So what does it mean to have God in the gaming industry?!

"Are Video Games Dead?"

Fair enough question for any industry...Here is a compilation of insights produced by Scott Steinberg interviewing many industry professionals giving their opinions and predictions.

This is a 2 part video article, so here are 2 links:

http://media.digitaltrends.com/players-only/video-games-are-dead-part-1/

http://media.digitaltrends.com/players-only/video-games-are-dead-part-2/

Developing on ideas first for Mobile then hitting Next Gen.

Games are becoming more and more accessible to wider markets and casual consumers i.e. Facebook and mobile type platforms. Their production costs are low as is their overhead (especially when compared to their console counterparts).
To create content on these platforms takes a designer into realms of unique innovation usually by breaking game design down to its most basic concepts (in order to find a fantastic hook and replayability) like the "quarter pumping" arcade games of old.
Most casual and mobile games are limited by way of memory constraints which adversley affect the game's overall content by way of story, graphics and programatical features.
However, this doesn't seem to be affecting consumer demand. There seems to be an understanding (by then) that in order to have the convienence of mobile content or online accessibility to casual content there are going to be some sacrifices to the visuals and depth of experience.
From an "unorthodox" production model standpoint I would think creating a game or developing an idea on a casual or mobile platform would be a great (low risk) way to test out the market concerning their attachment rate towards story, character and specific game features before an idea or concept tries to go straight to the next gen game platforms.
What do you think?

Why hold onto your ideas or knowledge?

I interviewed (some months back) an amazingly talented artist by the name of Jason Manly (AD and co-founder of Massive Black Studios as well as www.conceptart.org ). He told me a little bit about their studios philosophy in that their artists and creatives share their techniques, tools and best practices with a worldwide community of artists through conceptart.org. He summed up that "We make the art community stronger and equip talent to become more creative and inspired through the sharing of knowledge." Now some might think that in a competitive industry like art and game creation one would hold onto proprietary techniques but his philosophy is that once a technique is shared publicly it forces him and Massive Black's talent to mine for new technique, innovations and creativity!
If the world can find that kind of conviction and honor to share so liberally their knowledge and passions, Christians should definitely be following suit (if not leading the charge, especially in our interactive entertainment industry)! I've heard testimony from a number of Christian developers and talents that try and reach out to other Christian professionals for help or participation or advice, only to be met with staunch reluctance, selfish insecurities and half-baked mentoring concepts and hand holding. Kinda hard to build Spirit filled professional relationships and affect change in an industry if we keep slam'n the door on people.
Now I know not all Christian professionals are like this but in the gaming industry it seems to be fairly prevalent. Why is this?...
I've had a few examples of Christian individuals and studios that have reached out for help from other Christian talents but the people asking for the help or advice have had attitudes that kinda suck in that they feel somehow exonerated from compensating individuals montarily just because they have a noble project or pursuit. All I'm saying is that if you have it to give, then compensate those that are coming along side you. Otherwise approach people you're requesting help from with an attitude of humility and sensitivity to their time and resources.
So back to discussing holding onto ideas and knowledge. First you have to ask yourself, why are you holding onto it?... or, what are you doing with it? I had an idea for over 10 years for a game concept, character and story. 10 years later this concept is even more innovative, timely and immersive on many levels! However, I guarded this idea for so long that it started to become selfish and unhealthy as my passion for it grew into frustration. I felt if I gave any part of it away to someone else for a production, inspiration or concept that it would be sabotaged or completely ruined in scope and execution. Considering that this idea was originally a download and a gift from the Holy Ghost in the first place... who was I to just sit on it until I could be the one to bring it out to the world fully realized and produced. As I thought about this I had to really peer into my heart and consider who's glory was the really for? Who's kingdom was this really furthering? Mine or His?...
Now I'm not saying that once you have an amazingly great idea, tool, technique, story or concept that you need to shout it from the roof tops for all to hear! All I'm saying is to truly check your heart and go before the Lord and ask him what he really wills for it. Yes, I agree that some things should be guarded and that you need to get the Holy Spirit's insight on who you share things with. But if you're holding onto concepts or ideas from a position of fear or is keeping you from building relationships professionally with others (fearing they may ask too many questions about your ideas or vision) then I'd ask the Lord to help you find that root and rip it out! It can become poison in your Spirit over time.
I had a talk with the Holy Ghost about this issue about a year ago. He basically told me this "Mark, do you think that I only have one idea or concept I'm going to give to you for the rest of your life?" "Do you not know that I've got store houses of creativity to the likes of which you've never dreamed here in Heaven... waiting to be unlocked by me in your heart? Please let me co-labor with you!"
From that moment on my door has been open to any and all Christian gaming professionals, talents and students that come calling for advice, support, prayer and mentoring (that aren't just looking to take advantage of a free meal as there are still many things I still charge for). However, I believe that by keeping your heart continually soft before the Lord and your ears listening to the Holy Spirit He will help you to move with wisdom and compassion towards those that come along your path seeking what you have inside professionally and spiritually.

What's your take on this issue?

Degree or no degree, that is the question...

I have been asked countless times through my career and travels by students, gamers and enthusiasts alike, "Do you really need a Game Art or Game Design degree from an accredited school to get hired into the gaming industry. The quick answer is "no." However, the more complicated answer would be, "It certainly couldn't hurt."
Lets quickly break it down. A games degree doesn't mean anything if you don't have the basic skills, quality portfolio and unbridled passion for games to back it up! There are plenty of non-accredited institutions out there that can help you discover and/or acquire those attributes (just without a "degree" waiting for you at the end).
David Perry (a well respected icon, designer and programmer of the industry) was quoted in an interview recently saying that he would hire a person that had great ideas and portfolio regardless if they had a degree or not (or any real experience or not).
I think the one misnomer that we have to expose immediately is that a degree DOES NOT get you a job. It certainly doesn't in other professions and our game industry is no exception. However, if your skills and level of experience match closely with another candidate (also looking to be hired at the same company) , They would most likely chose the individual with a degree in gaming.
Bottom line... it's experience, skills/talents, creativity and the ability to communicate clearly and objectively that game employers are looking for. Obviously, formal schooling in Game Art and Design will arm you with many of these techniques and tools. This gives you a greater range of experience and equipping then someone who is just trying on their own. Schools offer professional instructors who have been in the industry as well as computer labs, software, resources and other students that you'll be teamed up with to do game projects and design simulations with.
For the individual that doesn't want to go the school route (or can't afford it) I would strongly suggest trying to get an internship at a local game developer or apply for a game Quality Assurance (QA) Tester. Both of these positions will allow you to not only get your foot in the door but will allow you to start learning about the business from the inside as well as the language, roles, responsibilities and awareness of what is required to further your career or particular area interest.

Conclusion:

- Do you need a degree to get a job in game development?... No.
- Is it advantageous to take courses at a gaming type college or online courses?... Absolutely!
- If schooling isn't an option then look to intern or QA at a developer/publisher while continuing to build up your portfolio, skills and knowledge.

Any other opinions or insights would be welcome! ;)

Stunning statistics that make me go "Huh!?"

OK, a statistic coming from the CIA's World Fact Publication saying that 76% of the Countries citizens identify themselves as Christians. According to the U.S. Census there are 307,710,837 people breathing air in the US. So what is 76% of that number = 233,860,236.
Now, I do on occasion like technical art but I'm pretty sure i have no left brain and therefore am no lover of math but... even my little brain can understand that that is a lot of stinking people! So why is it that the largest and fastest growing industry of interactive entertainment, Christians have got less then 1% of the gaming market, to say nothing about having anything on console (PS3, 360, Wii). I think the largest Christian franchise to even come close to breaking into the mainstream entertainment market is Veggie Tales, (which targets mainly PC games but whose majority of revenue earnings is from TV, film & toys).
I don't mean to sound like I'm ranting, that was never the intention of this blog site. This site is to spark awareness, passion and encourage all of us to step out in greater levels of faith and boldness... not only in our prayer life but in our actions and decisions, especially those that concern this industry.
So when I see statistics like this is stirs and kindles a flame inside telling me that there are so many talented and creative Believers out there making amazing games and creations (if only for the world at the moment)... now to find as many of them as we can and show them that they're not alone in their game dev world, that there are so many of us out there that have incredible passion and drive to see insanely fantastic games, stories and content created! That there is strength in our unity and combined faith. We are called to be in the world but not of it. Does that mean Christians need to leave their jobs to follow a more noble pursuit? are you frack'n kidding me? (sorry for the BSG pun). What better mission field have we then to be right were we are, in the lion's den... in the middle of the fastest and most influential entertainment industry in the WORLD! Just remeber that you are not alone. Even Daniel (in the lion's den) wasn't alone. He was guarded and encouraged by angels and even had a secular king praying all night for his safety! Think about that one for a bit ;)
We need to be praying for direction and strategies from the Holy Spirit who is the "helper." We need to be encouraging each other and building relationship with other believers in the industry continually. That is how the Games Movement is going to start, first by prayer then by relationship... armed with both the rest is... well not easy but no longer impossible! ;)

Should you try to cloak conviction?

I posted a cynical question a number of months ago that asked, "Why do Christian video games suck?!" OK, not the most politically correct way of going about stating my observations. However, one of the responses I got back was fairly insightful. The blogger mentioned an anecdotal game design that revolved around an alien world that had an oracle foresee their planet's impending annihilation (by a natural disaster never experienced before in their history). Your mission was to gather resources, technology and food in order to build a space craft large enough to take as many of the planet's animals and inhabitants, (that would want to come) off world until the disaster subsided.
Basically that's the Noah story with a different skin. The blogger's point was that people would buy and play that game because there was no religious overtones to it, (even if it mimicked a classic biblical story). He said the simple fact is that people don't want to be reminded that there is something wrong with them and that they need a Savior to fix 'em. Leave the conviction out and it sells... leave the conviction in and it creates a sense of judgment.
What do you think?