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Game Development 2

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Luke Dicken
Luke Dicken

The document discusses the various roles involved in game development. It notes that while developers are important, game development requires a team with different specialized roles including designers, artists, producers, testers, and others to support the business operations. It emphasizes that most game development work is done by teams rather than individuals, and that many developers take on multiple roles over the course of their careers.

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GameDev 2 Our Role in Development
Who’s Your Favourite Dev? 2
Who’s Your Favourite Dev? 3
Who’s Your Favourite Dev? 4
Who’s Your Favourite Dev? 5
Reality Check 6
Reality Check 7
Reality Check • 99.9% of the industry are unloved, uncelebrated and under appreciated. 7
Reality Check • 99.9% of the industry are unloved, uncelebrated and under appreciated. • Geek equivalent of Hollywood in this respect. 7
Reality Check • 99.9% of the industry are unloved, uncelebrated and under appreciated. • Geek equivalent of Hollywood in this respect. • Welcome aboard! 7
What is GameDev? 8
What is GameDev? • We talked last session about how we could think about games differently in order to better define what we wanted to make. 8
What is GameDev? • We talked last session about how we could think about games differently in order to better define what we wanted to make. • This session, we’re going to do the same for the development process 8
GameDev Myths 9
GameDev Myths • With few exceptions, game development is not a one-man process. 9
GameDev Myths • With few exceptions, game development is not a one-man process. • Ideas are the easy part, executing them is much harder. 9
GameDev Myths • With few exceptions, game development is not a one-man process. • Ideas are the easy part, executing them is much harder. • Nobody starts out as Will Wright.You have to work your way up to the top. 9
GameDev Teams 10
GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. 10
GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game 10
GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game • Small teams might work on iOS games 10
GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game • Small teams might work on iOS games • You won’t make a AAA blockbuster without some serious manpower to make it happen 10
GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game • Small teams might work on iOS games • You won’t make a AAA blockbuster without some serious manpower to make it happen • A team has to be made of different types of people 10
GameDev Teams 11
GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers 11
GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers 11
GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers 11
GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers ‣ Developers 11
GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers ‣ Developers ‣ Artists 11
GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers ‣ Developers ‣ Artists ‣ Quality Assurance 11
Developers 12
Developers • The people who make the game happen 12
Developers • The people who make the game happen • These are the guys who need to be able to code everything that is going to take place 12
Developers • The people who make the game happen • These are the guys who need to be able to code everything that is going to take place • Often forget that Game Development is bigger than Game Developers 12
Advanced Developers 13
Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers 13
Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers ‣ AI, Graphics, Networking, Gameplay, Audio 13
Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers ‣ AI, Graphics, Networking, Gameplay, Audio • Also a range of non-obvious specialisation 13
Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers ‣ AI, Graphics, Networking, Gameplay, Audio • Also a range of non-obvious specialisation ‣ E.g. Tools developer 13
Designers 14
Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. 14
Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. • Tend to deal more in concepts than nuts and bolts of implementation 14
Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. • Tend to deal more in concepts than nuts and bolts of implementation • Designers are often not tied to a specific medium 14
Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. • Tend to deal more in concepts than nuts and bolts of implementation • Designers are often not tied to a specific medium ‣ A good game designer can create a board game or a computer game 14
Advanced Designer Classes 15
Advanced Designer Classes • Many different specialist options for designers 15
Advanced Designer Classes • Many different specialist options for designers ‣ Interface Designer, Narrative Designer, Level Designer, Combat Designer etc. 15
Artists 16
Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. 16
Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? 16
Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? • So much of the game is displayed visually to the player that art 16
Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? • So much of the game is displayed visually to the player that art • Artists set the tone for your game 16
Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? • So much of the game is displayed visually to the player that art • Artists set the tone for your game • Good (or stylistic) art can make or break a game 16
Advanced Artists 17
Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project 17
Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists 17
Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists 17
Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller 17
Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller ‣ Animator 17
Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller ‣ Animator ‣ Audio (not strictly art but related) 17
Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller ‣ Animator ‣ Audio (not strictly art but related) • Very different skills required for each of these. 17
“Programmer Art” 18
“Programmer Art” • Programmer Art is a special type of art created by programmers 18
“Programmer Art” • Programmer Art is a special type of art created by programmers • Generally it is used as a placeholder so that the programmer can move things around and test code 18
“Programmer Art” • Programmer Art is a special type of art created by programmers • Generally it is used as a placeholder so that the programmer can move things around and test code • Do NOT get attached to placeholder art you made 18
QA Testers 19
QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable 19
QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop 19
QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them 19
QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them ‣ Retesting when a fix is applied 19
QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them ‣ Retesting when a fix is applied • Testing is a really really soul destroying gig 19
QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them ‣ Retesting when a fix is applied • Testing is a really really soul destroying gig ‣ http://trenchescomic.com/ 19
Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing 20
Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. 20
Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. ‣ Try odd things, ensure it doesn’t break under certain conditions etc 20
Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. ‣ Try odd things, ensure it doesn’t break under certain conditions etc • You can can also test to try to get the balance right and make sure people perceive the game the way that you do. 20
Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. ‣ Try odd things, ensure it doesn’t break under certain conditions etc • You can can also test to try to get the balance right and make sure people perceive the game the way that you do. ‣ Easy on a months/years long project to lose objectivity 20
QA as a Break-In Gig 21
QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start 21
QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start • Once you’re working for the company, you’ll get promoted to a position on the development team 21
QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start • Once you’re working for the company, you’ll get promoted to a position on the development team ‣ .....right? 21
QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start • Once you’re working for the company, you’ll get promoted to a position on the development team ‣ .....right? • It’s not unheard of, but it’s by no means guaranteed 21
Producer 22
Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas 22
Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team 22
Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of 22
Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of ‣ Manager 22
Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of ‣ Manager ‣ Fixer 22
Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of ‣ Manager ‣ Fixer ‣ Mum 22
Corporate Roles 23
Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it 23
Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it ‣ Not just accounting/payroll - marketing, community management etc. 23
Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it ‣ Not just accounting/payroll - marketing, community management etc. • Within a large corporate environment you don’t need to be so aware of these 23
Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it ‣ Not just accounting/payroll - marketing, community management etc. • Within a large corporate environment you don’t need to be so aware of these ‣ Smaller teams will have to fill them from the gamedevs 23
Multiclassing 24
Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev 24
Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already 24
Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge 24
Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas 24
Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas ‣ Helps you understand the problems others will face 24
Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas ‣ Helps you understand the problems others will face ‣ How best to structure your own work to make life easy 24
Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas ‣ Helps you understand the problems others will face ‣ How best to structure your own work to make life easy • Particularly true for Producers and corporate roles 24
Me 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles • I often find myself in a Production-esque role 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles • I often find myself in a Production-esque role ‣ Such as now, facilitating you guys 25
Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles • I often find myself in a Production-esque role ‣ Such as now, facilitating you guys • Class - Programmer/Producer (hint of Design) 25
Will Wright 26
Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city 26
Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City 26
Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit 26
Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit • Each game draws inspiration from science and life 26
Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit • Each game draws inspiration from science and life ‣ “The world is incredibly compelling, if presented the right way” 26
Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit • Each game draws inspiration from science and life ‣ “The world is incredibly compelling, if presented the right way” • Class - Designer (Producer/Programmer) 26
Peter Molyneux 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre • Credited as a programmer one time since 1994 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre • Credited as a programmer one time since 1994 ‣ Black and White, 2001 27
Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre • Credited as a programmer one time since 1994 ‣ Black and White, 2001 • Class - Designer/Programmer 27
The Dark Side 28
The Role of the Publisher 29
The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role 29
The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role ‣ Getting your product out to people 29
The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role ‣ Getting your product out to people • Essentially Publishers are investors and business partners 29
The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role ‣ Getting your product out to people • Essentially Publishers are investors and business partners ‣ You’re selling the promise of sales in the future for investment upfront and access to publisher resources like marketing 29
Self-Publishing 30
Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible 30
Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience 30
Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience ‣ Still require the middle-men, but much less invasive 30
Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience ‣ Still require the middle-men, but much less invasive • Minecraft proved it’s still possible to distribute without middle-men, just a website 30
Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience ‣ Still require the middle-men, but much less invasive • Minecraft proved it’s still possible to distribute without middle-men, just a website ‣ Probably the exception not the rule 30
Funding 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure - Need reputation or something to generate confidence 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure - Need reputation or something to generate confidence ‣ Paid beta e.g. Minecraft 31
Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure - Need reputation or something to generate confidence ‣ Paid beta e.g. Minecraft - Confidence still an issue 31
Summary (Today) 32
Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process 32
Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process • We’ve discussed the kinds of roles that you will end up working with and what they bring to the table 32
Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process • We’ve discussed the kinds of roles that you will end up working with and what they bring to the table • Talked about blending roles, mixing skillsets to create “multiclass” Game Developers 32
Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process • We’ve discussed the kinds of roles that you will end up working with and what they bring to the table • Talked about blending roles, mixing skillsets to create “multiclass” Game Developers • Touched briefly on the role of publishers 32
Summary (So Far) 33
Summary (So Far) • We now can talk about what kinds of games we are going to be making 33
Summary (So Far) • We now can talk about what kinds of games we are going to be making • We can also talk about what kinds of roles we’d like to take on 33
Summary (So Far) • We now can talk about what kinds of games we are going to be making • We can also talk about what kinds of roles we’d like to take on • We’re better equipped to start thinking about making games and dealing with the issues that will come up 33
Admin 34
Admin • No meeting for at least 2 weeks due to GDC 34
Admin • No meeting for at least 2 weeks due to GDC • Provisionally, next meeting 19th March 34
Admin • No meeting for at least 2 weeks due to GDC • Provisionally, next meeting 19th March • Hopefully that one will finally be hands-on! 34

More Related Content

Game Development 2

  • 1. GameDev 2 Our Role in Development
  • 8. Reality Check • 99.9% of the industry are unloved, uncelebrated and under appreciated. 7
  • 9. Reality Check • 99.9% of the industry are unloved, uncelebrated and under appreciated. • Geek equivalent of Hollywood in this respect. 7
  • 10. Reality Check • 99.9% of the industry are unloved, uncelebrated and under appreciated. • Geek equivalent of Hollywood in this respect. • Welcome aboard! 7
  • 12. What is GameDev? • We talked last session about how we could think about games differently in order to better define what we wanted to make. 8
  • 13. What is GameDev? • We talked last session about how we could think about games differently in order to better define what we wanted to make. • This session, we’re going to do the same for the development process 8
  • 15. GameDev Myths • With few exceptions, game development is not a one-man process. 9
  • 16. GameDev Myths • With few exceptions, game development is not a one-man process. • Ideas are the easy part, executing them is much harder. 9
  • 17. GameDev Myths • With few exceptions, game development is not a one-man process. • Ideas are the easy part, executing them is much harder. • Nobody starts out as Will Wright.You have to work your way up to the top. 9
  • 19. GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. 10
  • 20. GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game 10
  • 21. GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game • Small teams might work on iOS games 10
  • 22. GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game • Small teams might work on iOS games • You won’t make a AAA blockbuster without some serious manpower to make it happen 10
  • 23. GameDev Teams • Games are made by teams. • Different sizes of team create different types of game • Small teams might work on iOS games • You won’t make a AAA blockbuster without some serious manpower to make it happen • A team has to be made of different types of people 10
  • 25. GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers 11
  • 26. GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers 11
  • 27. GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers 11
  • 28. GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers ‣ Developers 11
  • 29. GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers ‣ Developers ‣ Artists 11
  • 30. GameDev Teams • Broadly there are five primary classes for Game Developers ‣ Producers ‣ Designers ‣ Developers ‣ Artists ‣ Quality Assurance 11
  • 32. Developers • The people who make the game happen 12
  • 33. Developers • The people who make the game happen • These are the guys who need to be able to code everything that is going to take place 12
  • 34. Developers • The people who make the game happen • These are the guys who need to be able to code everything that is going to take place • Often forget that Game Development is bigger than Game Developers 12
  • 36. Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers 13
  • 37. Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers ‣ AI, Graphics, Networking, Gameplay, Audio 13
  • 38. Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers ‣ AI, Graphics, Networking, Gameplay, Audio • Also a range of non-obvious specialisation 13
  • 39. Advanced Developers • Lots of specialisation options for developers ‣ AI, Graphics, Networking, Gameplay, Audio • Also a range of non-obvious specialisation ‣ E.g. Tools developer 13
  • 41. Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. 14
  • 42. Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. • Tend to deal more in concepts than nuts and bolts of implementation 14
  • 43. Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. • Tend to deal more in concepts than nuts and bolts of implementation • Designers are often not tied to a specific medium 14
  • 44. Designers • Designers are broadly the people who specify how the game is played. • Tend to deal more in concepts than nuts and bolts of implementation • Designers are often not tied to a specific medium ‣ A good game designer can create a board game or a computer game 14
  • 45. Advanced Designer Classes 15
  • 46. Advanced Designer Classes • Many different specialist options for designers 15
  • 47. Advanced Designer Classes • Many different specialist options for designers ‣ Interface Designer, Narrative Designer, Level Designer, Combat Designer etc. 15
  • 49. Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. 16
  • 50. Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? 16
  • 51. Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? • So much of the game is displayed visually to the player that art 16
  • 52. Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? • So much of the game is displayed visually to the player that art • Artists set the tone for your game 16
  • 53. Artists • As Computer Scientists its easy to overlook the contribution of artists. ‣ After all, what’s important is how A and B interact not what they look like? • So much of the game is displayed visually to the player that art • Artists set the tone for your game • Good (or stylistic) art can make or break a game 16
  • 55. Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project 17
  • 56. Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists 17
  • 57. Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists 17
  • 58. Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller 17
  • 59. Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller ‣ Animator 17
  • 60. Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller ‣ Animator ‣ Audio (not strictly art but related) 17
  • 61. Advanced Artists • Many many different types of artist might be required to work on a project ‣ Concept artists ‣ Texture artists ‣ 3D Modeller ‣ Animator ‣ Audio (not strictly art but related) • Very different skills required for each of these. 17
  • 63. “Programmer Art” • Programmer Art is a special type of art created by programmers 18
  • 64. “Programmer Art” • Programmer Art is a special type of art created by programmers • Generally it is used as a placeholder so that the programmer can move things around and test code 18
  • 65. “Programmer Art” • Programmer Art is a special type of art created by programmers • Generally it is used as a placeholder so that the programmer can move things around and test code • Do NOT get attached to placeholder art you made 18
  • 67. QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable 19
  • 68. QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop 19
  • 69. QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them 19
  • 70. QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them ‣ Retesting when a fix is applied 19
  • 71. QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them ‣ Retesting when a fix is applied • Testing is a really really soul destroying gig 19
  • 72. QA Testers • When you have a game that is playable, it’s time to bring in the testers to see if it actually is playable • Testers will be playing the game non-stop ‣ Finding issues and reporting them ‣ Retesting when a fix is applied • Testing is a really really soul destroying gig ‣ http://trenchescomic.com/ 19
  • 73. Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing 20
  • 74. Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. 20
  • 75. Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. ‣ Try odd things, ensure it doesn’t break under certain conditions etc 20
  • 76. Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. ‣ Try odd things, ensure it doesn’t break under certain conditions etc • You can can also test to try to get the balance right and make sure people perceive the game the way that you do. 20
  • 77. Bug-hunting vs Focus Testing • You can test to try to work all the kinks out of a game. ‣ Try odd things, ensure it doesn’t break under certain conditions etc • You can can also test to try to get the balance right and make sure people perceive the game the way that you do. ‣ Easy on a months/years long project to lose objectivity 20
  • 78. QA as a Break-In Gig 21
  • 79. QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start 21
  • 80. QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start • Once you’re working for the company, you’ll get promoted to a position on the development team 21
  • 81. QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start • Once you’re working for the company, you’ll get promoted to a position on the development team ‣ .....right? 21
  • 82. QA as a Break-In Gig • QA is often seen as a great place to start • Once you’re working for the company, you’ll get promoted to a position on the development team ‣ .....right? • It’s not unheard of, but it’s by no means guaranteed 21
  • 84. Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas 22
  • 85. Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team 22
  • 86. Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of 22
  • 87. Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of ‣ Manager 22
  • 88. Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of ‣ Manager ‣ Fixer 22
  • 89. Producer • Producer is a bit of a nebulous term that encapsulates a lot of ideas • Producers are not necessarily team managers, but they do manage the team • Think of Producers as a combination of ‣ Manager ‣ Fixer ‣ Mum 22
  • 91. Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it 23
  • 92. Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it ‣ Not just accounting/payroll - marketing, community management etc. 23
  • 93. Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it ‣ Not just accounting/payroll - marketing, community management etc. • Within a large corporate environment you don’t need to be so aware of these 23
  • 94. Corporate Roles • Lots of ancillary roles as part of a business that aren’t strictly part of gamedev but support it ‣ Not just accounting/payroll - marketing, community management etc. • Within a large corporate environment you don’t need to be so aware of these ‣ Smaller teams will have to fill them from the gamedevs 23
  • 96. Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev 24
  • 97. Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already 24
  • 98. Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge 24
  • 99. Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas 24
  • 100. Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas ‣ Helps you understand the problems others will face 24
  • 101. Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas ‣ Helps you understand the problems others will face ‣ How best to structure your own work to make life easy 24
  • 102. Multiclassing • It’s totally valid to be a multi-class gamedev • Some specific terms exist for this already ‣ Technical Artist - Artist with programming knowledge • Often helps for you to have some experience in multiple areas ‣ Helps you understand the problems others will face ‣ How best to structure your own work to make life easy • Particularly true for Producers and corporate roles 24
  • 103. Me 25
  • 104. Me • My background is in scientific AI 25
  • 105. Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years 25
  • 106. Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects 25
  • 107. Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer 25
  • 108. Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles 25
  • 109. Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles • I often find myself in a Production-esque role 25
  • 110. Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles • I often find myself in a Production-esque role ‣ Such as now, facilitating you guys 25
  • 111. Me • My background is in scientific AI • Transitioned to games in the past few years • Right now I’m working on several projects ‣ Bubble - AI and Gameplay Programmer ‣ Robot Overlord Games - All roles • I often find myself in a Production-esque role ‣ Such as now, facilitating you guys • Class - Programmer/Producer (hint of Design) 25
  • 113. Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city 26
  • 114. Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City 26
  • 115. Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit 26
  • 116. Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit • Each game draws inspiration from science and life 26
  • 117. Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit • Each game draws inspiration from science and life ‣ “The world is incredibly compelling, if presented the right way” 26
  • 118. Will Wright • First game (Raid on Bungeling Bay, 1984) contained a relatively accurate (for the time) simulation of a city • Level editor for that became the basis for Sim City ‣ Intended as something that would appeal to urban planners, not expected to be a smash hit • Each game draws inspiration from science and life ‣ “The world is incredibly compelling, if presented the right way” • Class - Designer (Producer/Programmer) 26
  • 120. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) 27
  • 121. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd 27
  • 122. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas 27
  • 123. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS 27
  • 124. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre 27
  • 125. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre • Credited as a programmer one time since 1994 27
  • 126. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre • Credited as a programmer one time since 1994 ‣ Black and White, 2001 27
  • 127. Peter Molyneux • First game bombed (Entrepreneur, 1984) • Left the industry to set up Taurus Impex Ltd • By chance Commodore offered him free Amigas ‣ Actually thought they were dealing with TORUS • Went on to invent the God genre • Credited as a programmer one time since 1994 ‣ Black and White, 2001 • Class - Designer/Programmer 27
  • 129. The Role of the Publisher 29
  • 130. The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role 29
  • 131. The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role ‣ Getting your product out to people 29
  • 132. The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role ‣ Getting your product out to people • Essentially Publishers are investors and business partners 29
  • 133. The Role of the Publisher • 10 years ago, publishers filled an important and necessary role ‣ Getting your product out to people • Essentially Publishers are investors and business partners ‣ You’re selling the promise of sales in the future for investment upfront and access to publisher resources like marketing 29
  • 135. Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible 30
  • 136. Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience 30
  • 137. Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience ‣ Still require the middle-men, but much less invasive 30
  • 138. Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience ‣ Still require the middle-men, but much less invasive • Minecraft proved it’s still possible to distribute without middle-men, just a website 30
  • 139. Self-Publishing • In the current climate, self-publishing is plausible • Mobile marketplaces, XBLIG and Steam make it easy to distribute to target audience ‣ Still require the middle-men, but much less invasive • Minecraft proved it’s still possible to distribute without middle-men, just a website ‣ Probably the exception not the rule 30
  • 141. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment 31
  • 142. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? 31
  • 143. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? 31
  • 144. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available 31
  • 145. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure 31
  • 146. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure - Need reputation or something to generate confidence 31
  • 147. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure - Need reputation or something to generate confidence ‣ Paid beta e.g. Minecraft 31
  • 148. Funding • If you’re self-publishing you lose upfront investment • Can you support development of the game? ‣ Do you need to, or is it just a part-time effort? • New options becoming available ‣ Crowdsourced funding e.g. Doublefine Adventure - Need reputation or something to generate confidence ‣ Paid beta e.g. Minecraft - Confidence still an issue 31
  • 150. Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process 32
  • 151. Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process • We’ve discussed the kinds of roles that you will end up working with and what they bring to the table 32
  • 152. Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process • We’ve discussed the kinds of roles that you will end up working with and what they bring to the table • Talked about blending roles, mixing skillsets to create “multiclass” Game Developers 32
  • 153. Summary (Today) • Today we’ve talked more about where you as an individual fit into the development process • We’ve discussed the kinds of roles that you will end up working with and what they bring to the table • Talked about blending roles, mixing skillsets to create “multiclass” Game Developers • Touched briefly on the role of publishers 32
  • 155. Summary (So Far) • We now can talk about what kinds of games we are going to be making 33
  • 156. Summary (So Far) • We now can talk about what kinds of games we are going to be making • We can also talk about what kinds of roles we’d like to take on 33
  • 157. Summary (So Far) • We now can talk about what kinds of games we are going to be making • We can also talk about what kinds of roles we’d like to take on • We’re better equipped to start thinking about making games and dealing with the issues that will come up 33
  • 159. Admin • No meeting for at least 2 weeks due to GDC 34
  • 160. Admin • No meeting for at least 2 weeks due to GDC • Provisionally, next meeting 19th March 34
  • 161. Admin • No meeting for at least 2 weeks due to GDC • Provisionally, next meeting 19th March • Hopefully that one will finally be hands-on! 34

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