How not to create a game

In the heart of Bengaluru's thriving tech hub, a group of software developers found themselves drawn to a passion that extended beyond their daily coding tasks. While working at Tandemloop Technologies, a well-established software development firm, Harsha, the CEO, and Abhinav, a skilled developer, often found themselves discussing their shared love for video games, particularly first-person shooters (FPS). They'd spend lunch breaks dissecting the intricacies of Valorant and CS:GO, debating the merits of different weapons and strategies.

But their conversations soon turned to a different topic: the lack of Indian representation in the global gaming scene. They saw the immense potential for a homegrown FPS that would resonate with Indian gamers, a game that would celebrate the country's rich culture and heritage while delivering the thrilling action and competitive gameplay that FPS fans craved.

This shared vision sparked the birth of Project Quantumloop. Abhinav, with his programming prowess, eagerly took on the challenge of mastering the Unreal Engine, while Harsha, with his entrepreneurial spirit, rallied the team and secured the resources needed to bring their dream to life. The duo quickly enlisted the help of Hemanth, a talented digital illustrator and UI/UX designer, and Saran, a skilled 3D modeler and animator.

Together, this quartet of passionate gamers embarked on a journey that would test their skills, their resolve, and their dedication to their craft. Late nights turned into early mornings as they delved into the complexities of game development, fueled by caffeine and the sheer excitement of bringing their vision to life. Their dream was simple: to craft a world where players could experience the essence of India. We imagined ancient ruins nestled within futuristic cityscapes, vibrant marketplaces buzzing with life, and battlegrounds echoing with the whispers of history. It was to be a place where players could compete, connect, and discover the magic of Indian culture.

But in our eagerness to bring this vision to life, we stumbled. We were so consumed by our passion that we overlooked the importance of a solid foundation.

While passion is essential, it can also lead to tunnel vision. We were so focused on our dream that we initially neglected crucial market research. We soon realized that understanding player preferences, industry trends, and competitor analysis was essential to ensure our game resonated with our target audience. Had we invested more time in this early stage, we could have better tailored our game to meet market demands and potentially avoided costly revisions down the line.

The Devil is in the Details

In our haste to start building, we rushed through the conceptualization phase. We quickly learned that skipping detailed concept development, including mood boards, sketches, and storyboards, was a recipe for disaster. Lacking a clear vision led to miscommunication, conflicting ideas, and ultimately, delays in development. Investing more time in this stage would have solidified our vision and saved us countless hours of rework later on.

Build It to Break It

We underestimated the value of greyboxing – creating a functional prototype to test gameplay mechanics and level design before diving into detailed visuals. As a result, we discovered major gameplay flaws and level design issues late in development, requiring significant revisions. Had we embraced greyboxing earlier, we could have identified and addressed these problems before they became deeply ingrained in the game.

Level Design is an Art

We initially viewed level design as a secondary concern. However, we soon realized that well-designed levels are essential for a compelling gameplay experience. Neglecting detailed wireframing and blockout stages led to inefficient design iterations and a lack of environmental storytelling. By dedicating more time to this aspect, we could have created more immersive and engaging levels that truly captured the essence of our vision.

The Map is Your Battlefield

Early development without a strategic map overview led to imbalanced gameplay experiences and player confusion. We realized that a detailed map overview, highlighting key areas, pathways, and objectives, was essential for tactical gameplay, player navigation, and balanced engagement across different game modes. Creating this overview earlier in development would have saved us from having to redesign entire sections of the map later on.

Weapons Are More Than Just Tools

Initially, we focused on creating visually impressive weapons without giving enough thought to their balance and impact on gameplay. This led to frustrating experiences for players who felt that certain weapons were overpowered or underwhelming. We learned that weapon design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a balanced and diverse arsenal that caters to different playstyles and encourages strategic decision-making.

Gameplay is King

In the early stages, we were tempted to prioritize flashy visuals over solid gameplay mechanics. We quickly realized this was a mistake. Players crave engaging gameplay above all else. By focusing on developing robust and enjoyable mechanics, movement systems, and combat interactions, we ensured that Quantumloop was fun to play from the very beginning.

Time is Your Most Valuable Resource

Establishing a structured development timeline was a game-changer for our project. It provided clarity, improved coordination, and enhanced our ability to deliver high-quality content on time. With well-defined milestones and a disciplined approach, we were able to navigate the complexities of game development, ensuring that each phase was completed efficiently. This structured methodology not only kept our team on track but also allowed us to bring our creative vision to life, ultimately delivering a polished and engaging experience for our players. Moving forward, we remain committed to maintaining this level of organization and quality in all our future projects.

Our initial approach to development was chaotic, with tasks overlapping and deadlines constantly shifting. We soon learned that a structured development timeline with clear milestones was essential for staying on track and delivering a polished product. By implementing a more organized approach, we improved communication, reduced wasted time, and ultimately, delivered a more refined and enjoyable gaming experience.

Through these hard-won lessons, we transformed Project Quantumloop from a passionate dream into a tangible reality. While our journey was fraught with challenges, it ultimately strengthened our resolve and taught us the importance of meticulous planning, iterative development, and a relentless focus on delivering an engaging gameplay experience. We believe that our story serves as a testament to the potential of Indian game developers and a valuable guide for aspiring creators who dare to dream big.