Starting Out Ambitious?
by Jerane Alleyne · in General Discussion · 02/13/2001 (11:30 am) · 4 replies
I have noticed that there seems to be a widely accepted piece of advice given to those whom are just starting with their first game. That advice usually says to "start off small", or "don't be too ambitious with your first game". I can understand this advice, but should it be the rule?
I would say it depends on where you are in terms of ability, resource, and probably manpower. With the number of resources available now, its a little easier to create something with a bit of sophistication than it was maybe 2 years ago. Our knowledge base has gotten much broader, information has become more available. Also with places like this, its much easier to find a team of talented people ;)
I've been told the project I'm working on is pretty ambitious, and we should start off smaller, but we have a pretty good set of resources to work with, a great team that really doesn't give off the impression that this can't be done, and the drive and determination to see this through.
All in all, I just say that you shouldn't work to create something that you think is below your abilities. Its true that that simpler game has a better chance of getting out, but I'm one that says if you got it, use it.
But talk is cheap, so I'll just hold on spitting out advice UNTIL AFTER our game is out!!
Later! :)
I would say it depends on where you are in terms of ability, resource, and probably manpower. With the number of resources available now, its a little easier to create something with a bit of sophistication than it was maybe 2 years ago. Our knowledge base has gotten much broader, information has become more available. Also with places like this, its much easier to find a team of talented people ;)
I've been told the project I'm working on is pretty ambitious, and we should start off smaller, but we have a pretty good set of resources to work with, a great team that really doesn't give off the impression that this can't be done, and the drive and determination to see this through.
All in all, I just say that you shouldn't work to create something that you think is below your abilities. Its true that that simpler game has a better chance of getting out, but I'm one that says if you got it, use it.
But talk is cheap, so I'll just hold on spitting out advice UNTIL AFTER our game is out!!
Later! :)
#2
I agree there are many more resources to help developers. The tools are better, the knowledge base is bigger, there are wonderful web resources like GarageGames :) to help you with technology and tools, but it is still extremely difficult to bring a game vision to life.
Even in a publisher's studio environment filled with tools, technology, and experienced developers, most projects slip, and many are cancelled.
Free advice is worth what you pay for, but I've made a lot of games, and I've suffered through a lot of over ambition. Aim as high as you want, but just keep this little snippet in the back of your head. Good luck.
Jeff Tunnell GG
02/13/2001 (5:51 pm)
OK. My two cents from the dinosaur department. I've been making products for a LONG time, and even the smallest project is an order of magnitude harder than you ever thought it would be.I agree there are many more resources to help developers. The tools are better, the knowledge base is bigger, there are wonderful web resources like GarageGames :) to help you with technology and tools, but it is still extremely difficult to bring a game vision to life.
Even in a publisher's studio environment filled with tools, technology, and experienced developers, most projects slip, and many are cancelled.
Free advice is worth what you pay for, but I've made a lot of games, and I've suffered through a lot of over ambition. Aim as high as you want, but just keep this little snippet in the back of your head. Good luck.
Jeff Tunnell GG
#3
Is it ambitious to assemble a complex plan or long term goal?
is it ambitious to do what you want on your first try?
Walking into my first attempt at a game, I had lofty goals. and I knew it.
On my second try, I was still asking too much of the rescources I had.
Now Im on my third try, probly will be on my fourth soon.
the Point is, You dont know whats ambitious or unrealistic until you try to do it. then you back it down a notch and try again.
If anyone knows a better way, Im all ears :)
02/16/2001 (12:29 pm)
First, youd better define ambitious. Is it ambitious to assemble a complex plan or long term goal?
is it ambitious to do what you want on your first try?
Walking into my first attempt at a game, I had lofty goals. and I knew it.
On my second try, I was still asking too much of the rescources I had.
Now Im on my third try, probly will be on my fourth soon.
the Point is, You dont know whats ambitious or unrealistic until you try to do it. then you back it down a notch and try again.
If anyone knows a better way, Im all ears :)
Torque 3D Owner Pat Wilson