One of the most lucrative markets in technology is also one of the most underrated. The video game industry regularly defeats the film industry in profit margins, with titles such as Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and World of Warcraft raking in dollars by the billion. But more and more smaller, independent developers are cashing in on the gaming craze as well, and though it can be challenging game development is an extremely rewarding and profitable venture when done right.
Today, I talk with game designer Tadgh Kelly, a 20 year veteran game developer, startup founder and regular writer for both his own blog What Games Are and numerous professional websites and magazines, such as Gamasutra and Techcrunch. Since his childhood, he has been fascinated not only with games themselves but also the complex mechanics behind the screen. His experience with creating games for computers, consoles and portable devices gives him many insightful pieces of advice for veterans and newcomers alike.
Listen to the podcast to hear Tadgh’s thoughts on:
- Why he decided to become a game developer, and how he successfully entered the game development industry .
- The art and science of designing mechanics and frameworks that allow games to consistently be enjoyable and successful, while still remaining unique and innovative.
- How to plan and design games in an efficient and concise manner.
- Techniques for overcoming market saturation and making games that stand out from the crowd.
- The necessary steps for funding, developing, marketing and selling a successful game.
- The future of the gaming industry, both in gaming hardware and developments in the cloud.
Tadgh and I discuss numerous case studies, from apps like Plants vs Zombies and Angry Birds to companies such as Nintendo, to demonstrate the winning (and losing) strategies that allow companies to survive and thrive in the industry.
We also consider methodologies for going about funding, planning and developing a game efficiently and with the mindset of creating a product that people will want to buy, as well as strategies for marketing games to consumers.
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