[game_edu] optimizing pipelines/processes for iteration

[Philip Tan]

Hey Jason! I've tried to dig up a couple of GAMBIT papers along those lines,
adding bracketed subtitles that might be relevant takeaways for your
inquiry.

1 - tech/tools (eg, real-time asset insertions)

Automatic rigging and animation of 3D characters
(Speeding up part of a 3D pipeline)
http://gambit.mit.edu/readme/papers/automatic_rigging_and_animation.pdf

2 - processes (eg, mandatory 2D level sketch prior to 3D blocking)

The Game Studies Practicum: Applying Situated Learning to Teach Professional
Practices
(Using agile as a teaching methodology)
http://gambit.mit.edu/readme/readme/pdfs/Fernandez%20-%20Situated%20Learning%20and%20Videogame%20Curriculum.pdf

Iterative Game Design in Education
(Iterative design requires a slightly different approach to curriculum)
http://gambit.mit.edu/readme/Iterative%20Game%20Design%20in%20Education%20-%20Print%20version.pdf

3 - culture (eg, build team trust so constructive criticism can be
given/taken well)

You get paid to do that?
(Hiring and team expectations, timeboxing, feedback)
http://gambit.mit.edu/readme/GAMBIT_CSCW_Fun_Workshop.pdf
----
Philip Tan
Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab


On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 2:57 PM, Jason Della Rocca <
Jason at perimeterpartners.com> wrote:


> Hi all,

>

> See below for an inquiry I posted to the IGDA's Production Special

> Interest Group.

>

> Curious if folks here have a more academic take on the topic. Either

> as part of project oriented curriculum, or specific research into

> production processes/pipelines.

>

> Thanks!

>

> Jason

>

>

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------

> From: Jason Della Rocca <Jason at perimeterpartners.com>

> Date: Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 2:45 PM

> Subject: optimizing pipelines/processes for iteration

> To: IGDA Production SIG <production at igda.org>

>

>

> Hi all,

>

> I'm doing some research into how studios optimize their production for

> rapid iteration.

>

> Theory is that the more you can iterate on a specific level or

> gameplay feature, etc, the better the result. Benson Russell mentioned

> this specifically in his recent series of Uncharted 2 articles at

> Gamasutra:

>

> "To help facilitate this, we've specifically designed our gameplay

> tools and pipeline to let us iterate through gameplay changes very

> quickly. ...as the quicker you can iterate on something, the better

> you can tweak and polish it. ... When you have a very fast pipeline

> for getting your changes into the game, it frees up your workflow

> tremendously. Instead of lumping a bunch of changes together due to

> long load and build times, instead we can focus on specific elements

> of gameplay, even if it means iterating just one parameter at a time,

> and fine-tune any part of the experience (i.e. when tuning weapons,

> AI, puzzles, etc.)"

>

> http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/5945/designing_combat_encounters_in_.php

>

> Sadly, Benson didn't go into specific details... But ya, stuff like that!

>

> In particular, I'm looking at it from three angles that enable and

> foster rapid iteration:

> 1 - tech/tools (eg, real-time asset insertions)

> 2 - processes (eg, mandatory 2D level sketch prior to 3D blocking)

> 3 - culture (eg, build team trust so constructive criticism can be

> given/taken well)

>

> Would be great to get some thoughts, input, wisdom from folks. Details

> appreciated, but even high level stuff would be cool. Also, happy to

> take any pointers or references to specific game/studio examples,

> books, lectures, articles or whatever that you've seen that touches on

> this stuff.

>

> Thanks!!!

>

> Jason

>

> --

> Jason Della Rocca

> Senior Consultant

> Perimeter Partners

>

> tel: +1-514-426-1162

> fax: +1-514-426-1201

> Jason at PerimeterPartners.com

>

> Montreal, Canada

> --

> http://www.PerimeterPartners.com/

> http://www.RealityPanic.com/

> --

> "Do or do not. There is no try."

> - Yoda

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