November 6, 1998 - Company Update
Seeking Experienced Game Developers
Seeking Experienced Game Developers
|
November 6, 1998 - Company Update
Seeking Experienced Game Developers |
Developer Call!
Seems like there's a lot of new interest in GMT Games and our titles out there, now that CAESAR: CONQUEST OF GAUL is out and BARBAROSSA: ARMY GROUP CENTER is nearing completion. This has manifested itself in an unusual way, and actually is causing a new challenge for us. Namely, we have received a rather large number of new designs (including some that were slated for MIH, but actually more than that from other sources, including our current group of designers).
Problem is, we don't have enough developers to handle all the designs coming in AND the games we already have in design/development. Without some additional developers on our team, many of these games are going to be sent back to the designers and won't ever see the P500 list. If we can add a few new (good!) developers, though, there are some really nice titles here that I think you guys will like. So this is an official call: If you are interested in developing a game for GMT, AND you have experience with testing or development, please contact me atgmtgames@aol.com.
Development work usually entails (depending on how tight the design is when we get it):
1. Playing the game repeatedly to look for holes, suggest improvements, etc. If you're a real detail-oriented person, you have the most necessary quality for development work.
2. Working closely with the designer to optimize the design and clarify vague rules.
3. Running a playtest team. This includes copying sets of maps and counters (GMT pays for this), scheduling testing, compiling test reports, and communicating with the testers and the designer/publisher. Second most necessary quality for a developer is communication skills. That shows up in this part of the work, as well as 4-6 below.
4. Working with me on the final rules and charts.
5. Coordinating with Tony Curtis on production timelines and issues.
6. Spending at least some time online keeping our customers informed about the status of the design, and (after pub) answering questions (along with the designer).
Basically, developers' work is a labor of love, so if you want to get involved, I'd suggest:
a. volunteer for a game or series that you're REALLY interested in.
b. don't quit your day job! :-)
Seriously, compensation is minimal, mostly free games and expense reimbursements. We're not looking for guys who want to get rich doing wargames. But if you want to work with a good team, get your name in lights, and help to get some really good games to the public, here's your opportunity.
I want to stress here that we don't want "new guys" at this point. You need to have at least SOME experience with testing/developing games. (If you want to sign up as a "lead tester," we can train you for later development work.) We HAVE trained developers in the past, and can take a person with minimal experience, plug them into me or Tony, and help them with areas they haven't experienced before. If you'd really like to do this but have doubts about this part, just contact me and we can discuss it.
Some games/series' that could use developers (there are more, but these are the main ones):
GREAT BATTLES OF HISTORY
This guy is going to have to be a veteran of the series who is VERY available with strong communication skills and a team mentality. We already have a very strong team on this series of projects so "fitting in" ability is very important. We don't want an "I want to change a lot of things" type person here. Initial responsibilities would be Cataphract and then Siege (Alesia).
RISORGOMENTO
This game is very far along. Basically here we need more of a "project editor", who can help us wrap us the final rules and charts.
AUSTERLITZ (and potentially a Napoleonic series)
This is not etched in stone yet, as David and I haven't discussed future of the game or series. But potentially, we'd need a developer here. For Austerlitz, game is basically done. Again, needing a "project editor" who can spot holes, dot i's and cross t's for now.
RED BANNERS
Essentially, here we need someone who can take over where David is now (doing testing on scenarios, etc.), help promote this project, and possibly help us with scenario additions. It's possible that we may reformat this game (as some have suggested) to get the price down. If we do that, we may well "freeze" it on the P500 list to allow time to get that done.
BLACK SHEEP LEADER
I need someone to run the test teams, give me feedback, and help with additional research. Essentially, if and when I have to go back to the USAF work (possibly January, but on a MUCH lighter schedule than before) I need a guy to keep the product moving toward P500 so it just doesn't sit there while I'm otherwise-occupied.
Richard's two operational ancients games
(he'll post on our ConsimWorld Discussion Board if you want them)
One uses cards and counters, one is more like Europa goes ancient. Lots of development/testing work here - not that the games are in bad shape (they're not), but these kind of games tend to need more testing.
Potentially, (no announcements yet) someone to work with a Tactical Naval Series- WWII to present.
A "Dan Verssen guy", who can help Dan with final development on the DOWN IN FLAMES series games, help with some "Leader" projects in the future, and essentially work on anything Dan, Rodger, and I want to create. I know this sounds a little vague, but right now, Dan's other committments are slowing down his new game output, and his lack of web-presence in hurting promotion for his designs. So this guy should be able to do most of the online communication (I'll help of course) for Dan's designs.
A GREAT BATTLES OF HISTORY guy for a "project editor" on a special project, working with Richard, Mark, Rodger, and me, but much of it on your own. Knowledge of the system, organizational skills, and the ability to not tell everyone you know what you're doing are a must.
If you have an interest in any of the above, please let me know. Due to the press of final production on BARBAROSSA: ARMY GROUP CENTER and helping Jewel with office stuff, I may not be able to get back to you for a couple days, but hang in there- I WILL respond. Oh, and please include a phone number. It may be easier for me to call you, especially from the office.Thanks!
Related Links 1. GMT Games Talk
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Copyright © 1999-2002. ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com
Headline News | Archives | New Products
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Copyright © 1999, 2000 ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com
