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What is the technical name for the first prototype with a game mechanics to show to investors?

Discussion in 'Game Design' started by AlanMattano, Aug 21, 2021.

  1. AlanMattano

    AlanMattano

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    Recently find out there is a specific name for the very first internal (prototype) demo that shows the capability and mechanics of the game. That tells you if the game is attractive, fun to play, and worth it. But I do not remember that nomenclature.

    I think I read about a Quake early version.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2021
  2. AcidArrow

    AcidArrow

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    And it's not prototype?

    Vertical Slice?
     
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  3. dgoyette

    dgoyette

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    MVP is another term that gets used, but not so much in game dev. (Minimum Viable Product)
     
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  4. Martin_H

    Martin_H

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    No, vertical slice is a tiny part of the game at (close to?) full production quality as far as I know. Something you'd show to a publisher to get funding etc..

    "Proof of concept" maybe? I think prototype would fit well enough too.
     
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  5. AlanMattano

    AlanMattano

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    Last edited: Aug 21, 2021
  6. AlanMattano

    AlanMattano

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    Probably was PMF Product Market Fit
     
  7. AcidArrow

    AcidArrow

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    Yeah, also I feel like it's a more recent term than the Quake 1 days (at least it being used in relation to games).
     
  8. Ryiah

    Ryiah

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    To be precise a vertical slice is a release of the game where every stage of it has at least some progress. If you visualize the game as a multi-layer cake no matter how wide your slice is you should always see every layer.

    Vertical_slice.png
     
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  9. BennyTan

    BennyTan

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    PoC or proof of concept is a prototype which proves that your product (game) works, eg, your mechanics
    PoV or proof of value, while normally used interchangeably with PoC, is normally 1 step up, and shows the value of the product (is your game fun? desirable? addictive? financially viable)
    MVP or minimally viable product is when you have a version of the product with the minimum required features to go live.
     
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  10. angrypenguin

    angrypenguin

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    An MVP is the smallest version of a project which can be sold as a product. In other words, there's enough of it there and it's of sufficient quality to be sold to customers. In software that usually requires being much further along than a prototype.
     
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  11. BrandyStarbrite

    BrandyStarbrite

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    Early Prototype.

    First prototype.

    First build.
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2021
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