Blogs - tymaxbeta

I got pretty lucky being able to chat with Joel himself, and thought that I'd save this here because he provides some insight to indy development :

TymaxBeta : I develop on mods and indy projects, and its pretty damn awesome to be talking to someone in your position, would you mind if I asked a little about the Dev proccess at FB?

Joel: well sure

Joel: I may be slow in reply atm though

TymaxBeta : no problem, I was wondering, what is the first step of development after creating the concept for you guys?

TymaxBeta : I mean, after design doc

Joel: ah

Joel: well

Joel: we don't do design docs anymore anyhow

Joel: it's a concept idea, then some prototyping or full development depending on what the idea needs

TymaxBeta : so is it art assets, levels? what comes first on the table

Joel: well for Trine 2 it's levels

Joel: levels -> programming and art in conjunction

Joel: I mean level design, e.g. gameplay blocks and such

TymaxBeta : so its gameplay before visuals?

Joel: yes

Joel: but our processes vary between projects

Joel: we don't follow any strict process guidelines or anything :)

TymaxBeta : yeah, one more thing

TymaxBeta : what would be your number one tip to someone starting out in indy development and release?

Joel: not stop working on a game until it's finished :)

Joel: don't drop projects just because you lose interest

Joel: that's my #1 tip

Joel: because finishing projects, the last 10% or so... is very educational

Joel: especially for commercial stuff, but I'd say for non-commercial too

Joel: just wrapping everything up

Joel: because it can be tough

TymaxBeta : Alright, thanks a lot for the insight. So long

Joel: have a good one :)

TymaxBeta : you too!

Joel: :)

From HLP I have learned a bit on how promotion works, I realize now, having a good plan of the profile and the media ready will make your mod stand out more, I hove nothing more to say, I mean, after the first media, trackers tripled, and we were featured on Pod Cast 17, the connection is obvious, ideas get you no were, the work is what brings you success.
Tyler Logsdon