Summary of Rookie Roundtable

Moderator: Kent Quirk, CogniToy

Participants

NameEmail
Steve Myerssteve.myers@papy.com
Rich Reilyrich.reily@papy.com
Mason McCuskeymason@spin-studios.com
Russ Williamsruss@reciprocity.com
Geoff Howlandghowland@lupinegames.com
Ray Mazzarmazza@andrew.cmu.edu
Amy Kalsonakalson@andrew.cmu.edu
Ann Holvoetann.holvoet@skynet.be
George Ianzap@freshpulp.com
Kira Snyderkira@cosmonautstudios.com
Greg Gibsongreg@cosmonautstudios.com
Lee Montgomeryleemon@planetquake.com
Marty Rabensmarty@rabens.com
Scott Uhlerscott@iseesoft.com
Drew Sikoragaiiden@gamedev.net
Katherine Smithkathsth@bigfoot.com
Vlad Vukicevikvladimir@pobox.com
Mike Shavershaver@mozilla.org
Nick de Kanternick@muzzylane.com
Sparkysparky@phobe.com
Mark Templemtemple10@cox.net
Christian Bradleycbrad2@earthlink.net
Ken Troopkenneth@turbinegames.com
Dave Markdave@intrinsicalgorithm.com
Laurie Reynoldslaurie@intrinsicalgorithm.com
Tom Plunkettomas@fancy.org
Gregg Burmangburman@brainsquall.com
Russ Williams(private)
Jim Lane(private)

Introduction

I gave a talk last year, it said:
Know thyself
Make sure you cover:
You probably can't get much for free
Need three things: If you're lacking any of those, you probably need to find someone who has them.
And our sponsors, the IGDA, have some excellent resources. It's worth it to join them.

Hire creatively:

Hire young
Hire a mixture of experienced/inexperienced people -- the young ones provide energy, the older ones stability and quality
You can often find artists who'll work on a royalty basis
Give young people "creative stock" -- alternative compensation plans

Art directing is hard

If you have lots of people, you can't be vague. It's hard to keep people to a coherent vision and you may have to redo a lot.
A good artist could well be affordable if you know what you want; they can work within a given budget.
Hire the best you can find within a given budget -- it can be expensive to pay for a learning curve.

Working with people

Your ability to organize is key
You can work long distance with modern communications tools

Voice

If you're hiring voice talent, there are a remarkable number of starving actors out there.
If you're organized, you can get voice very cheaply; it doesn't take long to record a whole script full of stuff.
Make sure you audition people first -- they'll often do something small for free to get the job.
And there are cheap ways to do studio recording if you ask around.

Common thread:

Prepare first before you buy any human services and they'll be a lot cheaper.

Publishing

At this point I got too into the conversation and my notes got a lot worse. If anyone else has better notes, I'll be happy to post them.

Highlights: