Execution is what REALLY matters.
by Jarrod Roberson · in General Discussion · 05/28/2002 (5:57 pm) · 7 replies
These are what I consider pre-requistes for a successfull game.
1. great execution
The best original innovative idea in the world is useless if it is implemented poorly. For something that is a mediocore concept to begin with, poor execution is a fatal blow.
This includes things like attention to detail, testing for failure instead of testing for success, friendly installers, even more friendly un-installers, un-obtrusive copyprotection if you are going to waste your time on cp to begin with, well thought out and designed user interfaces, more focus on trying to do a few things perfect instead of trying to do everything half-assed.
That is about it, great execution will sell games.
Everything else is cake.
1. great execution
The best original innovative idea in the world is useless if it is implemented poorly. For something that is a mediocore concept to begin with, poor execution is a fatal blow.
This includes things like attention to detail, testing for failure instead of testing for success, friendly installers, even more friendly un-installers, un-obtrusive copyprotection if you are going to waste your time on cp to begin with, well thought out and designed user interfaces, more focus on trying to do a few things perfect instead of trying to do everything half-assed.
That is about it, great execution will sell games.
Everything else is cake.
About the author
#2
So, who will we execute first ? The lawyers, as suggested by Shakespeare ?
05/28/2002 (8:39 pm)
I agree, a great execution is necessary.So, who will we execute first ? The lawyers, as suggested by Shakespeare ?
#3
On the other hand, bad executuion doesn't always mean bad sales. Tomb Raider is my prime example for that one. We've seen, what, 5 of those?
Great execution doesn't not, by itself, sell games. There's lot more involeved. Marketing is a big part of that. Placement is another. As it stands, the only people that I know of that knew about Rez were those that read penny arcade, and professionals.
Really a shame too. Rez is an absolutely awesome game.
05/30/2002 (9:20 am)
I, of course, have to point out exceptions to that rule: great execution on games that didn't sell. Rez is a great example. Absolutely wonderful execution, great idea, discontinued after about a month.On the other hand, bad executuion doesn't always mean bad sales. Tomb Raider is my prime example for that one. We've seen, what, 5 of those?
Great execution doesn't not, by itself, sell games. There's lot more involeved. Marketing is a big part of that. Placement is another. As it stands, the only people that I know of that knew about Rez were those that read penny arcade, and professionals.
Really a shame too. Rez is an absolutely awesome game.
#4
05/30/2002 (12:02 pm)
I vote for the lawyers to go first. :)
#5
05/30/2002 (9:29 pm)
I sentence us all to be hanged by the neck until dead. 
#6
05/31/2002 (9:42 am)
Let the Marketeers watch the Lawyers being hung first before being led to the gallows...
#7
06/01/2002 (7:58 am)
Every rule has exceptions, I find it easier if I ignore them and live in blissful ignorance (Unless I'm one of the exceptions) ;)
Torque Owner Harold "LabRat" Brown
Great execution increases sales through word of mouth and reduces returns.
Pre-Sales word of mouth from Beta Testers can increase sales, but this should not be attributed to Great Execution as the Released game may not be anything like what was beta tested. Word of mouth from Beta Testers is a Marketing Ploy