Balancing Art and Ideas in Alien: Rogue Incursion
Rookie Mistakes and the Importance of Holistic Game Development
Game development can be harsh, with artists often spending four or five years on a game that never releases. Studio Art Director Tate Mosesian of Survios has shared an insight into game development that everyone can learn from: the importance of balancing art and ideas. According to Mosesian, "that’s the humbling part… You can create something that is visually stellar, something that is just stunning and beautiful, but if the game isn’t there, no one’s going to play it, and your work is never going to get seen."
Balancing Art and Ideas in Alien: Rogue Incursion
Mosesian reflects on his early career, when he didn’t place enough importance on the other aspects of game development – design, tech, and the game as a holistic thing. "Which was just a rookie mistake," he recalls. "Understanding my place as an artist, I am here to make the game, if a game exists better through the visuals [that’s good], but I will never make a game strictly through visuals."
The Importance of Holistic Game Development
Mosesian emphasizes the importance of understanding when to roll back on blue-sky ideas. "There have been games that have just been beautiful, stunning, that never seemed to get a fan base for whatever reason, and they never got another chance to make another one, which is sad, but it is business, so you can’t take too many risks."
Balancing Art and Ideas in Alien: Rogue Incursion
In the case of Alien: Rogue Incursion, Mosesian and his team have had to make tough decisions about what to prioritize. The game is full of era-accurate Alien details and design, and the team has had to balance the need for visual fidelity with the need for a functional and fun game. "You have to determine where you have to put your bang for the buck," Mosesian says. "Those things take engineering time and design time and tweaking and massaging to make sure that it actually elevates the experience [and] it doesn’t inhibit or take away from it."
Conclusion
Mosesian’s insights into game development are valuable for anyone working in the industry. By balancing art and ideas, developers can create games that are both visually stunning and engaging to play. Alien: Rogue Incursion is shaping up to be one of the year’s best VR games, and its success is a testament to the importance of holistic game development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key takeaways from Tate Mosesian’s insights on game development?
A: The importance of balancing art and ideas, understanding the limitations and advantages of developing a game, and prioritizing the needs of the game over individual artistic ambitions.
Q: What is the main takeaway from Mosesian’s discussion of his early career?
A: The importance of understanding one’s place in the development team and recognizing the need for a holistic approach to game development.
Q: What is the release date of Alien: Rogue Incursion?
A: December 19th.
Q: Where can I find more information about Alien: Rogue Incursion?
A: Visit the Survios website for more details.
