"How do you decide what type to game to make? I am curious, because I'd like to eventually develop my own games, and I would like some insight into the starting of a project."

Submitted by: Chris Harrington

Answered by: Susan Frischer (writer/designer, Sierra On-Line)

"Hi, Chris. Here at Yosemite Entertainment, deciding what games to make is a fairly lengthy project involving many people. Sometimes an idea is suggested by the marketing group who sees a need for a certain type of game to fill a vacant niche in the market. Other games come from the development side. About six months before we want to begin a new project, we have an open design meeting. Anyone with an idea for a game may submit an anonymous proposal. We discuss them all and vote on our favorites. The division manager then pitches the top ideas to upper management, who may or may not okay a budget for a prototype. A prototype generally has a designer, artist, and programmer working on it for several months. It is then shown to management at a 'milestone' meeting and they decide whether to go ahead with the full game.

"Unfortunately, there are so many factors involved (from the direction of the project to the rapid pace of new technology to the annoying habit of competitors to announce similar games) that it’s not uncommon for a prototype or even an approved game to get cancelled after a year of development. Our division manager says that three factors influence the success probability of a game: the designer’s experience, whether the title is a sequel, or if it’s based on a viable franchise.

"Maybe in smaller companies, a single individual can spearhead a revolutionary project, but in a large company it’s much more infrequent (though not impossible, if the idea is really hot!).

"It sounds like you’re well on your way to a career in the computer game industry. You’ve got the enthusiasm and you’re getting the education. Best of luck to you!"

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