How EA Makes Games

The flow-chart below depicts the process of making a video game. The chart was created by Ashley, a summer 2002 EA Academy intern who is now a full-time Production Assistant.

Each game starts as an idea. Add a commitment to spend money to the idea and you’re on the way toward turning the idea into reality. Students involved in our EA Academy program do not typically play a role at this stage, but it is important to talk to the people who are involved in this process to gain an understanding of this key part of the process.

After the company makes a formal commitment to make a game, designers and producers begin to define the project in the pre-production phase. The game designers create a game Design Doc that specifies gameplay, fiction, characters, and levels. At the same time, producers begin creating a list of tasks, broken down individually and grouped into phases. Within these phases, tasks are ranked by priority and based on their dependence on the completion of other tasks. A schedule is created and resources assigned. EA Academy participants involed in game production can be involved during this stage.

In the next phase, Prototyping, artists and engineers become involved. Tools engineers begin developing software and processes that enable artists and software engineers to work more efficiently and effectively. Software engineers and artists begin transforming the ideas contained within the game Design Doc into a game prototype. EA Academy participants are often involved in this stage. Tools engineers may create a system for the artists to easily review, tweak and insert animations or special effects. Artists create 3D and 2D models and develop textures, maps, and animations. Software engineers code the game mechanics, the story, and the various game engines. Production Assistants coordinate, break down, and prioritize tasks as well as ensure that the project continues to hit its milestones.

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