03-26-2011, 12:18 AM
This is good advice for all programmers in every field, not just the game industry. The problem many people face though is the sheer scale and size of the game/application/web app/service they have in mind is two large to put into words. OR, they become discouraged, after all programmers like to code, not design.
I think iterative development patterns really shine here. Fully design your core, fundamental components on paper. Produce a prototype, then evaluate the prototype. Maybe the interface needs to be re worked, or maybe that core game mechanic you thought would be really interesting ends up being a headache for the player. Re-design, add on to the prototype, and re-evaluate. Repeat until you have a fully functional product/game.
I think iterative development patterns really shine here. Fully design your core, fundamental components on paper. Produce a prototype, then evaluate the prototype. Maybe the interface needs to be re worked, or maybe that core game mechanic you thought would be really interesting ends up being a headache for the player. Re-design, add on to the prototype, and re-evaluate. Repeat until you have a fully functional product/game.