Damn technology. It's advancing way too fast, and here we all are chasing it as if it's the most important thing on gaming's virtual earth. It shouldn't be, proclaims Eutechnyx COO Darren Jobling, who has warned that if developers don't "go back to basics" and focus on the people of the industry, then they will miss out on opportunities to capture their market.
The message came during this year's GameHorizon developer conference, and aimed to deliver a stark realisation to those who aren't listening to feedback from sources as distant as consumers and as close as studio staff. The games industry "isn't just about technology; it's more about the people - this is a people industry," Jobling said.
Alongside using feedback as a tool to create better games, the executive also had good things to say about digital distribution - a platform that would level the marketing playing field between big and small publishing outfits. Eutechnyx is set to leap onto digital distribution with the microtransaction-based game Auto Club Revolution.
"We're really excited about embracing digital distribution in all its forms," said Jobling. "The most interesting is the free to play model - this provides the biggest opportunity, but only if developers can offer a console quality free to play game experience."
Jobling used digital distribution as another example to provide advice to fellow developers during his presentation, "Six New Tricks To Teach Old Dogs." The other four points? They involved creating unique brands, taking advantage of social networking sites and advice on running a successful company and discovering talent.
With a company as resilient as Eutechnyx (they've been going since 1987! Zybex, baby!), you can bet that these guys know their chops. Do you agree with the sentiment that the games industry is all about the people? Let us know your thoughts in the comments area.
The message came during this year's GameHorizon developer conference, and aimed to deliver a stark realisation to those who aren't listening to feedback from sources as distant as consumers and as close as studio staff. The games industry "isn't just about technology; it's more about the people - this is a people industry," Jobling said.
Alongside using feedback as a tool to create better games, the executive also had good things to say about digital distribution - a platform that would level the marketing playing field between big and small publishing outfits. Eutechnyx is set to leap onto digital distribution with the microtransaction-based game Auto Club Revolution.
"We're really excited about embracing digital distribution in all its forms," said Jobling. "The most interesting is the free to play model - this provides the biggest opportunity, but only if developers can offer a console quality free to play game experience."
Jobling used digital distribution as another example to provide advice to fellow developers during his presentation, "Six New Tricks To Teach Old Dogs." The other four points? They involved creating unique brands, taking advantage of social networking sites and advice on running a successful company and discovering talent.
With a company as resilient as Eutechnyx (they've been going since 1987! Zybex, baby!), you can bet that these guys know their chops. Do you agree with the sentiment that the games industry is all about the people? Let us know your thoughts in the comments area.
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