Real Development Results From Arcade Game Projects
Since November 2023, we've delivered 47 completed game projects ranging from arcade shooters to AI opponent systems. Here's what those projects achieved.
Return to HomeDevelopment Outcomes Across Project Types
Gameplay Quality
Arcade shooter mechanics achieving consistent 60 FPS performance across target platforms, with responsive input handling averaging 16ms latency.
- ✓ Weapon feedback systems tested satisfactory by development teams
- ✓ Movement controls refined through prototype iteration
- ✓ Visual effect systems optimized for mobile platforms
AI Opponent Systems
Behavior systems providing appropriate challenge progression across difficulty levels, with decision-making cycles running efficiently within frame budgets.
- ✓ Difficulty scaling systems calibrated through testing
- ✓ Pathfinding algorithms optimized for performance
- ✓ Behavior trees documented for future modification
Outsourcing Management
Development partnerships coordinated with Polish and Ukrainian studios, handling art production, additional programming, and quality assurance.
- ✓ Communication protocols established for timezone differences
- ✓ Quality standards maintained through review processes
- ✓ Budget alignment achieved through clear specifications
Development Metrics From Completed Projects
Since November 2023
Average project duration
Within original estimates
Active relationships
What These Numbers Represent
These metrics reflect our development pattern over 14 months of operation. The 47 completed projects include arcade shooters, AI opponent systems, and outsourcing coordination arrangements for various development teams.
The 8-12 week timeline represents typical project duration from initial prototype to final delivery. Smaller AI integration projects complete faster, while full arcade game development with custom mechanics takes longer within this range.
On-time delivery at 92% reflects our fixed-price project structure. Clear scope definition during initial consultation prevents timeline expansion. The remaining 8% involved scope changes requested by clients during development.
Development Approach Applied to Real Projects
Mobile Space Shooter Development
Challenge
Independent developer needed arcade shooter mechanics optimized for mobile touch controls. Previous prototype felt unresponsive and lacked satisfying weapon feedback.
Approach
We prototyped three different control schemes within the first week. Touch-and-drag movement won testing against virtual joystick alternatives. Weapon system received visual and audio feedback updates through five iterations.
Outcome
Delivered playable build maintaining 60 FPS on mid-range Android devices. Control system tested favorably with developer's focus group. Project completed in 9 weeks.
Racing Game AI Implementation
Challenge
Studio needed AI opponents for racing game that provided competitive challenge without frustrating players. Existing pathfinding system caused erratic driving behavior.
Approach
We implemented waypoint-based racing line system with difficulty adjustment affecting acceleration and cornering speed. AI mistakes calibrated to create close races without perfect driving.
Outcome
AI opponents completing races within 5-10% of player times across difficulty levels. Behavior system documented for future track additions. Delivered in 7 weeks.
Art Production Partnership
Challenge
Western studio needed 2D art assets for arcade game but lacked internal capacity. Previous offshore attempts resulted in style inconsistency and communication difficulties.
Approach
We coordinated with Ukrainian art studio experienced in arcade game aesthetics. Established review schedule with example references and style guidelines. Handled communication in English and Polish.
Outcome
150+ game assets delivered meeting style requirements. Partnership continued for three additional asset batches. Client reported 40% cost savings versus Western rates.
Arcade Brawler Polish Phase
Challenge
Development team had functional prototype but combat lacked impact. Hits felt weak and enemy feedback was unclear. Release deadline approaching.
Approach
We focused on feedback systems: screen shake on heavy attacks, enhanced hit pause, particle effects for impacts. Enemy stagger animations revised for clarity. Sound effects integrated with visual feedback.
Outcome
Combat feel improved significantly according to team's playtesting. Polish changes completed in 6 weeks. Game released on schedule with positive player feedback on combat responsiveness.
Typical Project Development Pattern
Weeks 1-2: Prototype & Core Mechanics
First playable prototype delivered within week one. Core gameplay loop established and tested. Initial feedback gathered on feel and responsiveness. Major design decisions finalized based on prototype testing.
Weeks 3-6: Feature Development
Additional mechanics and systems implemented. Regular playable builds provided for ongoing testing. Performance optimization begins. Assets integrated as they become available. Mid-project review conducted to confirm direction.
Weeks 7-10: Polish & Refinement
Gameplay feel refinement through testing iteration. Visual and audio feedback enhanced. Performance targets achieved across target platforms. Bug fixing and edge case handling. Integration testing with existing codebase if applicable.
Weeks 11-12: Delivery & Documentation
Final build delivered with complete source code. Technical documentation provided covering architecture and systems. Integration guide prepared for handoff. Post-delivery support consultation if needed.
This pattern applies to typical arcade game development projects. AI opponent systems follow similar structure with shorter duration. Outsourcing coordination operates on monthly cycles rather than project-based timelines.
Beyond Initial Delivery
Project completion represents the beginning rather than the end for many development partnerships. Games built with our mechanics serve as foundation for ongoing development by client teams.
Several clients from early 2024 have returned for additional projects. The arcade shooter mechanics we developed in February were adapted by the client team for two sequel projects. The AI opponent system delivered in January received updates for additional game modes by the studio's internal developers.
Outsourcing coordination relationships established during initial projects typically continue on monthly retainer basis. Studios find value in maintaining the communication bridge and quality oversight for ongoing art production and testing needs.
Code Longevity
We deliver documented, maintainable code that client teams can modify and extend. Several projects from six months ago continue active development by client programmers using our foundation.
Relationship Continuity
About 35% of completed projects lead to follow-up work within six months. This ranges from additional features to entirely new projects using similar development approach.
Why Development Results Hold Up
Clean Code Architecture
We write code that other developers can understand and modify. Architecture decisions favor clarity over cleverness. Comments explain the reasoning behind non-obvious choices.
This matters because most projects eventually need modifications. Client teams can add features, adjust balance, or integrate systems without complete rewrites. Code that makes sense six months later saves significant development time.
Performance Foundations
We optimize for target platforms during development rather than hoping to fix performance later. Frame budgets guide implementation decisions from prototyping forward.
Games built on solid performance foundations handle additional content without degradation. Studios adding levels, enemies, or effects to our systems typically maintain target frame rates because headroom was planned from the start.
Documentation That Actually Helps
We provide technical documentation covering system architecture, integration points, and modification guidance. This includes examples of common changes and where to implement them.
Good documentation reduces the time new developers need to understand existing systems. Several clients have successfully onboarded team members to projects we delivered months prior, using our documentation as primary reference.
Practical Partnership Structures
For outsourcing coordination, we establish sustainable working relationships rather than one-off transactions. Clear communication protocols and quality standards create predictable outcomes.
Studios maintaining these relationships report consistent quality and reliable timelines across multiple projects. The coordination overhead decreases as working patterns become established.
Proven Game Development Results in Eastern European Market
Basilwind has completed 47 game development projects since November 2023, specializing in arcade game mechanics, AI opponent systems, and Eastern European outsourcing coordination. Our Warsaw-based studio serves independent developers and established studios requiring focused development support.
Our arcade game development produces responsive shooter mechanics optimized for mobile and desktop platforms. Projects achieve consistent 60 FPS performance through early optimization and careful frame budget management. Weapon feedback systems and control schemes undergo prototype testing before full implementation.
AI opponent development focuses on behavior systems that provide appropriate challenge without frustrating players. We implement difficulty scaling, pathfinding optimization, and decision-making systems that run efficiently within game engine constraints. Documentation enables client teams to modify AI behavior for future content.
Eastern European outsourcing coordination connects Western studios with Polish and Ukrainian development talent. We handle communication, quality oversight, and schedule management for art production, programming, and quality assurance partnerships. Cost savings typically reach 30-40% compared to Western European rates while maintaining quality standards.
Our fixed-price project structure provides clear deliverables and timelines. The 8-12 week development window applies to typical arcade game and AI projects. Outsourcing coordination operates on monthly retainer basis for ongoing relationships.
Development results reflect practical execution rather than ambitious promises. Games built on our mechanics serve as foundation for client teams' ongoing development. Code architecture and documentation enable modification and extension by other developers.
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