Main Characters...
Do they have to be compelling in order to make the game great?
Do they have to be white males to do well in wide release?
Market research apparently says generic white males sell best but I have a hard time believing that when there are so many examples of female, and minority protagonist games performing wonderfully. Metroid being an example, or GTA San Andreas as another.
Let us now what you guys think, and as always, Shine on dudes!
Today let's get into some fighting game talk. Max gets a chance to join us and it couldn't be for a better episode.
And with Street Fighter V being released just a couple days ago (two days after recording), this topic couldn't be more on point.
We talk about what makes a fighting game great and what can be done to create a new IP that does well. I'm sure you guys have lots to say about this, so be sure to hit me up on twitter or Matt on Youtube. Especially, give a shout to Max and let him know we appreciate him on the show!
Enjoy, and Shine on!
(The following is my opinion in retrospect, with time to reflect. Matt doesn't have that opportunity. So, when I say my understanding of his opinion, please know I am only saying it in it's most boiled down form.)
Censorship is generally a shady proposition in my opinion. I don't like the idea of someone else deciding for me what I can or cannot see. I play devils advocate to Simmons this episode, but especially after the fact, I feel the need to clear something up.
That is: Art should never be censored. However, again in my opinion, something like a game totally about rape, is not art and I will never be bothered by it being censored. Simmons feels that if you censor anything, even something he considers to be revolting work, it can lead to serious problems in the future. I have to agree that censorship is a dangerous road, but I have a hard time reconciling the idea that we should just allow some honestly disgusting stuff to exist. Namely, a game about rape, or involving children in sexual exploitation, drawn or otherwise. I guess thats the debate though. It's a hell of a gray area.
All of that being said, I am open to the idea that I'm wrong here. Let me know what you think.
It's a heavy episode dudes, but worth the debate!
Shine on!
Game Development is surrounded by a veritable cloud of opinions. Buzz words and PR BS make it difficult to get a grip on the process of development and it leaves itself open to rampant speculation. I need to learn more about the process, so it's time to bust up some of those myths and clear up the misunderstandings.
Working on Maximilian's Assist Me Web series was a big part of my life for a few years. It became the first passion project our group of friends would work on together.
Matt was out of town this weekend, but it turned out Mike Young was in town. He played various characters on the show and designed their costumes, as well as a ton of the writing for the series. I've wanted to have him on the podcast for a while so we decided to tell some stories, or at least our side of the stories from the various Assist Me productions.
If you guys end up digging this bonus episode, I'll try and get Max and Simmons in on an episode to get their favorite/horror stories from the production. I'm sure they have plenty of insane things Mike and I missed/didn't see/don't remember.
If you haven't seen Assist Me, but are interested, check them out over on Max's Youtube Channel!
Shine on!