I got back the other day from GDC and was taking stock of the experience. One of the low points for me was the IGF awards, but before you burn me at the stake, I just want to say I really like the fact that Andy won and I wish everyone all the best for thier products. What annoys me, is that its become this huge production thats almost a parody of "indie". For a start, most of the games are "different" in the way that most cultures that try so hard to be different that they become homogenous. Almost all of the IGF entries were 2D platformers of some sort. Of course with lots of artsy black and white and the like. I was sat at the back of this huge hall watching the presenters read of a 20 foot tall prompter screen thingy and just thinking to myself "this isnt what game development should be about". Its like the whole thing has turned into a cult of celebrity rather than a celebration of game design and development. The whole thing left a sour taste in my mouth. Enough that I'll make sure to steer clear of the whole thing next year. I'd rather spend my time finishing my game and building relationships with my customers. I dont need to be recognised by my peers or seek any kind of fan-boy adoration really. I guess you have to be there to get where I'm coming from.
I'll agree the presentation was a little off, but I do think the games vying for the awards were appropriate. The show is a little better with some wine or beer though.
I think the nominees themselves are a matter of taste - as far as I'm concerned they were for the most part totally deserved, and pretty daunting quality goalposts to boot. I was a little disappointed the Zynga guy wasn't booed off stage though.
Farmville, for a start. But his acceptance speech was pretty graceless, and he took the opportunity to say that if any of us wanted to be indie and make money, we should come and work for him.
Funny how IGF might be killing itself in the eyes of some indies. At least one of the big IGF winners has several million dollars in investment backing. Maybe these huge indies are what alienates the more regular selffunded "lone wolf" indie?
The minute guys like that pathetic slimey prick from zynga turn up on an IGF stage to offer indies money (no thanks asswipe, I've made a decent living withotu working for fucktards like you), you know its having trouble maintaining its direction. What surprises me is the number of UK and non-US indies that go to GDC. Do you really think it's worth it? In terms of the cost of travel and accomodation etc. Do you really think you get your moneysworth in terms of benefit to your business?
Ouch, I see. I think I'd rather choose not having money over being a douche any day, but hey, that's just me
Yes absolutely, but I'm only as far away as Canada, which means I pay only slightly more and go through extra security. I'm a bit isolated from most. My city does have several game developers in it, but the indie scene around here is pretty small. I feel out of place hanging out with guys at the "looking for jobs" level, seeing how I probably interviewed a bunch of them at my prior job (Tech Director at Big Blue Bubble). I don't mean it as disrespect to the Londoners, but my role and experience puts me in a mentor position with most. I don't mind teaching, but my free time is better spent hanging out with potential collaborators and associates, people that wont require me to pay a wage to work with. I realize that sounds incredibly douchebagy, but it's just as weird for me too! Success is freaky! So yes, I feel GDC is absolutely worth it, for my sanity more than anything. It's an opportunity to meet with real people I know and chat with over the internet, people doing what I do. We are soooo freaking lonely as indies, especially "lone wolf" indies! We all crave human contact, and GDC is a chance for you to meet up and hang out with your peers. Forums and mailing list are great, but hanging out with a room of awesome people doing awesome things is totally freaking awesome! 12 hours of jumping between airports is long, but without a doubt, completely worth it. So yeah, it's not so much for the conference side (though IGS is fun), it's for the schmoozing and boozing.
A brief look at my GDC week. http://www.toonormal.com/2010/03/18/mike-the-multi-winner-and-gdc-champion/
Once in a while, we have a long-winded discussion about what it means to be indie. Next time the question comes up, I'll propose this as a definition.
Thankyou for posting that. I like seeing scum, admit to being scum on the internet, forever, where they can never, ever deny they said that.
Maybe they'll have one of these awards next year http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqLgyvX7duw (I love that clip)
That's right, what you need is people paying money for your games. It is also the best proof they like your work That said, recognition from someone you admire is a great feeling.
I saw the video, with Andy taking the 2 awards; then the bit with the foxy lady blabbing on about some digital distribution service (direct2drive?) kinda made me think .. just how 'independent' is this thing?