First let me say that I agree with your position for the most part. However, when we were developing Millennium Four: The Right back in 95-96, we ran into a problem that we were an unknown house with some commercial game dev experience, a killer idea, and no game engine. The only way we were able to get a publishing contract was by developing that 500 page design document; it was faster to do that than it was to put an engine together that showed our vision. It cost us 4 months, but allowed us to work for the next 14 months on the game.
Unfortunately, our project got cancelled just as the game got interesting. Our publisher started going through hard times and cancelled a number of projects (I believe ours was one of about 15 that were cancelled), and we couldn't find alternative funding in time to keep going.
"Focused hard work is the real key to success. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. If you aren't sure which way to do something, do it both ways and see which works better." Wise words, but only doable with the resources to back you up. In today's AAA-class game development business environment, only the well-funded can survive.
Bravo, and well said. There is so much more to a university education than just the chosen major. It's also a social experience, which I suspect this person would benefit from as well.
Slashdot Mirror
John,
First let me say that I agree with your position for the most part. However, when we were developing Millennium Four: The Right back in 95-96, we ran into a problem that we were an unknown house with some commercial game dev experience, a killer idea, and no game engine. The only way we were able to get a publishing contract was by developing that 500 page design document; it was faster to do that than it was to put an engine together that showed our vision. It cost us 4 months, but allowed us to work for the next 14 months on the game.
Unfortunately, our project got cancelled just as the game got interesting. Our publisher started going through hard times and cancelled a number of projects (I believe ours was one of about 15 that were cancelled), and we couldn't find alternative funding in time to keep going.
"Focused hard work is the real key to success. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. If you aren't sure which way to do something, do it both ways and see which works better." Wise words, but only doable with the resources to back you up. In today's AAA-class game development business environment, only the well-funded can survive.
Rick
Bravo, and well said. There is so much more to a university education than just the chosen major. It's also a social experience, which I suspect this person would benefit from as well.