Kevin Chan, Blue Tongue Entertainment
Games are made in Australia?
Who is this guy?
Who are THQ and Blue Tongue Entertainment?
How is a game made?
Careers in the games company
Long history of game developmentBeam Software developedThe Hobbit for Sinclair Spectrum in 1982
Large number of studiosOver 50 companies of varying sizes, working on various platformsConcentrated in Melbourne and Brisbane
Working with largest publishers in the world
Many successful titles
Some data from 2008 (from the GDAA web‐site):
The video games industry is now double the size of the box office, and more than 40% larger than the movie disc industry inAustralia.
Video game industry has shown growth with sales increasing 47% to $1.96 billion over 2008
In 2008, 88% of Australian households have a device for playing computer games.
The average age of computer and video game players in Australia is 30 years old.
Females make up 46% of the player population in 2008.
Finished software engineering in 1996
Ericsson
Medseed
Some post‐grad / teaching at Melbourne Uni
Blue Tongue Entertainment, THQ
•A leading global video game developer and publisher
•Wide portfolio of games
•Has a big presence in Australia•Asia‐Pacific Publishing Office•Two development studios•Works with various local independent developers
One of the largest and longest‐standing game studios in Australia
Founded in 1995 as an independent developer15 Year Anniversary later this month!
Acquired by THQ in 2004
100+ employees (and still growing slowly)
Developing titles for Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3
Continue to create fun and rewarding games
Finish ‘de Blob 2’
Continuing to grow ‘de Blob’ as a brand
An new, unannounced licensed property on Xbox 360 and PS3
A new, original IP for next year!
Exploring other opportunities
Development time – typically 9 to 18+ months
People – development teams from 30 to 200+ people
Investment ‐US$1m to US$40+m development costs
Pre‐Production Production
ProjectStart
Scope DefinedGreen-lit
CodeApproval
ConceptConcept
PrototypePrototype
Pre‐productionPre‐production
Milestone 1
Milestone 1
Milestone 2
Milestone 2
Milestone 3
Milestone 3
. . . Alpha
Alpha
BetaBeta
Code Submitted
Code Submitted
Milestone X
Milestone X
AlphaBuild
BetaBuild
GoldMasterCandidate
Requirements can’t be locked up front.
Need to satisfy ourselves, marketing, licensors, and end users.
Technical and artistic constraints.
Schedules are very strict.
R&D elements are involved, so risks need to be monitored and managed.
On consoles, there are strict technical requirements and there is usually no patching (although that’s changing)
Strict hardware constraints ‐ like embedded systems.
Game projects are big, serious, software development endeavoursInvolve technology R&D, and creative innovationTightly managed to meet schedule and budget
Game teams need a wide range of skill setsRoles getting more specialisedNew roles appearing as teams grow, and tool chains get more sophisticated
We need talented people like you!
Project Director
QA Lead
Lead
Programmer
LeadDesigner
LeadArtist
Lead Level Designer
Project
Manager
Lead Audio Designer
Outsourcing
Manager
Programming
Team
Art Team
Design Team
Level Design Team
Audio Team
Studio QA
Project
Coordinator
ProgrammersDevelop game and engine codeR&D new techniques and effectsWrite clean, efficient codeTesting codeFix bugs
Skills RequiredStrong C and C++ skillsSolid 3D math skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsBachelor degree in computer science or equivalent
ArtistsCreate 3D models and textures for environments, characters and propsProducing 2D art assets including concept art, textures and illustrationsPre‐visualization using Flash, After Effects or similar
Skills RequiredDemonstrable illustration or design backgroundProven 3D skills for both high‐end and low resolution modeling a plus.Familiarity with Photoshop and a leading 3D packageLove of games and multiple genres appreciated
AnimatorsCharacter rigging and modelingCharacter texturing when necessaryConstructing bone rigs and painting skins for existing modelsLip synching and facial animation for scripted sequences
Skills RequiredProven animation skills (2 and 4 legged characters)Proven modeling skills and texturing skillsAn ability to create natural motion, quickly and with easeKnowledge of Max/Maya animation system
DesignersDesign systems including combat, puzzle design, and interface flowCreate level and system design documents Place game objects throughout a world Tune and balance levels, puzzles, triggers and effects
Skills RequiredComprehensive knowledge of game genres and platformsCreative writing skills a distinct advantageAbility to rapidly conceptualize and solve problems in 3D space Knowledge of 3D art tools advantageous Highly motivated and organized Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
QA TestersDefect testing on all game productsBug reporting for each product testedPerformance testing on all game productsAssisting the facilitation of focus testing sessions
Skills RequiredKnowledge of a wide variety of video gamesMeticulous attention to detailProgramming / Scripting experience desiredUniversity Education desired
ProductionPlanning milestonesTask assignment and workload balancingWork prioritizationTask trackingTeam management
Skills RequiredMeticulous attention to detailFamiliarity with Project Management tools and processes (incl. agile methodologies)Knowledge of a wide variety of video games
Work with amazing peopleWithin the studioAnd outside
Making products that will you can see in stores, in magazines, on websites, on TV
Working on something that you are passionate about
Work on projects where a key requirement is fun
Casual, fun work environment
Finally a justification for all those hours spent playing video games