In this module, we will cover the essential steps to build and publish your game using Unity. This includes configuring build settings, creating builds for different platforms, and understanding the publishing process. By the end of this module, you will be able to confidently prepare your game for release.

  1. Configuring Build Settings

1.1 Accessing Build Settings

To access the Build Settings in Unity:

  1. Go to File > Build Settings....
  2. The Build Settings window will appear.

1.2 Selecting the Platform

In the Build Settings window:

  1. Choose the platform you want to build for (e.g., PC, Mac & Linux Standalone, iOS, Android).
  2. Click on the Switch Platform button to change the target platform.

1.3 Configuring Player Settings

  1. Click on the Player Settings... button in the Build Settings window.
  2. The Inspector window will display various settings:
    • Company Name: The name of your company or organization.
    • Product Name: The name of your game.
    • Default Icon: The icon for your game.
    • Resolution and Presentation: Settings for screen resolution, fullscreen mode, etc.
    • Other Settings: Includes API compatibility level, scripting backend, etc.

1.4 Example: Configuring for Windows

1. Select `PC, Mac & Linux Standalone` in the Build Settings window.
2. Click `Switch Platform`.
3. In Player Settings, set:
   - Company Name: "MyCompany"
   - Product Name: "MyGame"
   - Default Icon: (Upload your game icon)
   - Resolution and Presentation: Set the default screen width and height.
   - Other Settings: Ensure the API compatibility level is set to `.NET 4.x`.

  1. Creating a Build

2.1 Building for Desktop (Windows)

  1. In the Build Settings window, ensure PC, Mac & Linux Standalone is selected.
  2. Click Build.
  3. Choose a location to save the build and click Select Folder.
  4. Unity will create the build in the specified folder.

2.2 Building for Mobile (Android)

  1. In the Build Settings window, select Android.
  2. Click Switch Platform.
  3. Ensure you have the Android SDK and JDK installed.
  4. Click Build.
  5. Choose a location to save the APK file and click Select Folder.
  6. Unity will create the APK file in the specified folder.

2.3 Example: Building for Windows

1. Open Build Settings.
2. Select `PC, Mac & Linux Standalone`.
3. Click `Build`.
4. Choose a folder named `MyGameBuild` and click `Select Folder`.
5. Unity will generate the build in the `MyGameBuild` folder.

  1. Publishing Your Game

3.1 Preparing for Distribution

Before publishing, ensure:

  1. Your game is thoroughly tested.
  2. All assets and scripts are optimized.
  3. You have created a marketing plan.

3.2 Publishing on Steam

  1. Create a Steamworks account and set up your game.
  2. Follow Steam's guidelines for uploading your game build.
  3. Configure store page settings, pricing, and release date.
  4. Submit your game for review.

3.3 Publishing on Google Play Store

  1. Create a Google Play Developer account.
  2. Prepare your APK file and ensure it meets Google Play's requirements.
  3. Upload the APK file to the Google Play Console.
  4. Fill in the store listing details, including title, description, and screenshots.
  5. Set pricing and distribution options.
  6. Submit your app for review.

3.4 Example: Publishing on Google Play Store

1. Create a Google Play Developer account.
2. Open the Google Play Console and create a new application.
3. Upload your APK file.
4. Fill in the store listing details:
   - Title: "MyGame"
   - Short Description: "An exciting adventure game."
   - Full Description: "Explore a vast world and complete challenging quests."
   - Screenshots: Upload relevant screenshots.
5. Set the pricing and distribution options.
6. Submit your app for review.

  1. Summary

In this module, we covered the essential steps to build and publish your game using Unity. We learned how to configure build settings, create builds for different platforms, and understand the publishing process. By following these steps, you can confidently prepare your game for release on various platforms.

Next, we will explore cross-platform development to ensure your game reaches a wider audience.

© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved