gdc07
Latest
DS Fanboy lands in GDC: what to expect
Jetlag won't stop this intrepid blogger from giving you the news you want. Live from San Francisco, DS Fanboy will be giving you the latest GDC news, straight from the show floor! We're going to update constantly throughout the week, so stay tuned. Here are some highlights from what we have planned: Thursday, 1:30PM PST: Shigeru Miyamoto keynote speech Live from the GDC Expo show floor: new products on display! From Ouendan to HELP!: a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! and Elite Beat Agents. Reflections of Zelda: behind-the-scenes info from the Eiji Aonuma. Stay tuned to DS Fanboy for your DS-related GDC coverage. Don't forget to also check out Joystiq for even more.
Send Manifesto your games that cause pain
Last night we gave you some tips from the "Console/PC Distribution Gatekeepers" panel about publishing your indie game. One of the main things we told you execs like Microsoft's Ross Erickson kept coming back to was the fun factor. But what we didn't mention is Manifesto president Greg Costikyan's quick rebuttal, "We want games that aren't fun to play!" Apparently, if you're working on a game that causes your players emotional pain, even inspires disgust (Costikyan's own suggestion), Manifesto is the distributor for you. Costikyan called it emotional innovation, and there's something to be said about defying expectations for the gaming experience, but we can't help but wonder what it says about you if your game makes us want to vomit. Wait, it's the innovative use of bodily fluids as a gameplay element. Go forth, pitch it to Manifesto!
Indie developers drop the 'i-bomb'
Monday afternoon brought a pack of indie gaming stars out of their dark workspaces and into the spotlight of the Independent Games Summit. Kyle Gabler (Tower of Goo), Jenova Chen (flOw), Jonathan Blow, and several others were on hand to discuss the role innovation plays in independent game development. The overused "i" word has become a cliché in recent years with commercial developers using it to mask the ugly symptoms of sequelitis. But with smaller dev teams and less emphasis on making money, indie developers actually can focus on creating interesting content and stretching the boundaries of gaming conventions.As Gabler points out, computing power will continue to progress over the next several decades and exceed our ability to use it. Instead of inventing new gimmicks to distract us, games must focus on the one thing that doesn't change: human emotion. That's the reason Final Fantasy VII will make you cry (if you're a wimp), Beyond Good and Evil will make you hate Big Brother, and Tetris will lead to the development of an odd proclivity for stacking objects.
Housewife Superstar: home-ec minigames
This looks totally strange, and totally endearing. Insert Credit's Brandon Sheffield found this poster at GDC, for a DS game called Housewife Superstar, developed by Studio Nocturne. It looks like a minigame collection, but based on the idea of becoming the perfect (stereotypical) housewife. There are games about things like embroidery, flower arranging, knitting, and dressing up.The non-serious tone keeps this from being completely insulting, and the art style, which is kind of a stylized 1960s anime (a little like Mr. Driller color-wise, but not as severe), looks really nice. We have no idea when or where Studio Nocturne plans to release this, but we hope it is somewhere close and sometime soon.
Joystiq interviews Sam & Max designer, Dave Grossman
Apparently, the streets of San Francisco are simply bustling with adventure game designers wandering about in search of inspiration and that one inventory item they callously overlooked. We were in possession of one microphone and one unbelievable obnoxious blogger, both vital items for an upcoming, uh, life puzzle. Look, we just needed an intro paragraph, alright?Above you'll see Telltale's game designer and dedicated poet, Dave Grossman, being interrogated about things like episodic content, the hiring of console programmers and, of course, Sam & Max Season 2. (SPOILER: It's is in the planning stages.)
Joystiq interviews Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Joystiq_interviews_Sam_Max_creator_Steve_Purcell'; Following the careful application of alcohol and a sufficient number of thinly-veiled threats, Joystiq managed to maneuver Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell, in front of a camera to discuss his role in the deeply disturbed duo's episodic endeavors. As you might expect, ancient mysteries are unearthed, the very nature of humor is dissected and generally, hilarity ensues. Take heed: this will undoubtedly be the greatest Steve Purcell interview that deeply involves the Power Rangers you'll ever see.
GDC 07: How to get your indie game published
It seems like everybody's hitting it big publishing their indie games through services like Xbox Live Arcade. But what about you? For those among us still clinging to indie projects but burning to get them out into the world (ah, it burns!), Simon Carless hosted a "Console/PC Distribution Gatekeepers" panel this afternoon as part of the Independent Games Summit. With John Hight from Sony, Sandy Resnick from GameTap, Greg Costikyan from Manifesto Games, and Ross Erickson (formerly) of Xbox Live Arcade, the panel covered everything from what game services are looking for, to how many submissions they get, to how much they pay. Here are some tips and heads-ups from the suits who decide the fate of your games: Sure, experience, fun factor, uniqueness, and audience appropriateness are all important factors in getting your game published, but the execs also stressed enthusiasm. Making a game takes a lot of work, so publishers want to know you'll see it through. Said Erickson, "The game we want is the game you're passionate about."
GDC 07: Traxxpad lets you produce music on the go
Eidos has announced a new piece of software from Definitive Software called Traxxpad, which will allow you to mix and use virtual sequencers, drum machines, and keyboards, and export your creations into WAV and MP3 formats. "It's one thing to make a powerful music device, but it is truly impressive to make an application that allows someone unfamiliar with music to make something that sounds professional," said Eidos' marketing manager Kevin Gill to MCV. "That is where Traxxpad excels. This is a piece of software that appeals equally to both aspiring musicians as well as professional music producers."Certainly, the program will have a fairly limited appeal. However, for musicians that must always be composing on the go, Traxxpad may fit the bill.[Via DCEmu]
GDC '07: Square Enix demos game-development game [Update 1]
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Square_Enix_shows_DS_game_about_developing_games'; [Update: Gamasutra reports that the presenter was Ichiro Otobe, and that Tadashi Tsushima is leading the project. Also, and this is the best part, rather than designing it from the outset as an internal-only project, SE has yet to decide whether or not to release this to the public when it's finished. So there's a chance!] One of our loyal readers is at the GDC Serious Games Summit, where he sat in on a Square Enix presentation about their "serious game" for the DS, called Project GB, used to teach game design. The game was developed by a small team, and allows "players" to first mod a Space Invaders-type shooter, then develop their own simple games that can then be shared with other players over the internet. Presenter Tadashi Tsushima Ichiro Otobe indicated that this had a negative effect on productivity.We all need to get jobs at Square Enix so we can play this thing. It sounds absolutely amazing. Famitsu has some washed-out pictures of the game. Check the link if you'd like to go squint at them.[Thanks, Jason!]
GDC 07: Trip Hawkins on Mobile Gaming's "Inferiority Complex"
EA founder, Digital Chocolate CEO, and self-proclaimed "slut for new media" Trip Hawkins opened up the Mobile Gaming track this morning with a talk about the potential of, well, mobile gaming. Hawkins is sick and tired of mobile gaming being a wasteland of second-hand properties, high royalty fees, and retro titles -- games that are downloaded by a tiny portion of cell phone users (5%), and even then only to "waste time.""What we need to do," he says, "is find out how to make mobile a first-rate platform," something people want to pick up to play. If we do, he claims, there are potential billions out there for mobile sales. Hawkins compares the future shift to the success of the Nintendo DS. If Nintendo handled the DS like most developers handle mobile games, he says, we'd have ended up with watered-down ports of Mario games. Instead, DS gameplay have been created with the system's features in mind, and that makes it good. Improvement like that might even clear up what Hawkins calls mobile gaming's major "inferiority complex." Does mobile gaming look fat in that dress? Yes, it does.
Mizuguchi to reveal new XBLA game
CVG reports that Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Q Entertainment are set to unveil a new title for Xbox Live Arcade at this week's Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco. Of course, the word "new" is relative when it comes to the Xbox 360's download service, leaving the door open for an enhanced version of Q's Every Extend Extra, released in November on PSP. Whatever it ends up being (the reliable internet says: Rez!), you can likely expect catchy J-pop tunes, hypnotic lights, plummeting blocks and, with any luck, ludicrous amounts of unintentional gyration.
GDC 07: Wii dev training to take place at this week [update 1]
In case you live under a rock, GDC is kicking off this week (that stands for Game Developer's Conference) and it turns out Nintendo enthusiasts have something besides Miyamoto's keynote to look forward to. This week during the event, attendees will be able to get some schooling on how to create titles for Nintendo's new Wii console. To quote the AFP article: "Among its (GDC's) features will be lessons in designing games for Nintendo's popular new Wii video game console with motion-sensitive controllers."The piece then takes a hard left turn into casual games territory, talking of the importance of that market. Still though, it should be interesting to see what kind of demonstrations those who attend the lessons on Wii development receive. How hard could it be to develop with a motion-sensitive control scheme?Update: Changed headline to reflect organization of this year's GDC event on our end.
X3F is going to GDC
You'll be able to hear more about it once the latest Fancast goes up, but we thought it best to let our readers know that we're headed to the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. We'll have lots of coverage throughout the week, including first hand looks at games like Shadowrun, Mass Effect, Blue Dragon, and Fable 2. We'll also have a chance to talk with developers of upcoming Live Arcade games, and maybe even a few Microsoft executives. So, keep your eyes on 360 Fanboy this week, as we should have some really great content in store for everyone. Also, don't forget to check in on Joystiq, as they're sure to have coverage of all those other consoles, too.
Sony seeks devs and exclusives at GDC
We recently posted what appeared to be a summary of Phil Harrison's keynote speech, but it's still just a rumor -- possibly speculation, although it sounded pretty spot on from what we would like to hear. Anyway, here's another interesting tidbit about what to expect from the GDC this week -- Sony is going to try its hardest to pull in some exclusive IPs by attracting developers to play with their platform.Sony and IBM recently offered classes to interested developers, teaching ways to proficiently tackle that tricky Cell processor. If people didn't want to pretend they were going back to school, they could check out what the PS3 is creating -- Sony will probably rely on titles that are exclusive, like Lair and Heavenly Sword... maybe MotorStorm. Are there any companies or games you'd want to see get an exclusive set on the PlayStation 3? Snag exclusivity for Silent Hill? Get Konami's attention specifically for a little while? Let us know.[Thanks, Jonah!]
RUMOR: Phil Harrison's GDC Keynote speech in full detail
Phil hasn't given his speech fo' realz yet, but someone got a hold of a copy of it, or listened in on a rehearsal (do you think they have rehearsals or just wing it?) or something and have compiled a list of key... notes about the speech. Here's what's important: March 8th is the big firmware update. It includes: More refined PS Store frontend PlayStation Network "integrity enhanced" Wallpapers from pictures Ability to change background colors Sony Connect Store for music and movies added to the PS Store. Hundreds of trailers/full films/songs Videos and mp3's available for download. Playstation Card option in PS Store enabled. Playstation Lifestyle- Similar to my space/youtube. User generated content and experiences are the key. + more. Removal of Emotion Engine chips will come stateside and to Japan in April. Upscales certain PS-One and PS2 games to 720p/1080i. Game announcements: Warhawk in June/July, Heavenly Sword delayed, Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 in late 2007. New PS-Store stuff being added on the 8th include: Tekken 6 trailer Lair demo & (new?) trailer Rainbow Six Vegas demo EA: Skate trailer Battlefield Bad Company trailer Warhawk demo Virtua Fighter 5 demo Virtua Tennis 3 demo & trailer GRAW 2: trailer Mortal Kombat 2 game Killzone 2 trailer... demo to come in May May we just say one thing? "Superfantabulous!" Sounds like a kickin' keynote address, except for the Heavenly Sword being delayed thing. But that's so all the first-party and semi-first-party games get their own time to shine instead of competing with one another. What do you guys think? Badass or assbad?
XNA contest will be making dreams come true
As part of Microsoft's GDC announcements, Microsoft will be partnering with numerous other companies to jumpstart XNA community development by starting a contest. The Dream-Build-Play contest will be offering over $40,000 in cash and prizes, where the grand prize winner will not only bank $10,000, but will also have the opportunity to bring their creation to the XBLA. Also announced was the future release of XBLA game Schizoid, the first game ever created using XNA Game Studio Express and released to the arcade. To sign up for the Dream-Build-Play contest, read the official rules, and get your feet wet make the jump or read the full press release after the break. Just curious, do we have any fanboys who are working on a XNA game project and are willing to share the details?
512MB memory card and exciting XBLA news
It looks like that silly rumor was true as Microsoft just announced a bigger memory card for the Xbox 360. The new 512MB Xbox 360 memory card will be available April 3rd, will retail for $49.99, and for a limited time will come pre-loaded with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Simultaneously, the ancient 64MB memory card will drop in price to $29.99 (be on the lookout for clearance prices). Also, with the announcement of the new 512MB card, the XBLA size limit will be raised from 50MB to 150MB allowing developers to run wild with their creativity. Microsoft also announced that they'll be showcasing XBLA titles Boom Boom Rocket, 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures, Eets: Chowdown, Jetpac Refuelled, and Pinball FX at GDC. Check out the full press release after the break. So, after reading that informative spiel what is your gut reaction? We definitely agree with raising the XBLA size limit to 150MB and find the 512MB memory card to be a much better deal than the old 64MB version. And for curiosity's sake, is there anyone out there who just purchased a 64MB memory card and is kicking themselves?
Crytek pitching CryENGINE 2 at GDC
Crytek is putting the finishing touches on its grand sales pitch, preparing the first public demonstration of its CryENGINE 2 middleware. To be held at Booth 848 on the GDC show floor, the demonstration will provide hands-on time for the curious passer-by and, more importantly, for developers interesting in licensing the custom technology. The full set of tricks will be on display, including "what you see is what you play" Sandbox2 editing (trust us, it's like 'night and day'), interactive vegetation pumped in real-time from the asset creation pipeline -- and (just maybe) a rabbit outta the hat. We'll be sure to bring a smoke detector and check for mirrors behind those monitors...
Sony: 'Killzone won't be [at] GDC at all'
And like a rifle butt to the ocular cavity, the spark of hope in our eyes was handily extinguished with SCEA Manager, Ryan Bowling telling IGN, "No, Killzone won't be [at] GDC at all." Really? The game was a no-show at both E3 and TGS last year; in fact, the only thing we've heard (besides rumors) following the title's infamous E3 2005 debut is that it's the "biggest multimedia project in Dutch history." So, if that rumored Killzone 2 demo won't be making an appearance at GDC after all, and E3 is gone, when will it crawl out of the foxhole it's been hiding in for the last two years? Says Bowling, "The time for that game is coming and we'll have new information about it in the future, but not at GDC."[Thanks, Nav]
Phil Harrison to give GDC keynote on Game 3.0
Sony figurehead Phil Harrison has been announced as a keynote speaker for this year's Game Developers Conference. Harrison's speech, entitled Game 3.0: Developing and Creating for the 3rd Age of Video Games, will purportedly define the term Game 3.0 and show how Sony Worldwide Studio will "demonstrate some exclusive insights into its development of products and services that will help define future growth in the video game market."We're curious to see how Harrison defines Game Ages 1.0 and 2.0, as by most accounts we're in the seventh generation of console games and we're not sure where he divides the lines. Chances are the ages correspond with each PlayStation iteration (remember: generations don't start until Sony says so). Semantics aside, we'll be happy if Harrison's speech is more interesting than Kutaragi's Tokyo Game Show debacle.Harrison is the second of three speeches to be announced, with Shigeru Miyamoto being revealed as a keynote speaker earlier this week. Other notable speakers include Square Enix's Ichiri Otobe who will be giving a Serious Game Summit GDC keynote Monday, March 5.
