Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
chapter 7
Videogames can range in size from tiny downloadable mobile phone games that take a
few weeks to produce to epic, massively multiplayer online role-playing games developed
over several years. No matter what size the game and how long the production schedule,
the testing of the game should always follow the same basic structure:
1. Pre-production
2. Kickoff
3. Alpha
4. Beta
5. Gold
6. Release
7. Post-release
Like the plot of a suspense thriller, each sequence occurs more rapidly, and with much
more heightened excitement (and stress), than the next. Figure 7.1 illustrates a very
rough timeline for a hypothetical mid-budget console racing game.
Figure 7.1
Console racing game timeline.
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