Game Classification: Defining AAA, AA, and III Games

Game Classification: Defining AAA, AA, and III Games

At first, games were just games. Good games, bad games; big games, little games. Then came the rise of the AAA game. Suddenly a game either was or was not AAA. Inevitably, other classifications followed. In this article, we try to dig into what those are and what they mean. Along the way, we also propose some clearer and more concrete definitions for those terms than currently exist.

Vertical Slice vs MVP: What’s the Difference?

Vertical Slice vs MVP: What’s the Difference?

When talking to teams that are early in the development process, they often tell us they want to make either a vertical slice or an MVP (minimum viable product) of their game. We find these two terms get used interchangeably when in fact, they are very different. To clear up any confusion, let’s take a look at what the two terms mean, and better yet, how to use the concepts behind them to make a great game.

15 Games Industry Podcasts: Learn About the Business of Making Games

15 Games Industry Podcasts: Learn About the Business of Making Games

Do you want access to talks and conversations by the games industry’s most interesting and informed personalities, but you don’t want to buy an expensive ticket for an overcrowded convention? Podcasts to the rescue! Within the 18 podcasts on this list, you can find hundreds of hours of discussion about every aspect of the games…

7 Remote-First Game Studios That Won’t Be Going Back to the Office

7 Remote-First Game Studios That Won’t Be Going Back to the Office

In recent times, almost every games studio has been forced to send their staff home and cease operating out of an office. This has caused many of them to become de facto ‘remote’ studios. However, there have been studios that have been primarily working remotely since well before it was required.

Don’t Lie About Your Game: The Relationship Between Marketing and Game Development

Don’t Lie About Your Game: The Relationship Between Marketing and Game Development

The relationship between game development and marketing can be a contentious one. Many times when a game gets a negative reaction from fans on release, the reason is as much about how the game was marketed than anything else. Making sure that the public’s expectations are aligned with reality is essential to the success of…

The Scotty Principle: Handling Time Estimates During Game Development

The Scotty Principle: Handling Time Estimates During Game Development

Any die-hard Trekkies out there should be familiar with the Scotty Principle, even if you haven’t heard it referred to as that. You may not, however, know how it can apply to game development. Read on and you can find out. But first, for the uninitiated… What is the Scotty Principle? The Scotty Principle (also…

8 Great Podcasts for Game Designers and Developers

8 Great Podcasts for Game Designers and Developers

Podcasts are my personal favorite way to learn new things and absorb information. Much to my girlfriend’s chagrin, I have them playing all the time. Including whenever I do chores around the house like washing the dishes or hanging the laundry. I find the long-form conversations podcasting encourages are the perfect venue to explore the…