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gabrielcornish · 1 day

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🙌🏽 I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the game development community. With Paradox Tectonic’s closure, I’ve begun exploring new opportunities. But, I haven’t been alone in this journey. In the past week, the outpouring of support from fellow game developers has been overwhelming. I’ve received job leads, encouragement, and invaluable connections. This support has made all the difference. The industry’s current state has only strengthened the bonds among us game developers. I’m committed to paying it forward. If there’s any way I can contribute or support you in your game dev journey, please let me know. Thank you!

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gabrielcornish · 8 days

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Today I found out the studio I work at is shutting down and that layoffs are on the way. There’s a lot of studio closures and layoffs in the game industry. It can feel like we’re yet another headline in a sea of headlines. So, while the attention is on the Tectonic studio, I wanted to say my piece. Here goes: 🙏 TO THE TEAM Thank you to all the teammates I worked with in the trenches at Tectonic. Thank you for teaching me patience and resilience. Thank you for sending flowers when a loved one passed and celebrating with me for the birth of my child. It meant the world to me. Thank you for teaching me hard things. Thank you for fixing my messy scripts. Thank you for giving me feedback and critiques. Thank you for showing me better ways to do things. Thank you for supporting my ideas and allowing me to collaborate on yours. Thank you for continuing to work on the game, even on this day. 🙌 TO THE PLAYERS Thank you for supporting Life By You. Thank you for your direct and honest feedback. It changed the game for the better, when our voices alone couldn’t. Thank you for all of your input. It helped us advocate for the changes we believed in. Thank you for welcoming us into the Life Simulation community with open arms. What a beautiful and diverse group of fans. Thank you for giving us the chance to build this game for you. I hope that one day you will get to experience it for yourself. <hr> If you need great talent to join your game studio, look no further than the fine folk at Paradox Tectonic. Thank you!

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gabrielcornish · 28 days

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Playing around with a map screen for a text-adventure game. <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/16155/2024/map.gif" width="512" height="342" alt="">

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gabrielcornish · 30 days

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Just discovered my favorite UI principle. Act on press. Why it matters: When interactions “do the thing” when the input is pressed, instead of on-release, the interaction feels more responsive. Deeper Dive: See <a href="https://x.com/ID_AA_Carmack/status/1787850053912064005">John Carmack’s</a> thread.

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gabrielcornish · 1 month

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🕹 Golden Rule of Level Design: Finish Your First Level Last

<a href="https://x.com/romero">John Romero</a> had it right. Why it matters: This counterintuitive strategy shapes the player’s experience. It ensures a smoother, more engaging introduction to the game. <ul> <li>It’s a game-changer for developers looking to hook players from the start.</li> </ul> First Impressions Count: The first level sets the tone. <ul> <li>It’s your game’s handshake, greeting the player.</li> </ul> Making the first level last allows you to apply all the lessons learned during development. It ensures this crucial introduction is as polished as possible. Evolution of Design: As you develop the game, your skills sharpen and ideas evolve. <ul> <li>The game’s identity becomes clearer.</li> </ul> Finishing the first level last means it benefits from this evolution. It embodies the best your game has to offer. Consistency is Key: Early levels often lack the polish of later ones. <ul> <li>This is because we are still finding our footing.</li> </ul> By circling back, you ensure the first level is consistent with the game’s quality and style. Feedback Loop: Throughout development, feedback shapes your game. <ul> <li>Early levels designed later can incorporate this invaluable insight.</li> <li>This makes them more in tune with player expectations and preferences.</li> </ul> The big picture: It’s not only about making a good first impression. It’s about leveraging your entire development journey to refine that critical first experience. This approach ensures your game starts strong, captivating players from the get-go. Beyond Games: This principle isn’t confined to gaming. It’s a reminder that sometimes, saving key tasks for last can lead to better outcomes. <ul> <li>This includes writing, project management, or creative endeavors.</li> </ul> Bottom line: Finishing your first level last isn’t only smart; it’s strategic. It ensures your game not only starts with a bang but also reflects the best of what you’ve learned.

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gabrielcornish · 1 month

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The single best way I’ve found to build trust on a team: <ul> <li>Admit and take responsibility for mistakes</li> </ul>

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gabrielcornish · 1 month

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How To Work On Your Game For 30 Minutes

<h2 id="i-wanted-to-work-on-my-game--actually-no">I wanted to work on my game. Actually, no…</h2> <ul> <li>I NEEDED to work on my game.</li> </ul> A Month had gone by and I had made close to zero progress. There was a month left of development and I was no where near releasing something onto my itch.io page. If I could just sit down for a little bit and work on my game, I could make progress. And, if I could make a little progress I could feel excited about working on my game again. <ul> <li>I could build some momentum.</li> <li>And If I could build some momentum, there may be a chance I would release my game in time.</li> </ul> <h2 id="but-i-couldnt-do-it">But, I couldn’t do it.</h2> I even negotiated with myself. 30 minutes is all it would take. I told myself, “Work on the game for 30 minutes and the rest would take care of itself.” But, I couldn’t get myself to do it. Why? <h2 id="the-problem">The problem…</h2> The problem is that I had built this game up in my mind to the point that it was intimidating. My vision was so far ahead of my execution, that I became paralyzed. I believed that no matter what I did next, it would fall short of my expectations. And the truth is, I wasn’t wrong. I was going to sit down and work on my game and it was not going to turn out the way it was in my head. It was going to be imperfect. No two ways around it. And there was the obstacle. Looking me right in the face. I was being a perfectionist. And so long as I was going to be a perfectionist, this game wasn’t going to get made. Period. I had to accept that it was going to be imperfect, no matter what I did. But, how do you stop being a perfectionist? It’s not like some switch you can turn off. Especially if you’re the type of person who needs to feel like things are in control. Ha! Good luck. I needed to get through this inner obstacle if I was going to sit down and work on my game for 30 minutes. <h2 id="so-i-made-a-plan">So, I made a plan.</h2> My plan was: If I procrastinated because of perfectionism, I would tell myself “imperfections are my unique style.” This plan made a huge difference. It reminded me that embracing imperfections is what makes something unique. In the end, I’m happy to say I got myself to work on my game for 30 minutes. And I’ve used this tactic to help me do it again. It seems like a small win, but I hope you can find the time to work on your game for 30 minutes.

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gabrielcornish · 2 months

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Layoffs have been straight devastating to the game industry. Yet, when I look around at the game dev community, I see passion, talent, and creativity burning hotter than ever. I’m inspired by the resilience I see around me.

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gabrielcornish · 3 months

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🕹️ <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/larian-studios-wont-make-baldurs-gate-3-dlc-expansions-or-baldurs-gate-4">Larian announcement: No Baldur’s Gate DLC or sequel</a> This made me happy. Long-term, investing in owning and making games around your own IPs is better, even if it is riskier. BG3 was a massive success. Players love Larian. <ul> <li>Now’s the time to take risks on new IPs.</li> </ul>

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gabrielcornish · 4 months

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Just stumbled on this quote and it got me thinking. <blockquote> “No matter what the work you are doing, be always ready to drop it. And plan it, so as to be able to leave it.” ― Leo Tolstoy </blockquote> I find myself sometimes clinging to things past the point where I should have let them go.

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gabrielcornish · 4 months

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🧘I thought it would be good to formalize my mental health toolkit. This process keeps me going: <ul> <li>Meditate every day for at least 10 minutes</li> <li>Workout 20 minutes, 4 times a week</li> <li>Create something for 20 minutes, 3 times per week</li> </ul> Total time required: <ul> <li>30 minutes per day</li> <li>3.5 hours per week</li> </ul>

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gabrielcornish · 4 months

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gabrielcornish · 5 months

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I want to get back to doing my MS Paint doodles, so here’s todays. <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/16155/2024/image.png" width="600" height="367" alt="">

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gabrielcornish · 5 months

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Use This Simple Technique To Generate Gameplay Ideas Fast

<img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/16155/2024/crossroads.png" width="600" height="342" alt=""> <h2 id="the-problem">The Problem</h2> Have you ever tried to make a game about a theme like love? It sounds simple, right? But when you sit down to design it, you might find yourself stuck. Where do you even start? There are so many ways to approach this theme. It’s like standing at a crossroads with hundreds of paths. You could go in any direction, but how do you know which one is right? This is a big challenge for game designers, both newbies and pros. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of ideas and end up not starting at all. <h2 id="why-it-matters">Why It Matters</h2> Why is solving this problem important? Well, having a clear process to turn any theme into a game concept is key. It helps you move faster in developing your game. You waste less time thinking and more time actually creating. Plus, you start to get a feel for what ideas will work and what won’t right from the start. <h2 id="personal-experience">Personal Experience</h2> I’ve been there, stuck in the idea phase. Once, during a game jam, I spent half of the 48 hours trying to decide on an idea. When I finally picked one, I hardly had any time left to make the game. And I wasn’t alone in this struggle. After reading other developers’ logs, I knew we needed a better way. <h2 id="verb-before-consequence">Verb Before Consequence</h2> The solution is simple: “Verb Before Consequence”, or V.B.C. This means you think of a gameplay idea as something the player must do (the verb) before something else happens (the consequence). For example: <ul> <li>“Rescue the princess BEFORE the dragon eats her.”</li> <li>“Stop the love of your life at the airport BEFORE they hop on a plane and leave forever.”</li> <li>“Clean the whole house BEFORE your parents get home.”</li> </ul> These ideas have a few key things: <ul> <li>Drama: There’s a clear consequence and a ticking clock.</li> <li>Interactivity: The player has a task they must do.</li> <li>Clarity: You understand what the game is about.</li> </ul> <h2 id="objections">Objections</h2> Some might say this method is too simple to create a good game. But simplicity is powerful. The best games often have straightforward, engaging concepts. For example: <ul> <li>Chess: Checkmate your opponent BEFORE they checkmate you</li> <li>Super Mario Bros.: “Reach the end of the level BEFORE time runs out</li> <li>Capture The Flag: Take the other team’s flag back to your base BEFORE they take yours</li> <li>Basketball / Football / Soccer: Score the most amount of points BEFORE time runs out</li> </ul> You can dissect plenty of games and mechanics using this lens. <h2 id="how-to-use-the-v-b-c-technique">How to use the V.B.C. Technique</h2> Whenever you need to come up with a gameplay concept, fill in the blanks, “Do (Verb) BEFORE (Consequence).” Boom! You’ve got a solid concept to start designing your game. By using this V.B.C. method, you’ll find yourself moving from idea to game development much faster. It’s a straightforward, effective tool to unlock endless creative possibilities. So, next time you’re stuck, remember: Verb Before Consequence. Happy game designing!

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gabrielcornish · 6 months

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Ask this One Question to Make Game Design 10x Easier

You know how tricky and complex game design can be. In this journey filled with endless tasks and challenges, it’s easy to lose focus. But there’s one simple question that can make your life as a game designer much easier. <h2 id="what-s-the-big-question">What’s the Big Question?</h2> Here’s the most important question you should always ask: “What problem are we trying to solve?” Sounds simple, right? But it’s often overlooked even with experienced developers. When you’re deep in game development, it’s easy to get lost in the details and forget the main goal. Albert Einstein said, “If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it.” This quote highlights how crucial it is to know the problem before you jump into solutions. <h2 id="why-this-question-matters">Why This Question Matters</h2> Game development is a journey filled with distractions. As a game designer, your job is to solve problems for the player. But remember, not every problem needs solving. It’s important to focus on the right ones. Asking “What problem are we solving?” brings clarity and focus. <h2 id="the-benefits-of-asking-the-right-question">The Benefits of Asking the Right Question</h2> <ol> <li>Productivity: If you understand the problem, you can work more efficiently.</li> <li>Alignment: It ensures everyone on the team is on the same page. This minimizes miscommunication and conflicts.</li> <li>Time-saving: It saves hours of work. You don’t waste time on solving the wrong problems.</li> </ol> <h2 id="why-people-avoid-asking-this-question">Why People Avoid Asking This Question</h2> Some might think it’s a rude question, or fear it might get annoying if asked too often. But the truth is, it’s a necessary step in effective problem-solving. <h2 id="personal-experience">Personal Experience</h2> I’ve been in design meetings where we debated solutions for hours! It never occurred to us that we didn’t even agree on the problem. We spent hours in discussions and left with no clear direction. We could have avoided this by asking, “What problem are we solving?” <h2 id="a-simple-framework">A Simple Framework</h2> <ol> <li>Agree on the Problem: Always ensure everyone agrees on the problem.</li> <li>Clear Goal: At the start of meetings, state the problem you’re there to solve.</li> <li>Self-Reflection: If you’re on your own, ask yourself if you’re solving the right problem. Is it a problem worth solving to begin with?</li> </ol> <h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2> In game development, it’s easy to get caught up in endless tasks. By asking, “What problem are we solving?” you bring clarity and focus to your work. This simple question is a powerful tool in your game design toolkit. Use it wisely, and watch your productivity and efficiency soar! <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/16155/2024/9f7c23cc2a.png" width="600" height="342" alt="">

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gabrielcornish · 6 months

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Receiving feedback made easy: <ol> <li>Assume positive intent.</li> <li>Appreciate all feedback. Say thank you even if you don’t agree.</li> <li>Accept or discard, but always consider it deeply.</li> </ol> This simple process elevates your creations and builds collaborative relationships.

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gabrielcornish · 6 months

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The #1 Skill in Game Design: Mastering Feedback

<img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/16155/2024/feedback-game-design.png" width="600" height="342" alt=""> <h2 id="what-s-the-big-deal-with-feedback">What’s the Big Deal with Feedback?</h2> When you’re crafting a video game, it’s like you’re in a bubble. You think your game is awesome, but will others feel the same? Thanks for reading Design Video Games! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. The truth is, you can’t know if your game is a hit or a miss until players get their hands on it. That’s where feedback comes in, and trust me on this, it’s a game-changer! <h2 id="why-feedback-is-your-superpower">Why Feedback is Your Superpower</h2> Imagine feedback as a power tool in your game design toolbox. It’s not just about listening to what others say about your game. It’s about how you listen. Taking feedback the right way can turn your good game into a legendary one. It will also improve your relationship with players and coworkers! <h2 id="ego-be-gone">Ego, Be Gone!</h2> First things first, you’ve got to ditch the ego. I’m serious. Remember, your game isn’t about you – it’s for the players. When someone gives you feedback, they’re helping you, not attacking you. Appreciation is key here. Even if you don’t agree with what they’re saying, say thanks. It shows you value their opinion. They will be more likely to come to you again with feedback. <h2 id="the-truth-about-feedback">The Truth About Feedback</h2> Here’s a secret: when someone tells you there’s a problem with your game, they’re usually right. But if they give you a solution, be cautious. That’s your job to figure out. Either way, be grateful you’re getting feedback. If someone’s not giving you feedback after you ask, it might mean they don’t believe you’ll receive it well. Yikes! You want play testers to always feel comfortable being honest with you. That’s your responsibility. <h2 id="why-feedback-rocks">Why Feedback Rocks</h2> Learning to love feedback can do wonders. The more feedback you get, the more you learn, and the better your game becomes. It’s like having a secret weapon that keeps making your game cooler and cooler. Designers who know how to receive feedback will always produce a better game than those who don’t. <h2 id="common-worries-about-feedback">Common Worries About Feedback</h2> Some people worry that showing their game too early might give a bad impression. Or worse, someone might steal their idea! And sometimes, the feedback feels just… wrong. Like the player doesn’t ‘get’ your game. Or they’ll just tell you what you already know. These are real worries, but don’t let them stop you from seeking it out anyway. The value you get from a good feedback process outweighs any of the costs. It’s never too early to get feedback. Look at how Slay the Spire looked when their designers started requesting feedback. <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/16155/2024/slay.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt=""> That game went on to become a smash hit! <h2 id="my-story-with-feedback">My Story with Feedback</h2> I didn’t always take feedback well. In the beginning, I would get defensive or justify my design. I would blame the person for not “getting” my design. This held me back as a game designer. But when I started embracing feedback, everything changed. I went from a so-so designer to one of the best on my team! I got promotions and more opportunities within the studio. People enjoyed working with me because I was open to their ideas. They felt comfortable coming to me with problems and I loved hearing their feedback. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. <h2 id="feedback-made-easy-a-two-step-process">Feedback Made Easy: A Two-Step Process</h2> Ready to become a feedback expert? Here’s how: <ol> <li>Appreciate the Feedback: Say thanks, even if you don’t agree. It shows gratitude and encourages the other person to come back with more.</li> <li>Accept or Discard: You decide if the feedback works for your game. Give the feedback honest consideration before making a decision. (Pssst, you can keep this part a secret.)</li> </ol> <h2 id="the-bottom-line">The Bottom Line</h2> Feedback isn’t just about making your game better. It’s about being a better designer, a better team player, and building trust with players. When someone offers you feedback, remember, it’s not just advice. It’s your ticket to being a great game designer! 🌟🎮👾

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