Top Game Development Companies

Game Development, in simple words, is the art of developing and designing game applications. Game development is divided into different segments, where the game developers draft, design, and manufacture video games. These games can operate on various systems such as mobile devices, computers, game consoles, and on websites. Game development deals with conceiving visual content for the game and writing and compiling codes to implement specific features and functionality within the game. An efficient game development solution enables smooth interaction between the players and the content of the game, allowing them to manipulate the game’s elements flawlessly.

The following are the five fundamental stages of the game development cycle.

1. Developing Concept:

The idea of the game is the initiation of the game development process. The design could be entirely new or can be an inspiration from another game. Developing the layout for the game helps sketch out the essential features. It enables the decision-makers in identifying the right type of game, the target audience, critical characteristics to include in the gameplay, etc. This also helps you decide the platform for the game. At this stage, the gaming companies also estimate the budget and set the time frame to finish the project.

2. Game Design Documentation:

This is when the different departments such as developers, designers, project leads, engineers, etc. collaborate amongst each other to create the best game. While developing a game, the writers must lay out a narrative for the characters. The engineers discuss the availability and implementation of accurate technology. The game design companies work on the User Interface and User Experience, while the project managers coordinate all these aspects of the game.

3. Designing Architecture:

During this process, countless lines-of-source code to turn the concept into reality. Characters are rendered and emphasized to look precisely how they are planned for the story to work. Game design companies focus on crafting a gaming environment that is dynamic, immersive, and is playable across different devices and gadgets. Moreover, this stage plays a vital role in establishing milestones and sprint schedules, warranting each department accomplishes the assigned tasks efficiently. There are different game development software that can help build the structure of the game.

4. Testing:

Testing plays a vital role in verifying that the final product is above the expected standard. Testing services deal with bugs within the game and eliminate any glitches that could render the game useless. Playtesters spend countless hours to break the game, which will help the developers in rectifying the error. It is also imperative to identify that the game's in-built features are polished and that it is fun, interactive, and engaging for the audiences.

5. Launch and Promotion:

Once the architectural designs and the prototypes of the game are ready, the game development team proceed towards its final release. But along with concentrating on the launch, companies have to focus actively on marketing the product. This may involve scheduling gaming previews, offering exclusive trials, partnering with famous gamers for promotions, etc. After the launch, it is also imperative to provide support after the application is deployed to maintain the quality of service.

Out of the many available languages, the following are the most result-oriented programming languages for creating a game:

1. C++:

C++ is a high-level object-oriented programming language. C++ is fast, has robust compilers and optimizers, and offers extensive control over the system memory. Some of the most popular Windows games and big consoles have been coded using this language, for instance, PlayStation and Xbox. It further facilitates large libraries, allowing the conception of sophisticated graphics and designing structures. Games developed using C++ can be easily distributed across various gaming platforms.

2. C#:

C# follows the concept of C and is extremely easy to learn if you have a proper understanding of C++. It is smoothly integrated due to its XNA framework, making it the principal language for games designed for Windows or Xbox. Much its namesake, C++, C# can also develop games for different platforms such as PlayStation, iOS, Android, etc. The only restriction of this technology is that developers have to stay within the framework of C#, limiting the UX/UI of the game.

3. Java:

Java game development language is quite popular since it encourages multithreading, which limits the usage of memory and sockets that can efficiently help build multiplayer games.  The fact that Java operates on a virtual machine and the revolutionary concept of WORA, "write once run anywhere," makes the game easier to distribute. The game developers use various tools and technology presented by the Java library to build a robust, complex, and engaging game. Its popularity is also due to its open-source module and high cross-platform compatibility.

4. Web Languages:

There is a different set of languages required to get the desired result while creating games for web browsers. Some of the most common ones are:

• HTML5
• CSS3
• SQL
• JavaScript

A web game requires SVG, WebGL, to create complex graphics and a highly functional content management system. HTML5 is a cost-effective option, whereas JavaScript is the easiest to learn.

5. Python:

It has developed as one of the most pre-eminent game development languages. It operates on OOP principles, similar to Java and C++, and is an extremely adaptable language that is used in a considerable number of applications. Python offers its separate framework, which allows game design companies to plan a layout and deliver prototypes quickly. For a large game, Python can run as an object-oriented language and a scripting language both.

There are different varieties of game development services that can create the perfect gaming solution:

1. 2D Game Development:

As the name suggests, 2D game development means creating a linear (2 dimensional) game. The game does not focus on the landscape and generally moves forward from a start point to an endpoint. Games developed using 2D development services have accessible commands and controls, making them extremely developer and user-friendly. These games are hyper-casual and may or may not require a working internet connection to function. One of the most famous examples of a 2D game is Chrome's Dinosaur Game.

2. 3D Game Development:

3D gaming solutions help create a life-like gaming system that allows the players to immerse themselves in the game. 3D game development services focus on creating rich visual experiences and offer the player vast possibilities to explore within the game. These games are more challenging to develop than a 2D game as they require high-quality graphics and extensive gaming control. 3D games are more intricate and need extensive coding and designing.

3. Android Game Development:

Android game development projects create gaming solutions for Android devices. With the rising popularity and availability of Android OS, mobile game development companies can help their clients acquire more users by building Android games. Android is a developer-friendly platform and offers the freedom to curate interactive features and elements. Additionally, Android Software Development Kits provide pre-defined functions, making it easier to update and modify the characteristics as required.

4. AR Game Development:

Augmented Reality solutions create immersive experiences within the games. It allows the players to dive into the gaming world by bringing it digitally in front of themselves. It implements computer-generated objects into reality, thus delivering an engaging and thrilling experience. It requires extensive planning and programming, making it tricky to develop, however, the top AR game service providers are capable of turning the idea of an AR game into reality with their comprehensive experience and field expertise.

5. Cross Platform Game:

While planning to develop a game, the main goal of the business is to build a game with the highest engagement within the target market. To avoid choosing a less successful gaming industry, companies should create a game that can function across multiple platforms. Cross platform game development solutions are the ideal options for such scenarios. Cross platform games are developed using universal code language, enabling the game's launch across different platforms like Steam, iOS, Android, etc. Moreover, it is time-efficient, as developers do not need to spend time coding for individual platforms.

6. Facebook Game Development:

Creating a native Facebook game enables businesses to attract more people who are active on Facebook for the whole day. Facebook encourages players to invite others to play, thereby boosting the popularity of the program. Additionally, when people play the game on Facebook, the activity gets displayed in the ticker, attracting additional visitors to the game. Facebook offers multiplayer games, a single-player game, or a game against bots.

7. Unity 3D Game Development:

Unity 3D offers a comprehensive platform to develop stunning 3D games without hampering the quality of the audio and video employed in the game. It provides support for over 25 platforms, making it one of the best game development solutions to create games interoperable across different platforms. Moreover, Unity game development solutions allow easy debugging and modification of game elements as the variables are visible during the gameplay.

A game engine is an architecture used by developers to operate the game. Some of the most pre-eminent game engines are:

1. Cocos 2d-x:

Cocos 2d-x, designed by Facebook, is an absolutely free and open game engine. It is a package of numerous 2D game development tools, allowing game developers to create games of size as small as 1.5 MB. It includes detailed documentation as well as a large support community to resolve any possible errors. It supports various platforms such as iOS, Android, Linux, etc.

2. CryEngine:

CryEngine is also a 'free to use' game engine that offers complete source code and engine features without paying any license charges, royalties, etc. It is most beneficial while creating a life-like environment and characters within the game. Moreover, CryEngine is also ideal for the creation of VR games. Some of the most popular platforms supported by this engine are Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Oculus Rift.

3. Unreal:

Unreal, developed by Epic Games, is widely used in creating countless games such as Gears of War series, the Batman: Arkham series Bioshock series, etc. Unreal offers the opportunity to modify the game entirely, making it uniquely different from others using the same engine. It is free to use for smaller projects, whereas, for larger projects, the developer must pay a royalty after crossing a fixed profit margin.

There are several factors that help estimate the cumulative cost of game development, such as:

1. Platform:

The game development platform significantly impacts the general game development costs. The most common gaming platforms are mobile, web application, consoles, and AR/VR gadgets. The cost of mobile game development varies depending on the platform. For instance, the framework for iOS platforms costs approximately 15 to 20% more than for Android. Games designed for web and mobile platforms require less investment than consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, etc. However, the game's most expensive type is the one developed on VR devices such as Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, or GearVR.

2. Design Aspect:

The designing quality of the game plays a vital role in the game development cost breakdown. The complexity of the levels, gameplay, plot & characters, target users, game environment, etc. determine the estimated cost of development. To create a well-structured game, the game development service providers must know how to develop a great design, complicated control panels, and eliminate any glitches and inconsistencies that may lead to complications in the future. Designing a simple 2D game is much less expensive than creating a multi-level and multi-player 3D game.

3. Location:

The location of game development companies is another important factor in determining the final cost of the product. A company located in a developed country is bound to charge comparatively more than a game development company based in a developing country, without compromising the quality. This discrepancy is due to the difference in the salary slab between these countries.

The average cost of game development is as follows: 

It is vital to thoroughly assess the top game development companies to team up with the ideal partner. To simplify the process of shortlisting game development service providers, scrutinize each participant on the following benchmarks:

1. Expertise:

Most companies have a distinct idea of what kind of game they wish to create. All they require is the best-suited game development company to guide them through the process and deliver exceptional gaming technology. However, to understand which agency is the right fit, clients must assess their previous projects. This will allow an insight into the company's abilities and expertise. Hence, hire the best game developers with specific skill sets and proficiency in using appropriate game development tools and technologies required to build your product.

2. Pricing Model:

Different game development companies offer distinct pricing models. The charges can be per working hour or based on the size and requirements of the project. Whether you opt for a floating price option or a fixed module, it is advisable to sign a Service-Level Agreement (SLA) in order to receive what you have been promised. Moreover, you may request the service provider to maintain a time/material model to analyze the number of hours allocated on specific tasks.

3. Testing:

Testing deals with system lag, coding issues, bugs, malfunctions, and other such issues. It is imperative to employ an efficient testing solution for the game to render a rich gaming experience. Some of the game development service providers include the cost of testing services within the quotation for building the game. Whereas, others may charge separately to ensure the game doesn't have any glitches. This can cause discrepancies in the overall budget. Therefore, before finalizing the deal, analyze whether the game development company offers testing services or not and if yes, then are there any surcharges.

4. Reviews:

In addition to their field expertise, clients must also examine the reviews offered to the game development company by their prior clients. This proffers an overall perception of the agency's operations and service quality. Request the game development companies for references from current and former clients. It is also advisable to explore independent third-party review and rating platforms, such as GoodFirms, to obtain unbiased and genuine customer feedback.

5. Team:

There are several divisions that demand attention from different departments, such as coding, designing, plot and environment development, etc. Ensure that appropriate specialists handle specific tasks to boost the quality of your project. When partnering up with mobile game development companies, it is also essential to judge the company's concepts, values, and other crucial aspects. Assess the LinkedIn profiles of game developers, executives, project managers, etc. to gauge their talent, expertise, and past projects. It is vital to scrutinize the vision and values of the service provider company.

GoodFirms reviewed console and mobile game development companies based on three fundamental evaluation standards, namely, Quality, Reliability, and Ability, which assists service seekers in envisioning and engaging with the right partner for their product. Our research specialists at GoodFirms have scrutinized the service partners' expertise and curated the list, as mentioned above, for the top game development companies. The list is composed only after the meticulous analysis of each participating company on their portfolio, market discernment, expertise, and experience within the field. These game developers are further assessed based on the feedback offered by their former clients.

GoodFirms encourages upcoming as well as established gaming firms to build our catalog. Game development companies can acquire a spot in our Research section by presenting credentials for their achievements.