Game Innovation by the Bedroom Coder

scriptedfun writes "The BBC reports on how bedroom coders might regain their place in the game development world by providing the industry 'an injection of imagination.' Microsoft's XNA Game Studio Express (covered previously on Slashdot) is given a special mention, but the article points out that 'the concept behind XNA is nothing new,' citing Sony's Net Yaroze as another example. With user-generated content fueling innovation in many aspects of technology, current initiatives by the major players to provide easy access to game development tools may just redefine the face of next-gen gaming. Peter Molyneux, creator of Populous, says: 'It's 100% down to the passion that people have, and the ability to perhaps bring in other people, maybe from all around the world on the internet, and create something.'"

Comments

XNA is sitffling ?

[jfclavette]

What the hell... Except the fact that it is limited to Managed code, there's nothing stiffling about XNA. The only thing it does is provide you with a Game class you derive from, and the Start()/Update()/Draw()/End() methods. The other components, including even the Graphics component, are entirely optional, and if you find them 'stiffling', just don't use them. The architecture for a 'we need to suit all kind of games' product is very good.

Case in Point: The GP2X is *Hot* ..

[torpor]

.. because of the bedroom coders. Such a platform wouldn't have survived - and done as well as it has - without bedroom coders.

The major platform/console mfr's need to recognize this. Hopefully we'll see them do so in the near future..

The GRAPHICS!!!

[DoktorSeven]

TFA:
"Peter Molyneux from Lionhead Studios says: 'I was lucky. I could start with a friend and we just worked on this crazy idea called Populous and that's where we came from.

'Those days, unfortunately, have gone.

'What we created was amateurish to be honest with you, if you compare it to today. What we are dealing with today are not only fantastic game designs, but amazing quality visuals. '"

"Amateurish"? Populous? I would much rather play Populous than Black & White or his other new "pretty graphics" game any day of the week. Populous may look simple, but there is a great game under there, and to me, that is NOT "amateurish." Just because a game doesn't have the latest 3d gee-whiz, two billion polygons, real-time lighting, and perfectly rendered pubic hair does not make it "amateurish."

Game developers, as well as gamers, need to figure out that good games *can* look like they did in the old days, even today, and still be fun. I don't play a game for the pretty graphics, I play it for the gameplay.

mmorpg over hybrid p2p...

[kbonin]

There's plenty of private groups doing neat things...

<plug>

I run a small group, some of us game industry veterans, creating a MMO system over p2p. Cross platform front end w/ CgFX shaders over OpenGL or DirectX (= portable to next gen consoles), back end is hybrid of p2p with very few database and certificate authorities, all secured by very strong crypto. User content, fully scriptable (Lua now, Java soon, C++ if core group signs it), art paths for Max and Milkshape. Network includes IM, social network, bt based content and file exchange, voice chat, and micropayments with gateways back into traditional credit card processors. Plan to release as free for non-commercial use, most source will be opened (later.) And all development funded by the developers, who are tired of knowing how to do something really cool, and watching it destroyed by our previous employers (Accolade, EA, OnLive, and others...) We're getting ready to go public with demo, could use a few more experienced game coders, really need artists, but figure demo will attract all we need. :) email kerry at vscape.com if interested...

</plug>

Bedroom programmers?

[brkello]

I don't really know if anyone other than my girl friend would want to play the games I come up with in my bedroom. It is generally designed for 1-2 players (theoretically it could be more, but that might destroy multiplayer in general, making it single player for awhile). The best part is, everyone wins and you get some good exercise in as well.