Behind the Scenes
One question we get asked a lot is: "How do you actually build a game?" Today, we're pulling back the curtain to share our development process from start to finish.
Phase 1: Concept & Prototype
Every game starts with an idea. But ideas are cheap — execution is everything.
When we have a new game concept, the first thing we do is build a minimum playable prototype. This is a stripped-down version of the game with just the core mechanic. No art, no sound, no polish — just the fundamental interaction that makes the game fun.
If the core mechanic isn't fun with placeholder art, no amount of polish will save it.
We typically spend 1-2 weeks on this phase. If the prototype doesn't feel right, we either iterate or move on to the next concept.
Phase 2: Design & Architecture
Once we have a fun prototype, we move into proper design:
- Game Design Document — We define mechanics, progression, monetization, and target audience
- Technical Architecture — We plan the codebase structure, performance targets, and platform requirements
- Art Direction — We explore visual styles and settle on a cohesive aesthetic
This phase usually takes 2-3 weeks and produces a clear roadmap for the full build.
Phase 3: Production
This is where the majority of development happens. We work in two-week sprints with clear goals:
- Week 1 — Build features, implement mechanics, create content
- Week 2 — Polish, test, fix bugs, iterate on feedback
We prioritize playtesting throughout production. Every feature gets tested internally before it's considered done. We play our own games constantly — if something doesn't feel right to us, it won't feel right to our players.
Phase 4: Polish & Launch
The final phase is all about quality:
- Performance optimization on target devices
- Bug fixing and edge case handling
- Store listing preparation (screenshots, descriptions, metadata)
- Final round of playtesting
We believe in shipping when the game is ready, not on an arbitrary deadline. Quality always comes first.
Tools We Use
For those curious about our tech stack:
- Game Engine — Depends on the project (Unity, custom engines)
- Web & Backend — Next.js, Tailwind CSS, TypeScript
- Design — Figma for UI/UX, various tools for game art
- Version Control — Git + GitHub
- CI/CD — Automated builds and deployments
Lessons Learned
After building and shipping our first game, here are our biggest takeaways:
- Start small — Your first game doesn't need to be massive. Focus on one mechanic and nail it.
- Test early, test often — Don't wait until the end to playtest. Get feedback from day one.
- Performance matters — Especially on mobile. Optimize early, not as an afterthought.
- Listen to players — They'll tell you exactly what needs to improve.
What's Next
We're applying everything we've learned to our upcoming projects. We can't share specifics yet, but we promise the best is still ahead.
Got questions about our process? Reach out to us — we love talking about game dev.
— The AllVarity Team
