Scheduling tools is tricky business. Most tools aren’t even started until they’re needed, unless you’ve got some very forward thinking management (an unlikely scenario at many game companies). The time constraints are impossible since they’re in sync with an equally impossible game production schedule, and budget constraints can be equally constricting. So, how do we [...]
In these trying economic times, companies are finding ways to cut back on development costs. This often means job losses. When one or more games need to be finished and the tools are relatively stable, it’s hard to sell cutting anyone on gameplay or content. The tools team often bears the brunt of layoffs, especially among the [...]
There are many reasons game development tools fail. Perhaps not all of these apply to you, but every game studio I’ve seen has had one or more of the following problems. 1. Design as you go All too often, game companies are in too much of a hurry to allow proper upfront design of tools. [...]