A game tailored to your organization

Step 1:

Define the need, target, objectives and budget

The first step aims to establish the specifications:

• the context and needs of the structure?
• Who will the game be aimed at?
• What specific objectives should be achieved?
• Which game format should you choose?
• What environment of use? In the company, at employees' premises, in training workshops, etc.

And of course, what budget is planned for this project?

Each situation is unique and it is important, before launching the project, to take the time to talk with the project leaders and identify everything that is relevant to know in order to fully understand the needs of the company.

Step 2:

The creation of the game concept

Once the specifications have been established, the Topla team will work on two major axes to establish its proposal for a game concept:

• Game design : This concerns the entire design of a game. It is the art and science of creating the rules, structure, content, and overall experience of the game. Game design covers several elements:
• Game mechanics : rules, objectives, obstacles, etc.
• Narration and context : the scenario, the characters, the game universe.
• User experience (UX) : how the player navigates the game, the interface, the pace.
• Levels : design and progression of levels or challenges.

• Gameplay : This refers to the experience the player has when interacting with the game, what they do, what they feel, and how they interact. Gameplay includes:
• Interactions : how the player uses the controls, available actions (attacking, solving puzzles, etc.).
• The sensations : the pleasure of playing, the tension, the satisfaction, the immersion.
• Game loops : The repetitive actions and systems that make the game engaging (e.g., collecting items, upgrading skills, etc.).

It is the playability of the game that is evaluated, its fluidity and its fun nature.

Graphic design ideas are also discussed: the illustration of a game contributes to its effectiveness and the pleasure of playing it. So it's time to think about the style you're considering.

Step 3:

Technical study and feasibility

This step consists of verifying that the game is technically feasible and that its production will meet the established criteria such as the budget, the deadline for completing the project, eco-responsible or social objectives, etc.

Very beautiful game ideas on paper can turn out to be (too) complex to implement.

Concretely, the number of cards, the size of the box, the other elements (counters, dice, boards, etc.), the sourcing influence the feasibility, the timing and the budget.

This is the time to take stock with the sponsor and present to him:

• the concept of the game and its mechanics
• technical study and feasibility
• the graphic tracks envisaged

When the entire file is validated, we move on to the next step!

Step 4:

Content creation

It is time to start creating the game content. This involves writing the texts for the cards, the board, the rules of the game, all the documents accompanying the players and the game. Time is dedicated to educational engineering, which aims to check the overall coherence and whether the content meets the set objectives.

On the illustration side, a first selection of illustrators is drawn up from our database and a shortlist is then established after consulting all the members of the Topla team associated with the project. A call for tenders is then launched to the finalists so that they can develop their creative proposal. Only one will be retained at the end of this identification and selection process.

The sponsor is associated with the final validation of the illustrator.

The illustration part can then begin! It can take up to several months if there are a lot of cards to illustrate.

Topla Artistic Direction is involved to ensure the overall consistency of the design.

Step 5:

The prototype

There is no obligation to produce a prototype, as this process is costly and time-consuming.

If the sponsor has established it in its prerequisites, because it is necessary for example for its internal validation process, the prototype is then part of the development of the "serious game" and it is produced by a specialist.

If the prototype is not essential, we make a simple model of the game to have a better idea of ​​the final rendering.

The prototype or model will also be used to carry out tests in game situations, to see what can be improved in the gameplay or game design, etc.

We then enter the last stage, that of finalizing the game.

Step 6:

Tests, finalization, manufacturing

Creating a game involves doing a lot of testing throughout the project to continuously improve the design, accessibility, rules, playability, etc.

The final tests will validate all of the game's content, its illustration and its suitability for the set objectives.

Then, all game files go to the Graphics stage for a specialist to transform them into printing and manufacturing documents.

When the files are ready, the calibration with the factory takes several weeks because everything must be extremely precise and validated before establishing the BAT (Bon A Tirer).

The game can then be launched into production, a new step lasting a few weeks to a few months.

Then you have to plan the delivery of the game and its reception on the logistics platform.

The game is finally in your hands!

The entire process took 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the project.

A wonderful and rewarding adventure shared between all members of the project team: sponsor and members of the Topla team.