Want to know what it’s really like to be part of a small game development studio? See this remarkable diary that talks about a company called Ninja Theory building a game for a next generation game platform – from the business perspective of pitching the product, paying the bills and landing the deal. They talk about how agonizing and scary the whole process is, even though every publisher that saw the game loved it. In particular, his interactions with the publishers are just priceless.

“We think your gameplay features are too ambitious. Perhaps you could simplify it and make it more like…”

…Something that is a clone of a successful game that will be so derivative and underwhelming by the time the next-gen consoles are out that no one, including yourselves, will give a damn, perhaps? It’s a conservative place, the games business. Ok, more:

“We love the ambition and production goals, but can you do it for [a third of the budget it would cost to develop]”.

Yes, we’d love to do that! Straight after I smash out all my teeth out with a hammer. Yep, the games business is oxymoronic. And here’s my favourite:

“We will not fund a prototype but we are happy to direct you while you develop it”

F.U.C.K.O.F.F

The last one is one we actually heard as well when I was working on my own ninja-oriented experience. The article’s a good read, and an accurate depiction of the emotional roller coaster ride that is modern game development outside one of the big houses.