So what exactly does 'Pre-production' actually mean?

[Tokenn77]

I have my own idea of what it means, but I could be wrong [probably am]. Can anybody 'in the know' explain what it really means?

Please note I am _not_ asking for speculation...I'm looking for facts, not guesses or 'I heard from somebody who knows somebody that knows somebody...'

 

[Bartinga2077]

"So what exactly does 'Pre-production' actually mean?"​

"In video game development, pre-production is the initial planning phase where core concepts are created and initial design documents are written. It's the stage where the team defines the game's scope, determines its core mechanics, visual style, and overall direction. This phase is crucial for setting a strong foundation for the entire development journey.

Financing will generally be confirmed and many of the key elements such as principal cast members, director, and cinematographer are set. By the end of pre-production, the screenplay is usually finalized and satisfactory to all the financiers and other stakeholders.

During pre-production, the script is broken down into individual scenes with storyboards and all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects, and visual effects are identified.

An extremely detailed shooting schedule is produced and arrangements are made for the necessary elements to be available to the film-makers at the appropriate times. Sets are constructed, the crew is hired, financial arrangements are put in place and a start date for the beginning of principal photography is set.

At some point in pre-production, there will be a read-through of the script which is usually attended by all cast members with speaking parts, the director, all heads of departments, financiers, producers, and publicists."

 

[Spockprime]

Pre-production is the stuff that takes place before post-pre-production. Meaning, that I have no idea. But in the case of CP2, whatever it is takes nearly 100 people, so it's more than just roughing out some ideas.

I suspect, and am likely wrong, that it's not really a definitive technical term in this case. It's probably just the term that CDPR is using for the wide range of activities taking place for CP2, until TW4 is released, or close to being released.

 

[LeKill3rFou]

Please note I am _not_ asking for speculation...I'm looking for facts, not guesses or 'I heard from somebody who knows somebody that knows somebody...'

Well, so no idea because it could differ from a studio to another...
Knowing that, unless someone from CDPR answer directly to your question, you will never know for sure

One thing we can fairly assume, it's they will prepare everything or most of things required for the moment the game will enter in full blown production... One example, it's not when hundreds devs will start working on the game that they will have to worry if the tools are ready and working.

 

[Neuronin]

One thing you can be certain about is that this game won't be released in at least five years, most likely six. So don't hold your breath.

 

[Spockprime]

One thing you can be certain about is that this game won't be released in at least five years, most likely six. So don't hold your breath.

Just a wild guess, but I'd say a minimum of two years after TW4, maybe three. Even if they could get it ready to go before then, I can't see it happening if for no other reason than to not impede whatever future DLC they have planned for TW4. So, 2029 at the earliest; more likely 2030-31.

 

[Tokenn77]

"So what exactly does 'Pre-production' actually mean?"​

"In video game development, pre-production is the initial planning phase where core concepts are created and initial design documents are written. It's the stage where the team defines the game's scope, determines its core mechanics, visual style, and overall direction. This phase is crucial for setting a strong foundation for the entire development journey.

Okay...that's a lot more than I thought. It's astonishing how much work goes into creating a new game. TBH, I would have though at least some of this would have been covered by the 'Conceptual stage' but there's probably no hard dividing line between them. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Bartinga2077]

TBH, I would have though at least some of this would have been covered by the 'Conceptual stage' but there's probably no hard dividing line between them.

"Differences Conceptual stage & Pre-production stage"

"In video game development, the conceptual stage lays the groundwork for the entire project, focusing on initial brainstorming and defining the core concept of the game.

Pre-production, on the other hand, fleshes out those concepts into more detailed plans, including prototyping and technical feasibility checks.

Conceptual Stage:
Involves initial brainstorming and generating ideas for the game's theme, genre, mechanics, and overall experience.
Focuses on creating a high-level vision and a core concept document.
May involve preliminary sketches and visual explorations.

Pre-production Stage:
Takes the initial concepts and expands them into more detailed plans.
Includes creating a game design document (GDD), which outlines the game's mechanics, rules, and narrative.
Involves prototyping, where key elements like gameplay loops, character interactions, and UI are tested.
Determines technical aspects like the game engine, platforms, and target audience.
Also includes budgeting, scheduling, and team building.

Key Differences:

Scope:
Conceptual stage focuses on the big picture, while pre-production dives deeper into specifics.

Level of Detail:
The conceptual stage is more abstract, while pre-production involves concrete plans and prototypes.

Team Size:
The conceptual stage may involve a small team, while pre-production typically involves more specialized roles like concept artists, programmers, and designers.

Purpose:
The conceptual stage establishes the foundation, while pre-production sets the stage for the main development phase."

 

[ElmoPelle]

Here is a question. Since it takes place to Night City, will they re-use original Night City assets or are they gonna make a new ones from scratch. I guess we will never know

 

[LeKill3rFou]

I guess we will never know

Maybe we will. I guess, modders will be able to "dive" into the game files after the release and see if everything was "re-created" or if they re-used some stuff

 

[northwold]

"So what exactly does 'Pre-production' actually mean?"​

"In video game development, pre-production is the initial planning phase where core concepts are created and initial design documents are written. It's the stage where the team defines the game's scope, determines its core mechanics, visual style, and overall direction. This phase is crucial for setting a strong foundation for the entire development journey.

Financing will generally be confirmed and many of the key elements such as principal cast members, director, and cinematographer are set. By the end of pre-production, the screenplay is usually finalized and satisfactory to all the financiers and other stakeholders.

During pre-production, the script is broken down into individual scenes with storyboards and all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects, and visual effects are identified.

An extremely detailed shooting schedule is produced and arrangements are made for the necessary elements to be available to the film-makers at the appropriate times. Sets are constructed, the crew is hired, financial arrangements are put in place and a start date for the beginning of principal photography is set.

At some point in pre-production, there will be a read-through of the script which is usually attended by all cast members with speaking parts, the director, all heads of departments, financiers, producers, and publicists."

Careful I think whatever ai you used for this has cobbled together completely different concepts from games and film!

 

[Bartinga2077]

Careful I think whatever ai you used for this has cobbled together completely different concepts from games and film!

Noticed that too, but I've crossed checked it with the answer of another very trustworthy source, and it turned out correct.

 

[Tokenn77]

Here is a question. Since it takes place to Night City, will they re-use original Night City assets or are they gonna make a new ones from scratch. I guess we will never know

Well, Night City will have to be recreated with UE5, but my thinking is that CDPR will reuse a lot of the design work and make additions to extend the original city layout. There are thousands of locked doors, unused partially created areas, building floors, offices, etc. as well as big stretches of space that beg to be filled with...whatever. I once spent a couple of hours searching the north side of the NID where there are literally a mere handful of game locations, yet expansive waterworks and fenced off areas with _nothing_ ...yet. And isn't that what we're told when we hit the edge of the game map...that 'there's nothing out here for us...yet'...?

Of course, I could be dead wrong in thinking that Cyberpunk 2 will even take place in Night City, but I do think there's tons of potential to blend the familiar with the new...TBH I think it would be great fun to discover and explore the changes from the 2077 game.

 

[jeancastex]

Of course, I could be dead wrong in thinking that Cyberpunk 2 will even take place in Night City

It will, Mike Pondsmith talk about it: Night City + another city insprired by Chicago.
Is it really a full city? Or maybe we just have access to a small district of it, like dogtown ? we don't know.
Night CIty could be a "hub" that lead us to smaller locations (the Moon, Crystal palace, "Chicago", etc ...).

 

[Bios1987]

I think it simply means: WOW. (For those who say the passage of time or time itself means nothing.)