EDITORIAL IN WITH THE NEW
ISSUE 144 NOVEMBER 2013 14 - 22 >
THE START OF a new console generation always feels like a fresh start for video games development, but this month’s double launch of Xbox One and PS4 feels like something more. After all, these are unlike any devices we’ve had
HOW TO START YOUR OWN STUDIO Experts in law, business, PR and more share their advice for new developers
08 > 26 – 32 > 51 >
LGC 2013 Full schedule inside
38 - 41 >
REGION FOCUS North East & Yorkshire
HEARD ABOUT Scoring Remember Me
before, built to be a high-end gaming PC, a set- top box, Blu-ray player, entertainment downloads store, social network and video conference calling system all in one. They are designed to connect with the smartphones and tablets that so many claimed would be their undoing, rather than compete with them. Such a structure changes how games can be designed; those oft-lamented companion apps could be the precursor to a whole new type of gaming experience. For developers, the arrival of the next generation is also the first glimpse of where console gaming is heading for the next five, potentially ten, years. Yes, many studios have already had dev kits on their desks for months now, but for the rest of us, seeing those games in action is the first real taste of what PS4 and Xbox One can offer. The devices also mark the beginning of a new hierarchy that has been building over the last few years. This will be the first home console generation where the infrastructure allows for genuine self-publishing from its early stages, and Sony and Microsoft are more attentive to studios than ever before. The relationship between developers and platform holders has rarely been closer, but only time will tell how strong that bond becomes. It’s a very interesting climate for established studios, let alone the plethora of start-ups that continue to flock to gaming. And speaking of new things, hello. As you can
THE NEXT-GEN STEP IN CHARACTER ANIMATION Animators reveal how they are harnessing the power of Xbox One and PS4
42 > REGULARS
WORKSTATIONS GUIDE The rigs that power development
DEVELOP-ONLINE.NET
Opinion and analysis . . . . . . . .P10 Key release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P47 Heard about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P51 Directory – Recruitment . . . . .P56 Directory – Spotlights . . . . . . .P60 FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P66
tell from the scribble below, I’m James and I’m very happy to be joining the Develop team this month as the new Editor. I’ve long been fascinated with how the video games of today are crafted, and am eager to learn even more – particularly as the nature of development continues to evolve. I look forward to working with you all.
James Batchelor
james.batchelor@
intentmedia.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2013 | 03
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