BEHIND THE GAMES
It's probably no great surprise that videogames is one of the hottest industries around. Software sales continue to soar and the battleground for next generation console supremacy is heating up.
But what is often lost behind the hype and hysteria of the next Grand Theft Auto or graphics capabilities of the next generation console hardware is the importance of human capital in our industry. We're talking about the individual game developers who endure countless milestone crunches and sleepless nights in order to satisfy the ever growing consumer demand for more realistic graphics and gameplay experiences.
Unfortunately, this seemingly insatiable appetite for new and better content is burning out many of the videogame industries' best and brightest developers and jeopardizing the previously coveted idea of a career in games. For the videogames industry to recover from this dilemma it must dedicate itself to nurturing, training, challenging and respecting the very developers who are so crucial to its success.
In an effort to help support and enlighten the game development community, Digital Artist Management (DAM) has created this monthly e-newsletter to deliver unique insights and news articles, updates on game industry events, and offer feedback and advice on career growth and management.
Much like the success of Digital Artist Management, the success of this e-newsletter depends on you. If you disagree with us, say something. If you have a point of view, we want to hear it. If there is other content you would like to see, tell us. And, of course, if you enjoy That DAM Newsletter, we would appreciate hearing that too!
A post-mortem on E3's downsizing and how it may or may not affect GDC 2007.
>> Giving the Power Back to the Artists
Chris Bateman, founder of Fantasy Labs, discusses his experiment with alternate game development business models.
>> Casual Games Biz Poised for Growth Despite Non-Paying Customers
Paul Hyman talks with PopCap Games founder Jason Kapalka about the future of casual games.
>> A Healthy Approach to Game Development
A perspective on virtual education and training through games.
>> Next-Gen Clarity: Courtesy of the Tokyo Games Show
The lastest from Tokyo on the upcoming Wii and PS3 launches.
>> Massive Activity in Massive Multiplayer Games
Industry insiders comment on the proliferation of MMOG's.
>> New Tech Stretches Game Writing Tasks
A commentary on the growth of professional writing and dialogue in games.
>> 'License-itis' Picking Up Steam
Industry perspectives on licensing and future game development.
>> EA's New MMOG-Meister
Paul Hyman talks with Mark Jacobs, founder and CEO of Mythic Entertainment, on their acquisition by EA and the broader MMOG market.
>> Cadillac Guns Xbox 360's Ad Engine
A preview of the current and likely future of advertising in games.
>> With Episodic Gaming, Everything Old is New Again
Industry insiders comment on the resurgence of episodic gaming via digital distribution
>> E3 Wrap-up
Highlights and impressions from E3 2006
>> 3D Realms' Scott Miller on the Value of Original IP
A commentary on the pros and cons of developing original versus licensed IP
>> E3 2007: Deals ... Or No Deals?
Tips on landing a development deal and planning for E3 2007
>> Looking to E3...and the
Big three!
A preview of what to expect from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo at this year's E3
>> IGF Keeps Indie Spirit Alive In Game Industry
A prospectus on the independent games market
>> Developer Spotlight: Incognito Studios
Paul Hyman talks with Incognito’s technical director, Randy Zorko about the PS3 and their upcoming launch title, Warhawk
>> Game Start-Ups confident
despite turbulent times
How new start ups foresee dealing with the increasing costs and challenges of next gen game development
>> Used Games a Boon and Bane for Industry
A perspective on the thriving used game market and its impact on publishers
>> Mobile Gaming Gets Big!
A commentary on EA's impact in the mobile gaming market via its acquisition of Jamdat.
>> Electronic Boogaloo
A perspective on the growth and influence of hip-hop in games.
>> Industry Recognizing "Write Stuff"
A commentary on the evolution and importance of writing in games
>> Q&A: Shiny Entertainment's David Perry
Paul Hyman speaks candidly with David Perry about games and Hollywood.
>> A Chat with Naughty Dog...
Naughty Dog's advice on
next gen game console development
>> MMOG Publishers...
A commentary on the evolution of MMPOG revenue models
>> Dealing with Crunch Time! Industry veterans Graeme Bayless and Daron Stinnett comment on how to handle crunch times
>> Sponsors Go Ape for Advergames
A perspective on the rapid evolution of advertising in games
>> Help us Help You!
How to maximize success in working with recruiters
>> Videogame Sequels Heat Up Winter Selling Season
A rundown on the major publishers' hottest titles for the upcoming Christmas season
>> The Convergence of Films & Games: A Staffing Dilemma
DAM speaks out on staffing solutions for next generation game development
>> AI: The Smart Way To Go
Paul Hyman discusses the future of AI in games with John Funge, Co-Founder of IKuni
>> Blackley: Game Makers Should Call The Shots
CAA's perspective on the convergence of games and film
>> Behind the Games
DAM Speaks out on the importance of human capital in the games industry
>> Plan to buy an Xbox?...
Paul Hyman discusses the dilemma of which new console hardware to purchase
>> Content is Still King
A synopsis on the importance of killer content for the next generation consoles
