A Beginners Guide to 3D Game Development

3D games are a passion. No matter what age group, region, or culture you belong to, you must have at least once in your life developed a deep fascination with games.

With an estimated $100 billion in indirect revenue, 3D Game Development dates back to the 1980s and is currently valued at over $200 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic benefited the gaming business, which was experiencing exponential growth as young and old players stayed inside and lost themselves in worlds created by independent creators.

Fast forward to 2024, the 3D Game Development market is highly competitive, with numerous key players competing for market share. High-quality video games are in high demand now more than ever because millions play them for endless hours every year on numerous platforms. Yet, there is a huge market share waiting for those who want to dare and test their muscles in developing more engaging and immersive games than ever before.

This guide will cover essential tools, top 3D game development services, and resources you will need to develop the next big 3D game. The goal is to assist you with all key parts of the game development process, including testing, publishing, design, programming, art, animation, and sound. Since there are various sequences for these tools, processes and resources, we will follow what the most 3D game creators worldwide utilize and highly recommend. 

The Market Size Of 3D Game Development

• Global 3D Models market size was valued at USD 1255.8 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 19.04% during the forecast period, reaching USD 3573.08 million by 2028 indicating the huge demand and supply of games worldwide.
• The growing demand for high-quality, immersive gaming experiences drives the 3D Game Development Software market. As technology advances, gamers expect more realistic graphics and engaging gameplay, increasing demand for advanced 3D game development software.
• The high development costs associated with 3D game development software can significantly restrain smaller game developers. The need for skilled professionals and advanced hardware can increase development expenses, limiting the adoption of 3D game development software.
• Throughout the forecast period, it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 19.04% and reach USD 3573.08 million by 2028. 

How to Get Your 3D Game Developed From Scratch?

Starting a journey of creating a 3D game from scratch can be an exciting venture, especially when you have an amazing idea and want to make it a reality. You might be wondering how to start, what tools are available, and how to bring your idea into reality with a big vision. The good news is that you can develop a fully functional 3D game. Here are the steps you need to know how to create from scratch.

Phase 1. Pre-production

The game development process should always start with proper planning, which many companies often need to pay more attention to. It is essential to gather complete information about the requirements for upcoming products, such as technical aspects, specific features, etc. Managers and product owners define the goals and business of the project and create the roadmap outlining the core concept behind it.

This phase includes analyzing the market, competitors, and target audience, choosing a platform, allocating resources and strategies, and calculating risks. Once requirement gathering is complete, a comprehensive Game Design Document is created to proceed with the production stage.

Here is the step-by-step guide to developing a game before jumping into the production phase:

• Choosing the Software

Before diving into the next step, the first step is choosing software that best suits and runs your game where users can handle graphics, physics, and player input. Several 3D game development engines are free. Selecting the best one is a challenging task, where you can face some benefits and pitfalls you must tackle.

• Designing your Game

Once you choose your game engine, move towards the design phase. How does it involve conceptualizing the gameplay, the story, and the game’s character? Sketch down your goal after designing your game. That document will give a blueprint of your ideas of the character’s look and the story of your mind. This document can help you keep track of your progress and focus on your vision.

• Creating Assets

After designing your game, you must create the assets, which include the models, textures, and animations. This can be done by determining how the characters, objects, and buildings look. They can be realistic or cartoon-like.

• Programming Logic

Programming can turn your idea into real life. You will write code that dictates your game’s behavior in response to player input. Most game engines come with their scripting language and support. The most popular languages are C# and Python, which can be used to create games. 

• Testing Game

Testing is a critical part of gaming. You must play your game repeatedly and check the logic you have implemented. It is also a chance to refine your gameplay and ensure a fun and engaging experience. 

Phase 2. Production

This is the major and most labor-intensive phase of 3D game production and is divided into several internal stages.

• Prototyping

Prototyping is the initial stage of production wherein playtests of the main mechanics are built for use in the game. It requires artisans and huge investments to produce a colossal product.

• Game-level design development

This is the crucial stage where the logic of the game levels is developed, which differs for each genre—for example, increasing the difficulty levels of completing a linear quest.

In this level design stage, designers also develop game mechanics, game economy design, plot, and handy details such as hints labeling new mechanics, leading a player through a game, and building transitions between levels.

• Audio design and voice acting

Audio is a vital part of captivating game design. Sound specialists create soundtracks and audio effects for different play situations in this stage. It includes special sound effects to signal danger, victory, defeat, etc.

Based on the game’s concept, some natural sounds are added, like character steps, explosions, water or wind sounds, etc. In case the characters need to be voiced, dialogue, monologue, and individual lines are recorded with the help of voice artists and integrated into the software.

• Coding

Once all the elements in a game are ready, developers write numerous lines of code to combine all the content, often using game engines. The difficulty in this stage is developing a game like a puzzle, not including mutually exclusive mechanics and running without errors and failures. Developers strive to consider all possible technical factors and create a positive user experience.

Phase 3. Quality assurance

After the production job finishes and the game comes in its full shape, it must be tested to ensure it is bug-free and will function without error. No matter how complex a game is, testing for quality assurance is an inevitable process in line with successful game development. 

Even a minor bug can negatively impact the user experience and overall game experience. Mobile game development studios typically perform functional testing, non-functional testing, and Alpha and Beta testing.

• Alpha Testing: This is the final testing stage of a finalized game, during which functionality, performance, compatibility, and other features are tested and all the bugs are fixed.
• Beta Testing: At times, Alpha testing is followed by Beta testing that does not include any technical or software tool. Simulating players do it to find issues that end users may face while playing the game.

Phase 4. Launch

The most awaited stage of game development is the launch. Launching a game means transferring it to stores for players to buy or download. However, the process must be done precisely, considering the particular app store’s important terms and conditions.

Also, even when the game is ready, some errors still exist. Hence, the game development team continues to improve the game in parallel with the launch.

Phase 5. Post-production

The story of a game production doesn’t end with the launch. It requires constant monitoring for fixes and improvements to enrich the user experience. Professionals keep a check on the stability and performance and come with the regular release of updates. A game development company is usually responsible for updating the gameplay content or add-ons and exciting features and mechanics to keep users engaged.

Key Essentials for 3D Game Development

Key Roles and Expertise Involved

Choosing the right game development team can make or break your game project. Before developing a 3D game, one must know some key roles and responsibilities. The 3D game industry appeals to a broad skill set and is continuing to grow, often employing large teams of creative and technical minds throughout production. You need to know some key roles before choosing the right resources to develop your game in 2024.

Game designer

• Crafting fascinating settings and characters is the responsibility of game designers, who are skilled storytellers. 
• A designer creatively and masterfully crafts a game’s idea, objectives, guidelines, and mechanics. While a designer typically performs standard duties in game production, their primary focus should be gameplay and player experience. 
• In translating your game idea to reality, the game designer plays a vital role in designing a game that attracts the user’s focus.
• PuBG, GTA Vice City, and many others are some of the most widely known 3D games that can quickly gain popularity.

 Programmer / Developer

• Programmers are the backbone when creating a game’s user experience. 
• They collaborate closely with game designers, using programming languages like Python and C# to bring vibrant environments and thrilling levels to life. 
• Depending on the size of the team and the requirements, the developer may choose to focus on a particular technical aspect of the game, such as artificial intelligence.

Game Artist

• Artist, environment, and asset design are all under the responsibility of artists when it comes to game visual design.
• They may work closely with programmers to bring their creations to life through code or implement their designs as part of a game development team. 
• Game artists bring the gaming art world to life! By fusing sensory-engaging design components and animation, they collaborate closely with Art Directors, 3D Renderers, and Lead Designers to produce captivating storyboards and vibrant characters.

Typical responsibilities for a game artist consist of:

• Generating a game’s visual aesthetic, designing assets, and creating concept art. This covers a game’s visual design, patterns, and textures.
• They work with the development and design teams to design three-dimensional modeling, create testable visual prototypes, and produce animatics made from storyboards.

Sound Designer

• Sound engineers work on the game sound that breathes life into a game. 
• Imagine playing Angry Bird without sounds. That’s a big No, right? Sound design is what makes a game successful, and that’s exactly what contributed to its huge popularity. 
• This covers voiceover, sound effects, background music, and other audio applications. Sound designers could add their unique artistic perspective to the game.
• Another responsibility of sound engineers is to implement audio assets, which could include the code needed to enable sound in a game. 
• Sound designers are highly skilled individuals adept at experimenting with sound design. They can import sounds or employ sound libraries to include sounds in the game. 
• All the famous games that you have played are known for the amazing and mesmerizing sound that they utilize to keep you engaged.

 Game Animators

• Animators are the brains behind animations that give the characters movement. 
• They frequently collaborate with a group of programmers and designers for that specific game to choose the kind of animations to use. 
• Game animators’ job is to give gamers a thrilling and engaging experience. Characters, backgrounds, game modes, and levels that come to life through animated moves at specific points in the gaming process are just a few of the aspects they must combine. 
• Making everything go well is their responsibility!
• Let’s look at a real-life example of a 3D game that takes gaming into another world.
• If we talk about the most famous game pubg, this game took hype just because of the animations and the game’s levels.

Quality Assurance / Tester

• This phase is the most critical phase of the game development. Before the game is released to the general public, these players test it to look for bugs. 
• They gather information on player behavior and offer game-related quality assurance comments. 
• A game tester’s responsibilities in a game development team may include reporting issues to designers and developers, making design suggestions based on personal experience, and checking the game’s scalability.
• Throughout the development process, testers can collaborate with the committed application team or test a game in its last stages before it’s made available to users. They play a crucial role in video game creation.
• A skilled, well-equipped QA team will ensure your 3D game is bug-free and allows a seamless experience across devices. 

Choosing the Right Game Engine for 3D Game Development

What does it take to bring a potential game idea into a breathing 3D game reality? Is it enough to have the above said team and things will start to get rolling on their own? Certainly not. The second most essential thing in the process of 3D game development is the right tech stack. From complex character designs to stunning environments, tech stack sets the stage for immersive gaming experiences. So, what are the most prominent game engines that you can choose for your dream 3D game project?

Let’s have a look at some of these:

Unreal Engine

• Unreal Engine is one of the most famous and well-liked real-time 3D creative tools available today. With its full feature set and toolkit, you can make gorgeous 3D game designs for various platforms and genres. 
• For more complex programming, you can utilize C++ or Unreal Engine’s visual scripting system, Blueprint, to develop gameplay logic without coding. 
• You can use Unreal Engine for free, both personally and educationally. Still, after your game makes $1 million in revenue in a calendar quarter, you must pay a royalty fee of 5% on the gross income. 
• Fortnite, Rocket League, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Matrix Awakens are the most famous 3D games ever made and are the most popular in the world using Unreal Engine.

Unity

• Another top real-time 3D production tool is Unity, which lets you make interactive 3D games with the collaboration of 3D game developers for the PC, console, mobile, web, VR, and AR.
• Unity features an intuitive user interface and a versatile scripting framework that supports Visual, JavaScript, and C#. Additionally, you may create, animate, light, and render your game scenes using Unity’s built-in tools and assets. 
• The Unity Asset Store and Unity Learn are hubs for the vast and vibrant community of Unity developers who exchange information and resources.
• For individuals and small teams with funding or income under $100,000 annually, Unity is free to use.
• The most famous 3D games made and popular in the gaming world using Unity Engine are Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout and Pokemon Go.

Godot

• An open-source, free game engine that supports the creation of 2D and 3D games on several platforms. 
• Godot’s distinctive scene-based architecture lets you divide your game into parts you can use again. 
• To code your game logic, you can utilize Godot’s visual scripting system or its scripting language, GDScript (similar to Python).
• Additionally, you may take advantage of Godot’s integrated physics, audio, animation, networking, and user interface (UI) features.
• The most famous 3D games made and popular in the gaming world using Godot Engine are Of Life and Land, Ex Zodiac, Resolution, and Halls of Torment.

CryEngine

• CryEngine is an innovative platform for creating 3D games renowned for its lifelike visuals and functionality. It uses C++ for more advanced programming or Schemas, a node-based visual scripting system that develops gameplay logic without coding.
• You can also use CryEngine’s robust level creation, terrain editing, lighting, shading, audio, animation, and physics capabilities.
• The CryEngine Marketplace and Learning Hub offer a wealth of resources, guides, and documentation for CryEngine users. Although CryEngine can be used for free for personal and educational uses, after the first $5,000 in income every quarter, you will have to pay a royalty fee of 5% on your game’s gross revenue.  
• The most famous 3D games ever made and popular in the gaming world using CryEngine are Crysis 3, Sniper Ghost Warrior, and Prey.

The most in-demand 3D Game Genres in 2024

The demand for developing 3D games is ever increasing thanks to a number of different genres. 2024 is the year when you can take advantage of creating a game that fits your upcoming gaming idea. Here are some of the famous game genres.

Shooter

Shooter gaming genre is now dominant in the gaming industry. This is the most popular genre of 3D games right now. This type of game can provide a sense of satisfaction to the players. This genre requires developers to be completely involved and balance gameplay mechanics and visual storytelling, appealing to players’ desire for technical depth.

Call of Duty and Battlefield are the most famous shooter games, and they are played from the high-powered, first-person perspective. These games challenge the developers to innovate within the game, crafting immersive experiences for the players. These games’ users are increasing daily because of their attractive UI UX designs. 

As of 2023, approximately a third of first-person shooter (FPS) gaming audiences in the United States were between 30 and 39 years old, and another 31 percent were 20 to 29. Shooters are one of the most popular 3D gaming genres, and the best-selling Call of Duty series is a prominent example.

Growing up, what were your favorite shooting games? ‍Counter-Strike, Gears of War, and Fortnite are the most famous games made using this genre and gaining popularity in the gaming world.

Fighting

The fighting game genre is always in demand in gaming circles. This genre revolves around close-quarters combat between characters. This genre emphasizes player skills, timing, and strategic understanding of character abilities. Developers in this genre concentrate on developing a game that can balance combat systems. 

The game that can take the breath of the gamers on the internet is WAGMI DEFENSE. Developed by Cubix, it delivers an immersive gameplay set in 3022, as players defend their bases against cyborgs and aliens attempting to drain the earth’s core for the precious element NiFe. With engaging gameplay, unique themes, and innovative mechanics, the game has gained widespread popularity, taking the gaming world by storm.

Fighting games often feature diverse characters with unique fighting styles and special moves. This uniqueness allows players to find a character that matches their playstyle, encouraging them to play in depth and develop an understanding of the game mechanics. 

‍Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat are the most famous games based on the fighting genre that have gained popularity in the gaming world.

Horror

Some of the most popular 3D game genres are horror-based, which promise suspenseful and frightening experiences to the players. This genre often uses a horror atmosphere and gameplay mechanics to create tension and fear in the players. The developers of the horror games genre expertly craft environments that build suspense and often incorporate elements of surprise.

For a successful horror game, you will require an experienced team of developers who can use popular psychological tricks to develop anxiety in the player’s mind. The key to successful horror game development is to maintain a balance between fear and engagement. To make a game like that, players are scared but still motivated to continue the game. If your idea falls into this category, horror could be a good option for you, and you want to develop a 3D Game in 2024, Horror could be a lucrative genre, as the Global market size for horror games in 2023-2024 is expected to be 13.6 million.

‍The most famous games made using the horror genre and gaining popularity in the gaming world are Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Outlast.

Racing

Racing games are another evergreen category in the 3D gaming world. These games offer players the thrill of high-speed competition. Popular 3D games like Need for Speed, Asphalt, and Froza offer a sense of excitement like racing sports, combining elements of speed, skill, and strategy. This genre’s developers focus on creating realistic players and detailed environments. The vehicle handling emulates the experience of real-world racing. This type of game can grab the attention of a broad audience, from casual gamers to arcade-style racers. 

To create a memorable racing game experience, the blend of accessible gameplay with depth vehicle customization and track variety of the vehicle can play a key role. While players are navigating through tight corners in a street race or managing tire wear in a professional circuit, these games capture the essence of racing by offering both immersive experiences and adrenaline-fueled excitement about this genre of 3D gaming. Famous games in this genre have gained much popularity, such as Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, and Mario Kart. 

Another racing game making rounds on the internet is TracK9. Developed by Cubix, this game introduces a new era of play-to-earn gaming with its innovative dog racing experience. 

According to Statista, the total revenue from the racing games market is projected to reach US$1.68 billion in 2022. Total revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2022-2027) of 8.97%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$2.86bn by 2027.

Card game

‍This 3D gaming genre has evolved into a prominent category in recent times. It can offer strategic depth and cognitive development for players interested in mind games. These games often replicate traditional care-playing experiences into digital and innovative new care interactions. A good card game will promise a gaming experience that can generate a gameplay loop, balance card abilities, and ensure a fair yet challenging experience for players. The demand for digital card games can lie in their strategic complexity.

Maintaining and engaging gamers is the key to developing a successful digital card game. This dynamic keeps the game fresh and engaging for new and experienced players. Whether this game is based on traditional cards or new concepts, it can offer an amazing game experience. The most famous games made using the racing genre and gained popularity in the gaming world are Hearthstone, Magic: The Gathering Arena, and GWENT.

According to Statista, The total revenue in the Card Games market is projected to reach US$9.26bn in 2022. This revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2022-2027) of 11.79%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$18.61bn by 2027. The gaming world is evolving, and the number of players in this category is increasing exponentially. If you want to change the world of digital cards and sharpen users’ minds, you can use this category for your project idea.

Latest Trends in 3D Game Development Leading the Gaming Industry

Like any other industry, gaming constantly evolves and adapts to new trends and innovations each year. If you have the resources and an amazing idea and want to invest in a game project that can topple the popularity charts in the adrenaline-pumping gaming era, here is a detailed list of 3D game trends contributing to its growth and development. By staying up-to-date with these trends, you can develop a game ready for the players and markets of the near future. 

Metaverse Gaming

Metaverse, a new world in the making, is attracting users, business owners, and investors globally. Metaverse in gaming refers to an interconnected, virtual, and immersive digital world where players can interact, play together, and socialize to enjoy the game. It is a fusion of online gaming and virtual reality, consisting of games, social platforms, simulations, social interaction, user experience, and virtual environments.

Networking, cloud computing, and AI are advancing Metaverse development. Companies like Meta, Google, Epic Game, The Sandbox, and Improbable heavily invest in Metaverse gaming, acquiring companies and development platforms to support it.

Through Metaverse, players can explore vast, persistent worlds where they have the privilege to create their narratives. They can interconnect different virtual worlds, share assets, and move seamlessly between different experiences, bringing a sense of continuity and freedom. These advancements can be a significant driving force for the Metaverse’s growth.

AR and VR Gaming (VisonOS)

With the advent of VisionOS, the demand for VR/AR-optimized games has surged drastically. visionOS is designed with accessibility in mind for people who want to interact with their device entirely with their eyes, voice, or a combination of both.

The global market for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in gaming has already achieved a whopping revenue of USD 1,210 Million in 2022. It is forecasted to reach the mark of USD 10,110 Million by 2029. The growth is expected to acquire a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.4% between 2023 and 2029.

The development of AR cloud infrastructure will enable persistent, location-based experiences that can be shared with others. VR and AR will facilitate more immersive and natural social interactions within games, allowing friends to meet in virtual spaces or experience shared augmented reality.

NFT Gaming

Blockchain/NFT games are still among the most in-demand games in 2024. NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) grants ownership of in-game assets, allowing players to buy, sell, and trade NFT-based items, characters, skins, costumes, and other collectibles. NFTs also enable the creation of rare and limited-edition in-game items. These tokens allow gamers to earn real-world value from their in-game achievements.

Cross-game and cross-platform interoperability will become more prevalent, allowing players to use their NFT assets across multiple virtual worlds and games. Integrating NFTs into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming experiences will create new opportunities for immersive and interactive gameplay.

AI and ML in Gaming

Generative AI has transformed almost all major sectors, and gaming is no different. In 2024, AI and ML will introduce new dimensions to game creation, playability, and enhancement. They will help generate game content, including levels, maps, and other aspects. AI will analyze players’ behavior and preferences to create personalized gaming experiences, support players in adapting to the difficulty level, recommend in-game content, and tailor storylines to the player’s choices.

In addition, AI and ML will enhance graphics, security, matchmaking, storytelling, and player behavior analysis, offering game developers invaluable insights and tools for crafting immersive and engaging gaming experiences. As the gaming industry embraces these technological advances, players can look forward to a more customized, engaging, and dynamic gaming landscape.

Is outsourcing your 3D Game development a good idea?

Outsourcing the right game development services can benefit companies and individuals looking to develop a game in many ways. These benefits include access to a wider pool of talent, reduced costs, faster project completion, the ability to focus on core business functions, access to the latest tools and technologies, improved quality of game development, increased scalability, flexible resources, reduced time to market, and improved cost-effectiveness. 

• One of the primary benefits of outsourcing game development is that it is far less expensive than recruiting full-time developers. 
• Outsourcing the development of 3D games will deliver more results than recruiting developers directly. Outsourcing businesses for game development is highly effective and will offer high-quality work and 3D Models.  
• Saving time is another great benefit of outsourcing game creation. The jobs will be finished on schedule since game art outsourcing businesses have expertise in the fields and experience with game production.  
• One industry with substantial staff turnover is the gaming sector. If you have staff, they could quit while the game is still being developed, impacting its effectiveness and outcomes. 
• You get to collaborate with the most skilled game developers if you want to provide the greatest games on the market. You may do this when outsourcing game development because you can evaluate several outsourcing businesses.  
• Outsourcing your game boosts your company’s productivity. For one thing, it gives you more time and resources to develop your company. 

Getting Started with Your 3D Game Development

Creating a quality game requires the right game development tools. Game developers can access various tools, including game engines, programming languages, graphics applications, and audio editors. By carefully selecting the appropriate tools and developing their expertise, game developers can increase their output and produce more engaging, high-quality games.

The business of 3D games is surprisingly strong; indie developers around the world are leading the charge. Smaller studios are taking risks and creating unique 3D games to target a market with only a handful of popular games. With a dedicated audience hungry for new innovative 3D  experiences, especially those gaming on mobile devices, if you want to have your 3D game developed, now is the time. 

Cubix is a popular software and game development company with unparalleled success over the past 15+ years. Their success is based on a solid, time-tested process and a diligent and veteran workforce with incredible skills. Cubix’s innovative game developers use out-of-the-box game development strategies, study the future scope of your game idea, and test your idea on with an actual target audience to generate results-driven ideas.

Ready to create the next chart-topping 3D Game title? Choose Cubix’ en-to-end game development services and develop immersive 3D games that captivate players and break revenue goals.