Video game development companies create the software that powers a video game. They’re responsible for everything you see and hear in the game: designing characters, worlds, and buildings; writing dialogue; creating the soundtrack. In addition to programming, they also prepare levels and create art assets.
As you can imagine, video game development takes an enormous amount of time and effort. It also requires various forms of software that prove to be crucial in turning a video game concept into an exciting experience for gamers.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the essential software for video game developers:
Game Engines
Game engines are software frameworks that game developers use to create video games. They’re used to create 3D and 2D games for multiple platforms with different gameplay styles. For example, the Unity game engine is used to make an iOS game that looks like Minecraft or a PC game similar to Overwatch. Unreal Engine 4 allows you to build cross-platform titles like Fortnite or Anthem on PC or consoles like Xbox One and PlayStation 4 (PS4).
Testing and debugging tools
Developers use testing and debugging tools to find and fix bugs in the game’s code. Examples of popular testing and debugging tools include Visual Studio, Xcode, and Unity Test Runner.
3D modelling software
3D modeling is the process of creating 3D objects. It is an essential part of video game development as it is used to create various assets, such as characters and environments. There are many different types of modelling software, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you want to do with it. Some tools are free, while others require payment (but often come with more features). Some 3D modeling programs are easy enough for beginners who want to get started quickly yet offer advanced options for experts who want to control every aspect of their workflow.
Audio production software
Audio production software creates sound effects, music, and dialogue. It’s an essential part of the game development process, allowing composers, sound designers, and sound engineers to create their content for use in games. Audio production tools have been around since the mid-1990s when Pro Tools was first released by Digidesign (now Avid). Since then, there has been an explosion of similar products such as Logic Pro X from Apple Inc. Cubase from Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH & Co KG, and other lesser-known options like Ardor3D, which is free but requires some time before you’re able to produce anything worthwhile.
Secure file-sharing software
Virtual data room software is a tool that helps video game developers securely manage and share documents, presentations, and other files that are stored in one central location. Secure file sharing is essential for video game developers because it allows them to share information more securely than they could otherwise. Given the need for secrecy when developing new games in order to prevent leaks and other unwanted reporting, VDA software is essential.
Game design software
Game design software is used to plan and create the game’s design and mechanics. Examples of popular game design software include GameMaker Studio and Construct.
Bug tracking software
Bug tracking software is one of the essential tools for a game developer. It allows you to track your project’s bugs, issues, features, tasks, and progress. Bug tracking software also helps you keep track of time spent on different tasks and costs related to each task. Bug tracking software can come in many forms; however, there are two main types: web-based or desktop-based (installed locally).
Animation software
Animation software is used to create and manipulate animation. Video game animation software is used for 2D or 3D animation, and it’s important to note the differences between the two types of animation. 3D character animation software is used by game developers who want the characters in their games to move realistically. This type of software allows you to make adjustments based on physics so that when you move an object on the screen, it reacts as if it were real.
We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of video game development software. It’s a complex process, but it can be much easier to manage with the right tools.
