Week 3 Review

Amanda Torres

Prof. Charlie Williams III

IS - Texture and Lighting

3/8/2014

"Game Developers Reflect on a Changed Console Landscape" By Christian Nutt

               During the last generation of console, many new discoveries, advances and methods arose to meet high standards and expectations of the next generation. During this began a certain trend in the market; where big games became larger productions while mid-tier games went all but extinct. We also witness a rise in independent studios which seemed more than capable of keeping up with big block buster titles. What all of these advances and changes in the industry arising, many have begun to wonder; what next?

               A major trend that began arising was the importance of self-determination, where developers and independent designers began to find success without much support of publishers. A major reason for this is because designers are seeking more flexibility and freedom over their creations. Therefore by creating independent teams, they are able to experiment far more and take risks. It is predicted that both triple A titles and small indie games will be able to thrive on next gen consoles. Because of this some designers expect middle ground games to make a return as well.  The most important aspect though will be product methods.

               Production has become more proficient and polished, with large scale games being produced without having the hire hundreds of people to produce one title. Studios are beginning to restructure how they form their teams just to be able to make their methods better each time. With bigger teams come bigger risks, because although more ideas and features can be put into a game; more people on that team are depending on that title being a success.