Thunderfall
Aug 24, 2006, 08:34 PM
GameProducer.net has posted an interview (http://www.gameproducer.net/2006/08/23/interview-with-jesse-smith-firaxis-games/) with Firaxis producer Jesse Smith. Some of the topics discussed include how Smith ended up working for Firaxis, games produced, working with Sid Meier, Civ4 production and schedules, dealing with stress, most challenging moments and best moments in Civ4 development, qualities of a good game producer, and advice for aspiring game producers. Below is a quote:
GameProducer.NET: From stress to challenges: what have been the most challenging moments in Civ4 development?
Jesse Smith: One of the most challenging parts of Civ IV development was getting the community involved in the project 18 months prior to release! This required a lot of work on our part to ensure that we always had versions which were in good enough shape to be played by outsiders. We spent a lot of time testing versions, posting them, reviewing feedback, implementing changes, and retesting/posting versions. In the long run the effort was worth it because the feedback we received helped us make the game what it eventually became.
GameProducer.NET: From stress to challenges: what have been the most challenging moments in Civ4 development?
Jesse Smith: One of the most challenging parts of Civ IV development was getting the community involved in the project 18 months prior to release! This required a lot of work on our part to ensure that we always had versions which were in good enough shape to be played by outsiders. We spent a lot of time testing versions, posting them, reviewing feedback, implementing changes, and retesting/posting versions. In the long run the effort was worth it because the feedback we received helped us make the game what it eventually became.