When developing a new game, speed and efficiency are often the keys to success. At Melior Games, we have honed a tried-and-true method for producing Proof of Concepts (PoC) for our customers in a timely and economical manner. This helps validate ideas, impress investors, and avoid wasting resources on untested projects. This stage is essential to the development process, and here’s how we go about it.
🎯 Why PoC is Important
Before investing time, money, and energy into full-scale development, PoC serves three important functions.
- Idea Validation: PoC shows that a game idea is both feasible and interesting.
- Showcase for Investors: A simple, game-like prototype speaks louder than a presentation when it comes to pitching to investors or publishers.
- Resource Optimization: Creating a PoC helps avoid costly mistakes by allowing early changes to be made based on real-world data.
Instead of starting from scratch to create a full-fledged game, we focus only on the core that proves the concept.
Let’s look at a couple of examples to make the idea of PoC more concrete.
🧪 Example 1: Physics Puzzle Game
Imagine a game with realistic physics where players use various objects to guide a ball into a goal. Instead of creating full levels, menus, or visual polish, the PoC would include:
- A sandbox
- A basic drag-and-drop mechanic
- A few simple objects (e.g., ramps, springs)
- Basic physics interactions
This PoC will demonstrate whether utilising physics to solve puzzles is enjoyable and effective. If testers like experimenting with a small number of mechanics, then full development is approved.
🧪 Example 2: Multiplayer Team Shooter
Let’s say we need to develop a tactical team shooter with unique character abilities. A PoC might include:
- A small map
- Two characters with different strengths
- Local or online multiplayer (enough to show team gameplay)
- 3D models and placeholder effects
We can test mobility, shooting mechanics, ability synergies, and the main loop’s pacing using this proof of concept, even with very few images. If it seems balanced and interesting, it’s a good indication to proceed.
⚙️ How we do it at Melior Games
To quickly and cheaply create game PoCs, we follow a streamlined development process designed for speed and clarity.
1. Create a skeleton of the game
Start with the game’s fundamentals; remove any extraneous elements or diversions. Included in the skeleton are:
- Scene setup
- Player input logic
- Key mechanics (e.g. movement, shooting, building, etc.)
- Simple test environment
The goal is to see the core game cycle in action as early as possible.
2. Focus Only on Core Functionality
We strip everything down to the essentials. A PoC is not a demo, trailer, or MVP—it’s just the raw, working proof that the game idea functions and has potential.
We avoid:
- Menus and settings
- Monetization systems
- Polished UI or full game flow
Instead, we concentrate on answering the question: “Is this gameplay fun and viable?”
3. Use placeholders
Design is important, but it is not a priority at this stage. We often use:
- Test graphics
- Placeholder animation
- Simple effects
As necessary, we will incorporate enough graphic components to establish a tone or mood. But once more, functionality is the main focus, not a form.
💰 Cost and timeline
At Melior Games, we can usually create a game PoC within:
- 4-5 weeks
- A modest budget tailored to each client’s needs
Because of this, it’s perfect for independent devs, early-stage businesses, and studios exploring several ideas at once.
📈 Result
Upon completion of the PoC project, our clients receive:
- A functional prototype that illustrates the main concept
- A game prototype that they can use in investor meetings or user testing
- A solid foundation for moving to an MVP or full production
Ready to bring your idea to life?
If you have a game idea that excites you, but you’re not ready to dive into full development, we’re here to help. Melior Games transforms your idea into a quick and affordable proof of concept so you may proceed with assurance.
👉 Contact us today to start building your PoC!
