POP News

Wow! Nearly 2 months since the last post!

Well, here's a treat for Prince of Persia fans. 2 treats actually.

First, there's the remake of the original Prince of Persia on Xbox Live Arcade. Yes, the old scroller is back, but with cutting edge graphics and cut scenes. If you've got an Xbox 360 at home, get on Xbox Live Arcade and download the trial - it's a full first level with a nice real-time intro cut scene with the Princess and the Vizier, Jaffar.

Next, for the budding game designers (yes, I can see more than a handful of you out there), check out the Gamasutra feature interview with Jordan Mechner, creator of Prince of Persia.

Setting up an XBox 360 for XNA development

Some of you lucky folks got to get hands-on training today at the Microsoft day. I was told they left out the part where you get to try out your game on the 360, so no worries, here's a video that shows how to set up your machines for development, all in under 11 minutes.

XNA Workshop - Friday, 15 June 2007

Microsoft is (finally) organising an XNA workshop here in Singapore - so those of you interested in getting your hands dirty and feet wet in programming for XBox360 Live, check out the following email.

Game developers can now see their visions come to light in a matter of minutes instead of months. The XNA Framework Hands-On Lab is your ticket to know more about game development using the XNA framework.

This session features key insights on how to develop 2D and 3D games using the XNA framework. Sign up for the Hands-On Lab now to get one hour of training on the XNA Framework. What's more, you will also walk away with the coursework and Visual Studio Express CD. Choose your suitable one hour slot anytime from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

9-10am
10-11am
11am-12noon
1-2pm
2-3pm
3-4pm
4-5pm

RSVP to Andrea for the XNA Framework Lab. Send an email to : andrea@techmexeventsasia.com or Call 6550 8963

More foreign game companies set up base in Singapore

The Business Times today reported a dozen more companies to be setting up base in Singapore.

Check out the report reproduced at MFA Press Releases.

How to write Game Concept and Proposal Documents

Q: Game development competitions, assignments, Final Year Projects - what do they have in common?

A: Requirement(s) to submit proper documentation.

Proper planning is crucial to success in any project, more so for creative projects such as game development projects, where a good mix of personalities including artists, programmers and designers are involved.

If you can't even put down to paper and articulate what you have in mind, how are you going to be able to implement and deliver a solid game product? Those angel investors you're looking for will need a lot more than "it's cool!" to be convinced.

Look over to Tim Ryan's article on The Anatomy of a Design Document, Part 1:Documentation Guidelines for the Game Concept and Proposal at Gamasutra. It's an older document, but still a goldie.

Note: You'll need a Gamasutra account to login and read. If you haven't got one yet, get one. It's an account you'll use for a long time (if you want to last in the GD business).

What is the IGF?

Check out the prizes for this year's IGF (Independent Games Festival) at GDC 2007 site.

"Independent Games Festival was established in 1998 to encourage innovation in game development and to recognize the best independent game developers.

Just as the Sundance Film Festival benefits the independent film community, the IGF creates a similar event for independent game developers in addition to the student population of game developers. The competition culminates at the GDC where winners are announced and over $50,000 worth in prizes awarded."

The IGF's Student Showcase highlighted a total of ten games this year with each IGF Student Showcase Winner awarded US$500. In addition, a prize for best overall IGF Student Game was awarded as part of the IGF Awards, with the finalists comprising all of the Student Showcase winners. Best Student Game took an additional US$2,500.

... and before Gears of War there was...

Those doing INGD (Introduction to 2D Game Development) might be interested in The Video Game Revolution. The site provides an interactive view of the history of video games.

I still don't know who says "@!#?@!" when he is hit by something though...

[Edit] 'twas Q*bert!