Dear Diary,
Today I helped a bunch of talented and dedicated game developers solve a dozen little problems and one or two big problems. The rest of my day was spent like it always is - a bunch of small moments on a variety of topics.
So given the challenges and stresses of the gig, why do I feel lucky? Because I get to build on the terrific foundation that Mike McCain established directing BATTLETECH. I learned a lot from him while shipping the game and I’m excited to take on the role for myself adding those lessons to my own experiences making games. Not only that, I get to practice my ever-evolving craft alongside Mike, Jordan, and hand-picked group of passionate, collaborative, smart, and talented folks who I enjoy seeing every day. This may be the happiest I’ve ever been in game development. No joke.
I hope everyone enjoys Flashpoint and Update 1.3. We’re excited for folks to play it, to learn from their experiences, and to continue improving and expanding BATTLETECH next year. The team is already working on ideas for Update 1.4 and next summer’s Urban Warfare expansion and we’re itching to dive in.
I guess it's true, Diary: In success, all things are possible, eh?
Mitch
Today I helped a bunch of talented and dedicated game developers solve a dozen little problems and one or two big problems. The rest of my day was spent like it always is - a bunch of small moments on a variety of topics.
- I met with our morning triage team to talk about the state of the game and the bugs that were logged last night. I try and read the bug report before I leave the house so I know what I’m getting into and don’t react emotionally in the meeting. No one wants to meet with a grumpy little man for their first meeting of the day.
- I fist-bumped Andrew while testing the game because I loved his word choices in a scene he wrote for the [REDACTED] flashpoint. Writing is rewriting and I love how Andrew’s stuff gets better and better with more “swings of the bat”.
- I sat with my headphones on and tried to imagine what it would feel like for different types of players to begin the expansion and Update 1.3. If you’re someone who wants to see new stuff right away, load up your post-campaign save game and go to town. But if you enjoy the antici…
- ...pation, then start a new career and earn your way through some really challenging chained missions.
- I checked the forums looking for questions that needed answering and issues that required clarification. Like a moron, I often do this at night and on the weekends and end up working instead of resting. I’d like to say I’ll get better at that but I don’t want to be a liar.
- I hung out with Pro, our new Producer for updates and expansion, and chatted about BT lore for a few minutes (he knows his stuff). Very excited to have Pro on the team - we’re already talking about new things we can do to improve our processes.
- I watched a draft of our official release trailer and discussed ways to improve it with McCain. Our trailers are driven by Paradox who hire external groups to create them. Mike and I make sure they’re accurate, prioritize the right information, and maintain the “BT feel”.
- I discussed two great IT candidates with our hiring team. In a smallish studio like ours, we have to be very careful about each person we hire. It’s kinda like dropping a pebble into a still pond - you want to be sure you understand what each splash or ripple is gonna be.
- I conspired with Jordan about plans for #Mech_Con2018. One of the highlights of the year for both of us is hanging out with BattleTech fans. They wind us up so we can jump back to work like the energizer bunny.
- I giggled as I struggled to keep my mercenary company afloat during in my organic ironman career mode playthrough. Note to self, Diary - Struggle hones skill. Struggle hones skill. Struggle hones skill.
- And I smiled to myself as I walked out the door after a long day because I feel so lucky.
So given the challenges and stresses of the gig, why do I feel lucky? Because I get to build on the terrific foundation that Mike McCain established directing BATTLETECH. I learned a lot from him while shipping the game and I’m excited to take on the role for myself adding those lessons to my own experiences making games. Not only that, I get to practice my ever-evolving craft alongside Mike, Jordan, and hand-picked group of passionate, collaborative, smart, and talented folks who I enjoy seeing every day. This may be the happiest I’ve ever been in game development. No joke.
I hope everyone enjoys Flashpoint and Update 1.3. We’re excited for folks to play it, to learn from their experiences, and to continue improving and expanding BATTLETECH next year. The team is already working on ideas for Update 1.4 and next summer’s Urban Warfare expansion and we’re itching to dive in.
I guess it's true, Diary: In success, all things are possible, eh?
Mitch
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