Development Journal of Broken Attitude Studios

Keeping the Press out of GDC

brokenattitude — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 08:02:59 GMT

Pardon this developer's rant.

I've just returned home from a very eventful Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco. For those reading this unfamiliar with the event, it is pretty much self explantory in the name - it is a conference where large amounts of game developers attend, along with publishers, veterans in the industry, and so on. One of, if not the largest celebrity at this event, was the legendary game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto. Again, for those of you unfamiliar with the name, this is the mastermind behind the Mario and Donkey Kong series, as well as the epic game series known as the Legend of Zelda. Long story short, it was a great priveledge to hear his insights on the industry.

Now, this conference is primarily for game developers, whether the hobbyist in college, the independent developer (like Broken Attitude Studios) or developers working for large companies like EA or Activision. The lectures and panels presented are to give developers insight and new ideas and information. Yet, for some reason, the press always sticks their nose in at this event, looking for a story. Yet, for the gameplayers of the world, there's really not much for them, nor to make a story. Yet, the press for these game websites insist on snooping around and looking for something to report on. Granted, they might be able to do a report on the Game Developer's Choice Awards, but to report on lectures and speeches is simply pointless.

For the record, I won't even give the author of the internet article the honor of having a link to his article here, so you'll have to do without. yet the author, Dan Nicolae Alexa, decided to sit in this speech given by Shigeru Miyamoto, and write a news article about how he was disappointed that there was no major news given by the legendary designer. Maybe this is because it was a speech aimed at DEVELOPERS, not a press release.

Yet, that isn't quite the issue at hand as much as the ignorant statement that Mr. Alexa went on to make: "with E3's shrinkage this year, GDC will have to shoulder some of the burden eventually." To sum it up briefly, E3 is another game industry event, previously a much larger and bolder event, which focused primarily on new releases and press information. Let's clarify something quickly. GDC is about the developers, not about the press, not about the public. To even suggest that GDC will have to change to meet the needs of the press is simply disgusting. If there is such a need or desire for such a large event to replace the now scaled down E3 event, then I suggest that the press collaborate and find a location and choose a date to host a whole NEW event, that focuses on feeding the frantic press. LEAVE GAME DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE ALONE!

I would apologize for the rant, but that wouldn't be very Broken Attitude like.

Prelude to 2007

brokenattitude — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 02:17:44 GMT

This year will prove to be interesting for the industry and for Broken Attitude Studios.

Thus far, it seems like Nintendo's got a hit on their hands with their new system, the Wii, Windows Vista is released, and HD graphics are abound on XBOX 360 and PS3.

As a developer, I am wary about Vista and Direct X 10. Of course, I am always wary when a new operating system is released. Yet, I've been reading articles about how Vista is more "locked down" than previous versions of Windows, which makes me wonder about the limitations on 3rd party software development on Vista.

In a way, I am kinda cheering for Linux development, to make Linux games that dont require tweaking the OS in order to run right. Id like to see a big industry push toards Linux to bring it up to speed, but of course, this is an old tale that many people have hoped for in the past. Yet, maybe its finally Linux's turn?

For BAS, this is a major year, as we are deep in our production phase and are aiming to have Transient Shift completed for later this year. This will be a major feat for us, to have our first completed game released. In the industry, this is the proverbial "foot in the door". Everything after that will get easier, to a degree anyway. Once Transient Shift is released, BAS will be relocating its home base to New Jersey, bringing the first full game development studio to the Garden State. We are excited about this, to be pioneers, in a way, as we bring the game development industry into New Jersey, adding the state to the list of states on the east coast with game development studios.

Needless to say, it will be an interesting year!

When the pros dont think....

brokenattitude — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 23:55:08 GMT

An interesting comment by Bill Gates, according to an article on gamasutra.com:

When asked what he thought of Nintendo’s chances of leading the market Gates again stated, despite previous comments made in Japanese interviews, that Sony is the company’s most direct competitor.

"Nintendo is of course a competitor, he admitted. But look at the resolution you get with a controlled experience like that … If you want to play online, get an Xbox. We’re not standing still. Look at what you saw today [referring to his keynote speech at CES] connecting up the world to the Windows PC. Do you expect Nintendo to rev up a team to create cross-device gaming and tool kits to develop those things?"

....now correct me if Im wrong folks, but the Gamecube had cross-device gaming with the Game Boy Advance, and the Wii has cross-device gaming with the DS.

Sounds like Mr. Gates put his foot in his mouth. Whoops!

Welcome, new readers!

brokenattitude — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:47:27 GMT

We have now linked up our blog to our main website, brokenattitude.com!

For those of you that are new readers, this blog covers everything from development status and news to ideas and opinions about the game industry. Mind you, that the opinions posted here are not the Word of God, so don't go around spewing it like it's Gospel! It happens waaay too much in the online community.

At any rate, things are ramping up nicely for Broken Attitude. Our first title, Transient Shift is reaching its "big push" stage. While we've gone through development on an extremely minimist budget, we have no qualms against negotiating with venture capalists looking to make a profit. =) The extra funds will allow us to wrap up development faster. Either way, the game is getting done, the rest of you will all just have to be patient for the release!

The negative impact of unprofessional information distribution

brokenattitude — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:29:05 GMT

This discussion is in regard to the following article: Click here to read

To sum it up, this business analysis company made a bold statement, saying that 75 million Playstation 3's will besold up by 2010.

They break down their analysis HERE

Basically they back this claim about PS3 sales based on theories that apply to all of the new videogame consoles. The same argument can be used for any of the console systems, it is so broad. The advances in technology, the larger market of players playing games, the use of broadband and wifi technology.

It would seem to the cynical eye, such as my own, that someone within this analysis firm is preventing a fully unbiased report from being distributed. I say this not only as a concerned developer, but as a business professional. Since there are no solid grounds to base this theory of 75 million Playstation 3's to be sold by 2010, this information is misleading.

Perhaps it wouldn't have any merit or concern except for the fact that several internet news sites have picked it up and published it, making its way to the average consumer's eyes. Making these claims might persuade customers to jump on a non-existant bandwagon. Perhaps it might even trick some developers. Yet, at what cost? Better yet, why? What does this analysis company have to gain by the success of the Playstation 3? They seem very secure in boasting the PS3's success in a time where it has sold far less than its two competitors, the XBOX 360 and Nintendo Wii. What is worse is the fact that it still continues to struggle to keep up with the demand, along with the Wii.

In other words, in the real world, there are no facts that point to the dominating success of the Playstation 3. Its capabilities are similar to that of the XBOX 360, minus for the added Blu Ray feature, and its demand is high, but equivalent with that of Nintendo's Wii. Thus, there is no way of determining a "winner" of this generation of consoles, nor will there be for some time now. Yet, what is certain is that the XBOX 360 has a healthy lead both in sales and in the size of its game library compared to its competitors.

At the end of the day, it comes down to bad business ethics. Misleading the public without solid facts and records is simply unprofessional of this analysis company.

quoted

brokenattitude — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 03:24:56 GMT

Gamasutra, one of the core industry websites (gamasutra.com) has quoted Broken Attitude Studios in regards to the new generation of gaming. Scroll to the middle of the page on this link: http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20061117/qotw_04.shtml

or just read here:

I've been watching this generation of consoles closely, and after acquiring as much information as possible, I've decided to purchase a Wii, but not the PS3. As of right now, there's nothing on the launch list for Sony's PS3 that catches my eye as a must-have title. Nintendo, on the other hand, is making a massive statement with releasing two of their "older crowd" franchises at launch, Zelda and Metroid.

As far as acquiring a Wii, I'll just show up at Toys'R Us on Sunday afternoon after the crowd goes away. There was a similar panic when the GameCube was launched, and the Toys'R Us had enough in stock to appease a casual afternoon crowd. Since there are several major retailers within a mile of each other here, (Target, TRU, Walmart, etc), I feel certain that I'll be able to locate one, even after the initial release frenzy clears. SO, while everyone else is waiting online at midnight, I'll be well rested to play all Sunday afternoon. ;)

Randy Wilson, Broken Attitude Studios

Development updates

brokenattitude — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:47:50 GMT

It's been a long time coming, but I finally got around to starting this dev blog up. In here will be posted development progress at Broken Attitude Studios as well as other industry editorials and opinion pieces.

For today, I'd like to address those of you out there who are looking into getting a new videogame console system. Mostly, I'd like to address those of you who want to get a PS3 because of its Blu Ray technology.

As of right now, Blu Ray and HD-DVD are starting a format battle, which I am sure that you know of by now. The PS3 is offering its system, with a Blu Ray player, for $600 US. Microsoft is offering a $200 HD-DVD add on for its Xbox 360. Are these the best solutions? I say no.

Why, you might ask? It's simple. As of right now, there isn't a "must have" for either format, unless you are a home theater geek, and even for them, there's a better option. Many people have missed this article:
http://www.informationweek.com/industries/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=193700216

To sum it up, there are chips being made that will allow for a universal system, which can come out as early as next year. Why dish out money for one format when you can have a system that will play Blu Ray, HD-DVD as well as your current DVDs and other writeable media formats? Its only a year away, and there is only a TINY library of Blu Ray movies available this year. It'd be better to hedge your bets and get one of these universal systems.

It is in my opinion that Sony shot themselves in the foot by forcing Blu Ray onto people through its PS3. All of their production delays are because of the Blu Ray player inside the PS3, which are causing a very limited amount of units for launch. Also, Sony could have put out the PS3 for a much lower price, something in the $300-$400 range if they had a version of the PS3 that didn't have Blu Ray inside it. This would make it be a direct price competition with the other systems, and Sony would have clearly outsold.

A lot of people in the development industry are excited about the Cell technology in the PS3, but are put back by the cost of development for the system as well as the cost to the consumer. A lot of people are willing to pay $300 for a game system these days, but a lot of people are going to sit and wait for major price drops on a system that is $600. The game developers know this, and ultimately, unless people are willing to dish out that kind of cash, or are spoiled kids with rich parents, the number of units sold isnt going to impress these game developers. In turn, this means less games being made for the system.

Now, don't get me wrong, the PS3 games do look great, but do they look $600 great? THis also has to be factored in with the concept that the cost of game development is increasing with this system, which in turn is cost passed down to the customer. games are expected to reach as high as $75, which isn't something we have seen since the days of Nintendo 64 cartridges...and we all know how that turned out for Nintendo. Could the PS3 cause the same fall from power for Sony that Nintendo faced 2 game generations ago? Everyone in the industry says give it 2 years to determine that, so we will watch and wait.

Problem is, in the meantime, Microsoft and Nintendo are opening doors to independent developers like Broken Attitude, making it easy to develop for their systems. With these systems pulling all the new developers in and building good rapport with them, who does that leave for Sony except the standard bigshots like EA, Rockstar, and Activision? How many sequels to Grand Theft Auto before you want to play something new and original?

Sony needs to come down from the cloud its floating on, back down to earth. They might have to get burned by the industry and the fanbase in order to do that, though. A non-Blu Ray PS3 would be a step in the right direction, cheaper development kits for developers and an online distribution method for independent developers would be the security they need to maintain first place.

An introduction

brokenattitude — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 20:41:31 GMT

Greetings. I am the Team Lead of Broken Attitude Studios. Broken Attitude Studios is a new videogame development company working on its first few games. This journal will be used as both personal documentation of the ongoings in our development team as well as a chance for any interested people to get a peek at what goes on in a game developer's life. This can be very useful for anyone who intends to get involved with the game industry.