There are two approaches to make a P3 Game:
The first section below lists the tasks that are typically needed to implement a new software only commercial game on the P3.
The second section below lists the tasks that are typically needed to commercially manufacture a playfield module.
A complete game kit will require going through both lists of tasks.
Of course, every project is different. Some tasks might not apply and other tasks are undoubtedly missing. I welcome suggestions to improve this document.
Building a non-commercial homebrew involves many of the same tasks. The lists are still a useful guide with the understanding that non-applicable tasks can be skipped.
Many thanks to Nick Baldridge who contributed many of these items when chronicling the development of the Drained module in this pinside thread.
- concept
- choose a theme
- find unique differentiator
- project description
- design rules
- modes
- scores
- bonus
- high scores
- combos
- extra balls
- tournament mode
- iterate to make it fun
- business
- incorporation
- budget plan
- accounting
- internal documentation
- subcontractors
- request for quotes
- hiring
- producer
- voice actors
- music composer
- sound designer
- graphical artist
- software developer
- testers
- subcontracts
- licensing
- determine game license
- buy necessary licenses (Unity, Fusion, etc.)
- check licenses for sounds, music, libs, fonts, images
- abide by licensing terms (copy license, give credits, list copyrights)
- distribution contract with Multimorphic
- infrastructure
- task database
- source control
- curated document storage
- backups
- release archive
- software
- implement rules
- incorporate sounds
- sound precedence
- lightshows (playfield, speaker panel)
- synchronize lightshows to music
- topper interaction (if applicable)
- twitch integration
- stuck balls/ball search
- score balance
- game settings
- game audits
- save/restore game progress
- comprehensive logging
- QA testing
- bug fixing
- art
- audio
- sound effects
- music
- callouts
- callout script
- callout recording/directing
- callout editing
- remastering (volume adjustment)
- digital art
- launcher media
- animation storyboards
- attract animations (playfield + backglass)
- playfield screen displays (score/ball in play, inserts)
- playfield screen animations
- back box animations
- background textures
- review
- test Bluetooth/headphones
- test with all supported playfield modules
- create beta testers task list
- ship to beta testers
- beta testing
- Multimorphic review
- redesign based on feedback
- release
- release build
- publish release
- marketing
- promotional trinkets
- photo shoot
- promo video
- P3 store brief
- flyer
- dedicated website
- reveal stream
- podcast interviews
- pinball site articles (pinballnews.com, thisweekinpinball.com)
- pinside thread
- pinball shows
- rule sheet
- support
- answer enquiries
- patch releases
- upgrade releases
- design
- create a layout
- 3D CAD model
- playfield 3D model
- dimples
- custom parts
- habitrail jigs
- ball guides
- ramps
- plastics
- business
- asking for quotes
- hire subcontractors
- procurement
- allocate working space
- software
- module driver
- module definition file
- ballpaths
- module settings (coils strength, etc.)
- device capabilities
- diagnostics
- AppConfig.json keyboard mapping
- art
- physical art
- playfield surface artwork
- backboard artwork
- playfield module plastics
- side target plastics with habitrail cutouts
- slingshot plastics
- apron artwork
- cabinet side artwork
- back box side artwork
- speaker panel artwork
- backboard connection diagram
- module stickers and warnings
- hardware
- whitewood
- CNC playfield
- add inserts
- make custom parts
- populate playfield
- wire harness
- testing
- shot geometry
- air balls
- stuck balls
- mechs
- iterate to make it fun
- sample playfield
- CNC playfield
- add inserts
- make custom parts
- apply artwork
- populate playfield
- sample plastics
- photos and documentation for assembly
- wiring diagram
- retest
- redesign for BOM
- optimize for repairability
- optimize for production
- review
- build beta tester modules
- create beta testers task list
- ship sample module to beta testers
- Multimorphic hardware review
- incorporate feedback
- test module agnostic games
- test durability
- documentation
- owner’s manual
- manufacturing
- BOM
- buy sheet
- physical build instructions (use post x in pos y, star washers, etc…)
- bending rigs
- wiring jig
- build or out source
- plastics
- custom parts (ramps, habitrails, mechs, toys, etc.)
- printing playfield and backboard
- clear coating
- module assembly
- cabinet+backbox side panels
- print owner’s manual
- design packaging protection
- packaging (box + foam + shipping protectors)
- support
- answer queries
- software patches
- spare parts store
- Auxiliary products (topper, mini-game, etc.)