Managing the production of games in the 21st century is a challenge, especially because there is no standardized process to ensure the successful completion of every game. But game production isn't a science, so you can't expect each game to present the same challenges and rewards as the last. Fortunately, common elements do exist for every game development team, and improving upon these commonalities and anticipating new challenges is the purpose of The Game Production Handbook: it brings some order to the chaotic world of game production.
Written by a veteran game producer, The Game Production Handbook is the ultimate industry reference. It answers the questions new leads, managers, and producers have, and it gives the pros new insights and valuable tips to improve their existing processes. It includes cutting-edge advice from industry experts on managing teams, tracking schedules, communicating effectively, and keeping teams happy. And it teaches the entire production cycle from pre-production to post-production, and offers detailed, practical advice on how to run a project. The focus throughout is on the nuts and bolts of managing development, including defining goals, creating a plan, managing, hiring, and motivating people effectively, and dealing with the inevitable bumps along the way.
This is an indispensable training manual for the entire team!
WHAT YOU'LL FIND:
- Best practices and answers to all types of pre- and post-production issues that arise during the development cycle
- Tips for managing and motivating teams
- Methods for bringing structure and order to your game production processes
- Details for organizing mo-cap shoots, voice over sessions, and localizations
- Specifics on the console submission process, software ratings, and working with publishers
- Customizable checklists for pre-production, production, and post-production
GAME PRODUCTION OVERVIEW
Covers the production cycle, roles of the team, and a discussion of traditional software development methodologies
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Provides general legal information producers need to know, and details the publisher developer relationship
MANAGING PEOPLE
Details how to hire and retain talent, build teams, and effectively communicate- a must for every producer
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION
Covers all the mini-projects to manage during production, including voiceovers, marketing needs, and motion capture
PRE-PRODUCTION
Outlines decisions and planning that occur, such as defining the game concept, game requirements, and game plan
PRODUCTION
Covers entire production phase, including production techniques, the production cycle, age ratings, and localization
TESTING
Teaches how to test and code release games, including information on submitting games to Sony", Microsoft", and Nintendo"
POST-PRODUCTION
Discusses successfully wrapping up your project with a closing kit and postmortem