It's been fun to read the updates on how things were going for you two guys during GDC. I am sure I speak for all of us here when I say that we are anxiously awaiting the finished product.
I haven't really read much about John Romero. I suppose my first known experience with his software was Wolfenstein 3-D. But then, there are probably a few games of his that I have played and just didn't know he created them. I have never owned an Apple 2, but I have always given it a nod in regard to gaming. I wish I could have been present during the quiz. I probably would have learned a lot more about Apple 2 in addition to what I remember from the school days as well as an occasional trip to a friend's house.
Matt - One thing you wrote that really struck me upside the head was the fact that some of the celebrated developers never played games or only played the ones they worked on. How on earth does that work? Wouldn't you figure that someone would at least have some sort of background in the field or at least practice what they do? I suppose I don't really code outside of work, however I do see software evolve and try to incorporate new ideas where I can. In addition to that, I do have a bit of personal pride in the software I write. If there is something wrong with it, then I feel embarrassed. I am not a part of the entertainment industry, but how you can you deliver passion for what you do if you aren't entrenched in it? And on that note, how much *better* might some of these games been had the creators experienced other games firsthand and used these experiences when creating their games? I read something about them not playing games and am forced to ask, "Do they simply see these things as a paycheck?" I believe that videogames, like movies, music, and other entertainment mediums, are capable of having a "soul" in a materialistic sense. It goes beyond just a piece of software - it creates memories in those that play the game. Memories of nostalgia and fun be it during individual gaming sessions or those shared with friends. The combined efforts of the creators of these games are pieced together to create a product. If you are a creator, take some pride in what you do. Creating a game allows you to express yourself and your ideas in a way many others cannot. Consider yourselves lucky you are in the industry, recognize that there are others busting their butts to try to get there, and use the opportunity you have been blessed with to do your best.
Perhaps I have it all wrong. Perhaps these people simply do their best, create masterpieces, and move on. Maybe they are just THAT good. But then it comes back to me and my thoughts - something can always be better than it is. It is for this reason that people constantly try to improve upon existing ideas and create new ones. I am not really a fan of George Lucas in his recent practices regarding film-making. Why keep making changes to your old films? The original versions were fine in the eyes of those entertained by them. Sure you could clean up a few of the effects and fix some matte lines, but why all the extra stuff? Lucas has said something along the lines that all movies are unfinished or projects abandoned because of time and/or money among other things. While I may not agree with the changes he makes, I now have a slightly new perspective about it having read about these game creators that would seem to not care one bit about the industry they are or were involved in. I realize I am jumping to conclusions about the developers, but I suppose I would prefer they have a bit more Lucas in them when it comes to their stuff. Hard to believe I would take the Lucas philosophy here, but these developers seem way too detached from where I would hope their passions lie.
I only ask that they put forth that effort for perfection in the beginning. Don't rely on the release now, patch later philosophy now available to video game consoles. Become a part of your industry, understand it, and bring the passion when it comes to utilizing your creativity.
Hey Matt -
It's been fun to read the updates on how things were going for you two guys during GDC. I am sure I speak for all of us here when I say that we are anxiously awaiting the finished product.
I haven't really read much about John Romero. I suppose my first known experience with his software was Wolfenstein 3-D. But then, there are probably a few games of his that I have played and just didn't know he created them. I have never owned an Apple 2, but I have always given it a nod in regard to gaming. I wish I could have been present during the quiz. I probably would have learned a lot more about Apple 2 in addition to what I remember from the school days as well as an occasional trip to a friend's house.
Matt - One thing you wrote that really struck me upside the head was the fact that some of the celebrated developers never played games or only played the ones they worked on. How on earth does that work? Wouldn't you figure that someone would at least have some sort of background in the field or at least practice what they do? I suppose I don't really code outside of work, however I do see software evolve and try to incorporate new ideas where I can. In addition to that, I do have a bit of personal pride in the software I write. If there is something wrong with it, then I feel embarrassed. I am not a part of the entertainment industry, but how you can you deliver passion for what you do if you aren't entrenched in it? And on that note, how much *better* might some of these games been had the creators experienced other games firsthand and used these experiences when creating their games? I read something about them not playing games and am forced to ask, "Do they simply see these things as a paycheck?" I believe that videogames, like movies, music, and other entertainment mediums, are capable of having a "soul" in a materialistic sense. It goes beyond just a piece of software - it creates memories in those that play the game. Memories of nostalgia and fun be it during individual gaming sessions or those shared with friends. The combined efforts of the creators of these games are pieced together to create a product. If you are a creator, take some pride in what you do. Creating a game allows you to express yourself and your ideas in a way many others cannot. Consider yourselves lucky you are in the industry, recognize that there are others busting their butts to try to get there, and use the opportunity you have been blessed with to do your best.
Perhaps I have it all wrong. Perhaps these people simply do their best, create masterpieces, and move on. Maybe they are just THAT good. But then it comes back to me and my thoughts - something can always be better than it is. It is for this reason that people constantly try to improve upon existing ideas and create new ones. I am not really a fan of George Lucas in his recent practices regarding film-making. Why keep making changes to your old films? The original versions were fine in the eyes of those entertained by them. Sure you could clean up a few of the effects and fix some matte lines, but why all the extra stuff? Lucas has said something along the lines that all movies are unfinished or projects abandoned because of time and/or money among other things. While I may not agree with the changes he makes, I now have a slightly new perspective about it having read about these game creators that would seem to not care one bit about the industry they are or were involved in. I realize I am jumping to conclusions about the developers, but I suppose I would prefer they have a bit more Lucas in them when it comes to their stuff. Hard to believe I would take the Lucas philosophy here, but these developers seem way too detached from where I would hope their passions lie.
I only ask that they put forth that effort for perfection in the beginning. Don't rely on the release now, patch later philosophy now available to video game consoles. Become a part of your industry, understand it, and bring the passion when it comes to utilizing your creativity.