There are two approaches to making a P3 Game:
The first section below lists some tasks that are typically needed to implement a new software-only commercial game on the P3.
The second section below lists some tasks that are typically needed to commercially manufacture a playfield module. A complete game kit will require going through both lists of tasks.
Every project is different. Some tasks might not apply, and other tasks are undoubtedly missing. Feedback with suggestions is always welcome.
Building a non-commercial homebrew involves many of the same tasks. The lists are still a useful guide with the understanding that some tasks are not applicable.
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 a unique differentiator
- identify target market
- project description
- design rules
- modes
- scores
- bonus
- high scores
- combos
- skill shots
- extra balls
- tournament mode
- iterate to make it fun
- business
- incorporation
- budget plan
- accounting
- internal documentation
- subcontractors
- request quotes
- hiring
- producer
- voice actors
- music composer
- sound designer
- graphic artist
- software developer
- testers
- legal contracts, NDAs
- licensing
- determine game license
- buy necessary licenses (Unity, AutoCAD, etc.)
- check licenses for sounds, music, libraries, fonts, images
- abide by licensing terms (license copies, provide credits, copyright notices)
- distribution contract with Multimorphic
- infrastructure
- task database
- source control
- curated document storage
- backups
- release archive
- software
- implement rules
- incorporate sounds
- sound precedence
- light shows (playfield, speaker panel)
- synchronize light shows to music
- topper interaction (if applicable)
- 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
- backbox animations
- background textures
- review
- test Bluetooth/headphones
- test with all supported playfield modules
- create task list for 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, This Week in Pinball)
- Pinside thread
- pinball shows
- rule sheet
- support
- answer queries
- patch releases
- upgrade releases
- design
- create a layout
- 3D CAD model
- playfield 3D model
- dimples
- custom parts
- habitrail jigs
- ball guides
- ramps
- plastics
- business
- request quotes
- hire subcontractors
- procurement
- allocate working space
- software
- module driver
- module definition file
- BallPaths
- module settings (coil strengths, etc.)
- device capabilities
- diagnostics
- AppConfig.json keyboard mapping
- art
- physical art
- playfield surface artwork
- backboard artwork
- playfield module plastics
- side target magnetic art
- slingshot magnetic art
- apron artwork
- cabinet side artwork
- backbox 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 modules for beta testers
- create task list for beta testers
- 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 position y, star washers, etc.)
- bending rigs
- wiring jigs
- build or outsource
- plastics
- magnetic art
- custom parts (ramps, habitrails, mechs, toys, etc.)
- printing the 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.)