Snowed In Studios: Game Development Insights
Player: Engage Podcast - SnowedIn Studios
Episode Description:
In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg speaks with Nigel Franks and Kristie Dale from Snowed In Studios, a part of Keywords Studios. They discuss their roles, the unique challenges and opportunities in game development, and the importance of community building in Ottawa's gaming scene. Nigel and Kristie share their career journeys, insights on project management, and the nuances of working with both AAA and indie game titles.
Listen Here: Snowed In Studios: Game Development Insights
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
00:37 - 01:25: Introductions
Nigel and Kristie introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds and roles at Snowed In Studios.
06:46 - 08:38: Project Management in Game Development
Nigel and Kristie discuss the differences between being a studio production director and a game producer, emphasizing the unique responsibilities and challenges in managing game development projects.
16:02 - 20:05: Working with AAA and Indie Titles
The duo explains the dynamics of collaborating on AAA titles like Starfield and Forza, highlighting the balance between creative freedom and strict project guidelines.
24:00 - 26:17: Community Building in Ottawa
Nigel shares Snowed In Studios' efforts in fostering a supportive game development community in Ottawa, including offering office space to indie developers and organizing local meetups.
47:10 - 49:52: Getting Started in Game Development
Nigel and Kristie provide advice for aspiring game developers, emphasizing the importance of networking, gaining experience through hands-on projects, and engaging with local game development communities.
Key Concepts:
Project Management: Understanding the various roles and responsibilities in game development and the importance of effective project management.
AAA vs. Indie Development: The unique challenges and opportunities in working on large-scale AAA titles versus smaller indie projects.
Community Building: Efforts to support and grow the local game development community in Ottawa.
Career Paths: Insights into the diverse career paths in game development and advice for those looking to enter the industry.
Technical Adaptability: The importance of technical skills and adaptability when working with different game engines and technologies.