Project Planning Details

I worked as a Producer at LucasArts and the 3DO Company - in fact I was the entire production department for the first 6 months of my time at 3DO.  Then I was an Executive Producer at Dreamworks Interactive, their 3rd employee, where I spearheaded a project called Normandy Beach, that was later to grow into the Medal of Honor series after I left the company.  So with experience managing and planning projects with budgets from a few thousand dollars to $7 million, I can do the initial work to figure out the scope and manpower needs of many types of game projects.  Although I prefer the design role, I have often helped startup companies put together initial budget and schedule estimates to show to potential funders, and then gone on to do the design of the project post-funding.

The games industry is at an interesting crossroads now, with both huge AAA games and tiny social network games both thriving.  The new developments in Serious Games, Downloadable content and virtual goods, 3D Camera Interfaces, mobile gaming, augmented reality, and GPS-based gaming have necessitated a lot of creative thinking in both project structure and revenue streams.  It is essential to consider these elements in the design process in order to create a title that is both fun and cost-effective.  Even in the case of a serious game funded by a grant and intended only for research, if good project planning practices are not employed, money will be wasted and the results will be disappointing.  The Inspiracy works with specialized companies and knowledgeable individuals to provide experienced help when needed.