Choosing the right game development tools is crucial for creating a successful game. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which tools are the best fit for your game concept, team skills, budget and timeline. Following a structured evaluation process allows you to thoroughly assess different game engines, frameworks, asset stores and other tools based on your specific needs. Taking the time upfront to thoroughly research and evaluate potential options helps avoid costly mistakes down the road. This article provides guidance on best practices for evaluating game dev tools to help you make informed decisions.
Conduct SWOT Analysis
One effective way to start your evaluation process is by performing a SWOT analysis on the major game dev tools you are considering. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. For each tool, make a list under these four categories based on your research and first impressions—click the link for a more in-depth look at how to do a SWOT analysis.
Strengths may include aspects like large developer community, beginner-friendly documentation, cross-platform publishing, affordable licensing model, etc. Weaknesses can be high learning curve, lack of desired features, poor technical support, etc. Opportunities are potential benefits like expanding to new platforms or audiences, integrating with other tools, future development roadmap. Threats look at risks like dependence on proprietary technology, uncertain company viability, community dissatisfaction.
Creating a SWOT analysis forces you to take a broad, objective view of each tool’s pros and cons relative to your project. Comparing the SWOT lists side-by-side highlights the key trade-offs between different options.
Assess Features and Functionality
The next step is to dive deeper into the specific features and functionality provided by each toolset. Start by creating a must-have features list based on your core gameplay, art style, monetisation approach and other requirements. Then thoroughly review the documentation and user guides to confirm which tools support those key features out of the box versus requiring plugins, asset store purchases, or custom scripting.
Some functionality like 3D physics, multiplayer networking, artificial intelligence, visual scripting, etc., may necessitate using the engine’s built-in systems versus bolt-on solutions. Factor in the level of control, flexibility, documentation and community support provided for essential systems. Also, evaluate if the editor and workflows are optimised for your game type and team skills.
Evaluate Performance and Output
Performance should be evaluated from two angles: runtime efficiency of published games and development environment responsiveness. Look for performance metrics and profiles from sample projects similar to your target game. Test promising tools with prototypes to better understand optimisation techniques and overheads.
Additionally, assess the quality level and optimisation of built-in pipelines for rendering, animations, audio, physics, etc. Review multiple published games to verify expected output meets your standards, fits design vision and works well across target platforms. Testing early with prototypes highlights performance issues and opportunities for improvement.
Consider Your Ongoing Costs
One of the most important considerations is understanding the full ongoing costs associated with each tool option. Some engines charge monthly or annual licencing fees while others take revenue share from published games. Factor in pricing models for additional tools like asset stores, analytics and backend services.
For open-source tools, consider estimated costs of technical support and customisation. Weigh the cost of ownership against projected budgets and potential revenue to determine viability. Get pricing commitments in writing to inform decisions and budgeting. Develop cost models to compare total expenditures over the course of development and post launch.
Assess the Developer Community
The size, activity level and supportiveness of a game engine’s developer community has a major influence on its suitability. Search forums, Stack Overflow, Reddit and other channels to gauge community health for each option. Consider the availability of tutorials, documentation, plugins and assets when evaluating community resources.
Ideally, the community should have some established studios actively using the technology you are evaluating. Reach out to teams with shipping games for candid feedback on benefits versus pain points they’ve experienced. With a thriving developer community, you are much more likely to get questions answered and find solutions when issues arise.
Selecting the right game development tools requires thorough evaluation across a range of factors from features to community support. Conducting structured assessments using techniques like SWOT analysis, prototyping, cost modelling and community review allows you to make fully informed decisions aligned with your game’s specific needs. Taking the time upfront to thoroughly evaluate game engines, frameworks and other tools pays off through smoother development and higher quality games.
