the game will run out faster than you’ll notice. Large-scale projects require you to get references for the game already in the process of its development.
New challenges and ideas arise in the creation of the game that will require additional references.
Use different sources to collect references for games
In addition to photographs and works by other artists, references can be found in:
- movies;
- literature;
- on topical websites.
When working with references, it is important to remember not to copy items completely.
By modifying them, tweaking them to fit the game theme, you can achieve a better result.
Order a collection of references for a video game
KOLORO is a company that will fulfill your order to collect references for games within the agreed timeframe and at the highest level. The collection will be handled by a team of professionals and you will get exactly the right product to fulfill the original request.
We create computer games from writing a game design document, to promoting the finished game product. Any questions? Ask them over the phone or email us.
