4 ms·

I've been working at a major gaming studio in between startups and I have to agree with this - game programmers rock! The only catch is that they tend to be ob

by cmos 17y ago

I've been working at a major gaming studio in between startups and I have to agree with this - game programmers rock! The only catch is that they tend to be obsessed with games. So if you want them to build something else make sure they are tired of the gaming world and want something new. Anyone who can commit their software to a ROM disc has my respect.

berntb 17y ago
My impression is that game developers mostly leave the gaming world after burning out too many times. Some cynical advice might be to only hire them a year after they stopped working on games? Disclaimer: I only know a few game developers. They are really good -- and to man burned out on that industry.
- sgoraya 17y ago
  I am one of the burned out ones ;) I worked in the industry for approximately 6 years (2 companies) and got out due to the stressful crunch periods and associated drama of working in a game studio - if you are working on multiple titles, the stress increases by orders of magnitude. In addition to the bug fixing and testing there is the necessary hassle of submitting the games to SONY/MS/Nintendo, marketing coordination (with what seems like infinite number of mags and gaming sites), etc. and etc. ...now doing geospatial web applications.
martian 17y ago
There's also a lot to be said for developing an (ordinary) application like a game. The best games teach players how to play slowly, building up knowledge and confidence as the game progresses. The best apps do this too, giving you rewards and tips when necessary, streamlining the sign-up and introductory processes to gain the confidence of new users. Further: http://www.slideshare.net/dansaffer/gaming-the-web-using-the-structure-of-games-to-design-better-web-apps http://www.slideshare.net/dansaffer/gaming-the-web-using-the...

4 ms·

I've been working at a major gaming studio in between startups and I have to agree with this - game programmers rock! The only catch is that they tend to be ob

by cmos 17y ago

berntb 17y ago
My impression is that game developers mostly leave the gaming world after burning out too many times. Some cynical advice might be to only hire them a year after they stopped working on games? Disclaimer: I only know a few game developers. They are really good -- and to man burned out on that industry.
- sgoraya 17y ago
  I am one of the burned out ones ;) I worked in the industry for approximately 6 years (2 companies) and got out due to the stressful crunch periods and associated drama of working in a game studio - if you are working on multiple titles, the stress increases by orders of magnitude. In addition to the bug fixing and testing there is the necessary hassle of submitting the games to SONY/MS/Nintendo, marketing coordination (with what seems like infinite number of mags and gaming sites), etc. and etc. ...now doing geospatial web applications.
martian 17y ago
There's also a lot to be said for developing an (ordinary) application like a game. The best games teach players how to play slowly, building up knowledge and confidence as the game progresses. The best apps do this too, giving you rewards and tips when necessary, streamlining the sign-up and introductory processes to gain the confidence of new users. Further: http://www.slideshare.net/dansaffer/gaming-the-web-using-the-structure-of-games-to-design-better-web-apps http://www.slideshare.net/dansaffer/gaming-the-web-using-the...