News

The keys to a company culture that works
The keys to a company culture that works
In a heartfelt talk at GDC Europe, Harald Riegler, co-founder of Sproing, frankly discussed the challenges and advantages of shaping a company culture that leads to respect and success.
Aug. 15, 2012
Craftsmanship vs. art -- what are games?
Craftsmanship vs. art -- what are games?
Are games art? Is it okay if games aren't art? Developers including Kellee Santiago and Alex Evans debated what it would take for the medium to get there -- if it hasn't already.
Aug. 15, 2012
If people are buying your 'premium' iOS game, why try free-to-play?
If people are buying your 'premium' iOS game, why try free-to-play?
FishLabs Entertainment's space-faring iOS games have proven successful, selling a complete experience for $6.99 and above. So why did the "old school" studio decide to turn to in-app payments?
Aug. 14, 2012
Don't let popular opinion get in the way of your vision
Don't let popular opinion get in the way of your vision
Simon Flesser and Magnus Gardeback of mobile game studio Simogo urged developers at GDC Europe today to "base [design and business] decisions on what feels right instead of what is considered right."
Aug. 14, 2012
Why are we so obsessed with the boring parts of game development?
Why are we so obsessed with the boring parts of game development?
The industry has become far too obsessed with platforms and business models, argued DICE's GM at GDC Europe today, to the point where we've started to forget what video games are actually about -- having fun.
Aug. 13, 2012
What Dear Esther and Minecraft have in common
What Dear Esther and Minecraft have in common
Indie hit Dear Esther is "a bit like story Minecraft," believes creator Dan Pinchbeck, as the game allows players to imagine their own story, without forcing them into a particular narrative.
Aug. 13, 2012
Five key facts about free-to-play design
Five key facts about free-to-play design
As the head of game design for free-to-play browser game publisher Bigpoint (Battlestar Galactica Online), Jan Richter shares insights he learned while "exploring new territory" in what he calls the fastest-moving segment of game design.
Aug. 13, 2012
The key to Dead Island's success? It wasn't that trailer
The key to Dead Island's success? It wasn't that trailer
In a talk at GDC Europe, Dead Island executive producer Guido Eickmeyer argues the popular teaser trailer didn't drive the success of the zombie game -- smart development decisions did.
Aug. 13, 2012
The rules Spec-Ops: The Line broke -- to make its story matter
The rules Spec-Ops: The Line broke -- to make its story matter
"If you try to build emotional scenes in the same way movies do it, you will fail," said Yager's Jörg Friedrich, whose Spec Ops: The Line recently raised the bar for storytelling in shooters, at a packed session at GDC Europe.
Aug. 13, 2012
China's social, browser games raking in cash this year - study
China's social, browser games raking in cash this year - study
Client-based and core-targeted MMOs are dominating China's game market now, but a new report shows that browser-based titles and social games make up the fastest-growing segment in the country.
Aug. 8, 2012
GDC Europe 2012 details the top sessions for next week's show
GDC Europe 2012 details the top sessions for next week's show
With less than a week to go before GDC Europe 2012 in Cologne, show organizers have highlighted the event's must-see sessions, its top events, and more.
Aug. 8, 2012
GDC Europe 2012 reveals full Smartphone & Tablet Games Summit lineup
GDC Europe 2012 reveals full Smartphone & Tablet Games Summit lineup
With GDC Europe nearly upon us, show organizers have revealed the entire lineup for the event's Smartphone and Tablet Games Summit, including new Galaxy On Fire, Flurry, and Game Insight (Paradise Island) talks.
Aug. 3, 2012