So what you're saying is, since I love all those places so much I'll fly to any or all of them at a minute's notice regardless of cost or anything else? I got my priorities.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 24, 2008

Help me prioritize my do list

>From: zach.
>Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:27 AM
>Subject: Order of Importance
>Tom,
>Here's my quick bio:
>Age: 23
>Education: B.A. in Economics, expected graduation Spring 2009 (wasted 1 year at a "game design" school, but that's another story)
>Current Occupation: Student, but I've been working full-time for the past three years at two different financial institutions (no debt!)
>Field of Interest: Level Design
>
>I have a few things I would like/need to get done before I feel I'm ready to compete with the endless sea of industry hopefuls. Here's a quick list:
>
>1. Finish my resume (duh!)
>2. Continue to work on my portfolio
>3. Become further involved with IGDA (beyond attending a monthly chapter meeting)
>4. Focus on my education
>5. Become involved with another mod team (I've completed two successful mods with different mod teams before, is a third really necessary at this point?)
>
>I've had to throw aside the "just do them all" thoughts. There aren't enough hours in a day to work on all of this at once. I work 40 hours, have 15 hours of classes (through the summer too) and I'm married. I get about 4 hours of sleep each night.
>
>I have what I think is a proper order of importance, but I'm simply not sure. The list above is in no particular order. How would you arrange them?
>
>Oh - my timeframe is by the end of this year. I can't feasibly move out of the state (of Ohio, ugh) until my wife finishes her masters. I expect to go to the 2009 GDC completely prepared to jump into the industry; even down to the unique business cards.
>Thanks,
>Zach

Hi Zach,
Interesting. You're asking my help in sorting your priorities?

Education has to be top priority. Finish that first, as job #1. All else should be put aside if it can't be dealt with during that effort.
Do #s 2, 3, & 5 whenever. Simultaneous, or in any order, it doesn't matter. Whenever.
Don't bother with #1 until you apply for a job.

You left out #0 - be a good husband, make your wife's life worth living. Everything else on your list has to be ready to be trumped by #0 on a minute-by-minute basis.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 24, 2008

P.S. Don't diss my beloved Ohio. I lived there for a while during grad school and afterwards (before continuing my westward migration from New York to California).

"To thine own self be true"? What if thine own self is a bum?

>From: Gengyang
>Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 11:53 PM
>Subject: To thine own self be true
>Hey Tom,
>Got to congratulate you on writing a really great and informative website (realistic too !). I am not planning to enter the games industry, but feel like your advice is applicable to all walks of life.
>
>Just have a philosophical question to ask you: on the page about personality testing, you said that a person should follow his/her true nature and used this quote: This above all, Laertes: to thine own self be true. I am just bringing this up because I personally know of a 40 year old hippie from California who sits around all day bumming around and not doing anything productive ... and everytime I ask him why he doesnt work, he says "To thine own self be true". I guess he seems happy, but somehow it just doesnt seem right ...
>
>I guess the whole point i'm trying to make is sometimes you have to do things that are counter-intuitive to your natural personality in order to survive in this world. Just my 2 cents about this issue, not trying to argue with you or anything ... maybe im not understanding you correctly. What do you think ?
>Thanks,
>Gengyang

Hi Gengyang,
So, two guys can't use this Shakespeare quote and mean different things by it. I use it to encourage youthful hopefuls, to show them that they don't have to live a life someone else tells them they have to live. This bum uses it to justify his slothful ways, and his usage invalidates mine?

Here are a few more quotes for you:

To each his own.
Different strokes for different folks.
Dance to the beat of a different drum.

I kind of touched on this in my article on passions (FAQ 40). In discussing what "passions" are and what it means to follow them, I wrote:

"Somebody might be addicted to playing video games, without having a passion for making games, and without having any particular goal except to continue playing video games. He might prefer to call that being passionate, but I call that being lazy."

There were two Twilight Zone episodes on this theme. I know, it's an old series, but a local station just ran these two episodes last week and I noticed their similarity. The two episodes are:

"Cavender is Coming" (Carol Burnett) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BspubRn4Ow
"Mr. Beavis" (Orson Bean) - http://www.scifi.com/twilightzone/episodes/

Your bum says he's happy being a bum. He probably would not want to live my life, or yours. You wrote:

sometimes you have to do things that are counter-intuitive to your natural personality in order to survive in this world.
Yes, and I have numerous other quotes in FAQ 47 that bolster this point. And I discussed this in FAQ 26 as well.

One single quote can't say it all! Not only that, but sometimes one great quote can seem to contradict another great quote. The trick is to determine when one should trump the other. That's the game of life. Nice question you raised there. (^_^)

Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 24, 2008

Quick Q&A about QA

>From: E K
>Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 4:30 PM
>Subject: Quick Q's and A's about QA!
>I understand that, in order for you to give me the best answer suited to my unique situation, you need to know that...
>My approximate age is: 29
>The level of education I've completed is: some college
>My occupation (if student, enter 'student') is: Recentely Hired QA Tester but havent had my first day of "training tests" yet.
>
>My game biz question is: I fully understand the concept of QA testing and the negativity and the perks that surround it. I have read through your website many times. My question is how badly does the office politics in the QA testing areas get? Is there a lot of back stabbing and rats? Do you beleive that in the future QA will require a 4 year degree in ordered to get hired? What are the real chances of moving up to QA managment and or project manager? or other areas? How much does my age factor play into moving up from QA tester to other desired levels? Thank you for your time
>Edward

Hi Edward, you wrote:

how badly does the office politics in the QA testing areas get? Is there a lot of back stabbing and rats?
I would not worry about that. The fact that you ask makes me wonder if you live your life governed by your fears. Read FAQ 47.

Do you beleive that in the future QA will require a 4 year degree in ordered to get hired?
Doubtful.

What are the real chances of moving up to QA managment
Depends on you.

and or project manager? or other areas?
Depends on you, and on the company. If you work at a test lab, very unlikely. If you work at a small developer, chances are much better. If you work at a big publisher, chances not bad. Depending on you.

How much does my age factor play into moving up from QA tester to other desired levels?
If you're 17, a lot. If you're 71, a lot. In between those numbers, not so much.

Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 23, 2008

Bilingual Chinese/English project manager

>From: eve chang
>Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:34 PM
>Subject: Any advice for a bilingual (Chinese/English) project manager?
>Dear Tom,
>I just wanted to thank you for your in depth and clear advice on being a producer, I read it and bookmarked it for future reference. I have a BFA from Californian College of the Arts. I have managed business, marketing for many years. I was hired on as an office manager to manage an oversea studio in Shanghai for my bilingual skills. I quickly became their senior project manager/producer. Since it was a contract position, I am now leaving after 8 months on the job. I find this job fulfills the challenge I look for in my professional career, that utilizes my art background and my language skills. What I am finding difficult is to locate another gig similar to this due to my lack of experience. I was wondering if you have any advice for me. I understand the basics of 3D programs, but have no Maya or 3D Max operational skills. I wouldn't mind getting in the hard thin shell through other means, just not sure where to go. I am currently cold calling studios in Shanghai. I am sure there are many studios here uses outsource to China, just not sure who they are and if cold calling is a good idea. Any input you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
>Have a good day.
>Eve Chang

Hi Eve,
It wasn't clear from your email if you are currently living in Shanghai, or if Shanghai is your permanent home. From reading your email, you might be an American who's temporarily working in Shanghai and I have no clue about your work visa situation. I assume (since I don't know for sure) that you are currently in Shanghai. You wrote:

What I am finding difficult is to locate another gig similar to this due to my lack of experience.
Your experience is a good start. I am sure you can find another gig.

I understand the basics of 3D programs, but have no Maya or 3D Max operational skills.
Why are you giving me unnecessary information? You said you're looking for a project management gig. Knowing how to use a particular tool has only limited usefulness in project management. You only have to be able to manage the project and have good bull$#!+ radar.

I am sure there are many studios here uses outsource to China
See, this is confusing. Shanghai is in China, so I don't know where "here" is. It matters, because the advice kind of depends on where you are. In Shanghai, you need to look at Chinese companies, and American companies with offices in Shanghai. In America, you need to look at American companies who work with Chinese companies, or American companies with Chinese studios.

not sure who they are
Use gamedevmap and Gamasutra, and the other companies listings on my Game Biz Links page (above left). Do research.

and if cold calling is a good idea.
You need to use a multi-pronged attack plan. Cold calling is only one prong. You also need to network, and the best way to do that is through the IGDA and conferences. Read my FAQ 54 for information about networking at conferences. Go to igda.org and look up the Shanghai chapter. If there isn't one, form it yourself. And submit your résumé to game job websites like creativeheads.net and coolgamejobs.com and Gamasutra. That's three prongs right there off the top of my head. See if you can think of a fourth, a fifth...

Standing by for follow-up questions anytime.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 23, 2008

a little confused as to what to actually do to make it in the tester field.

>From: Joshua King
>Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 8:47 AM
>Subject: Just a few questions to ask the master.
>Dear GD,
> My names Josh King, and I just wanted to start by saying thanks in advance for supplying my answers in any form! I'm an aspiring tester; it's been a dream I've had since I was young. It started out as a love of video games (whereas everyone decides they love them and want to work with them forever) and soon blossomed into the love of all technology I have today. I'm currently completing a Computer Technologies degree in a tech, and wondering what my best first move would be to do, to get headed on the right path towards someday being a successful (and really happy) game tester. I have no aspirations of moving past testing, but then again, anything along that field that they'd be willing to add a little training to my degree would be no problem, I learn quick; when I'm interested :).
>
> Someone might say the tester isn't important, but they represent the gamers in the world, we're like a little bit of all you; like me, who sat around half their childhood enjoying classics from Ghost in the Shell, Toejam and Earl, De-cap Attack, Legend of Zelda(Nintendo-super-64-cube-wii) I've beaten every one) to more newer technology gaming field powerhouses, like Wow, and SSBB. (Super smash brawl) I've been playing since age 6, when my father bought me a nintendo and a genesis, and therefor 'doomed' my life to games as he says. I've owned nintendo, super-nintendo, nintendo 64, atari, atari-lynx, gamegear, gameboy, gameboy pocket, gameboy color, gameboy advanced, sega genesis, 32-bit genesis, dreamcast, ps1, ps2, had ps3 for 2 weeks before it broke :O, xbox, xbox 360, [all caps converted to lower case] ive even never forgotten that incredible commercial involving holographic touch displays on what appeared to be a floating playstation orb [/all caps]. What the hell was that anyways?
>
> So throw a few ideas my way, or maybe, a job application to a company you happen to know needs a guy driven like me? I love games, thats the simple truth. I couldn't see waking up every day and going to a 9-5, or anything; that wasn't testing or having to do with games. And I'm sure as hell not staying at the grocery store I work at just for game money. :) I just want a chance to prove I have what it takes to commit huge amounts of time to finding the problems with games, and hopefully, offering what I can to fix it... I have a good knowledge of O.O programming, some C++ but not much, and know computer hardware like it's the back of my hand. I hand built my PC, and it's got 1 terrabyte of space, 4 gigz of ram, a nvidia 8800GT Zalman 512 video, 4 fans and liquid cooling, and the entire case is metallic and black with blue LEDs. Games are my life, help me use them to make them a career that I would love.
>
> Anything you have to offer would be greatly appreciated, for; however my enthusiasm for em, I'm a little confused as to what to actually do to make it in the tester field.
> Thank you so much, looking forward to the response :D Oh just for the info, I'm 20 years old, male. Surprising.
>-Mr. King

Hi Joshua,
I didn't read your whole email. It looked like an awful lot of words saying very little, and asking nothing more than the following:

I'm a little confused as to what to actually do to make it in the tester field.
Read FAQs 5, 4, 24, & 27. Use my Game Biz Links page to look up game companies in your local area. If there aren't any, move.

All the information is right there in the FAQs (links above left). No reason to be confused. If you still are confused after reading those FAQs and checking out the game company maps & listings, try asking a more narrowly focused and succinct question. I'm always here.
Mr. Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 23, 2008

If I license my boardgame to a boardgame publisher, what will the contract terms be? - part 2

>From: Shimi Sh
>Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:49 AM
>Subject: Re: selling the rights for a boardgame
>Hi
>I read the reply on the boards and I certanly got an answer.
>BTW the sarcasem was OK (:
>Thanks
>Shimi

Good, Shimi.
Glad you got the information you needed.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 22, 2008

If I license my boardgame to a boardgame publisher, what will the contract terms be?

>From: Shimi Sh (shimi.tfm)
>Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:03 AM
>Subject: selling the rights for a boardgame
>Hi tom
>my name is shimi (Jimmy), I design boardgames (heavy hobby) and I also love cats!
>I've designed some games and since I don't have the money or the time to produce and publish them I will sell the rights to a company.
>my question is about the duration, when a person sells the rights of his game is it for a life time or for some period?
>I'm asking because if I will sell my game to a company, and that company will fall or something, what will be of the rights for the game?
>Thanks, for every answer...
>--
>Shimi

Hello Shimi,
I loaned my crystal ball to a needy fellow in Nigeria, and unfortunately I'm having difficulty getting in touch with him. So I can't foretell what terms your contract might contain.

OK, so maybe sarcasm isn't helpful. Here's the deal - if you can manage to license your boardgame to a publisher, the terms of the contract are negotiable. I don't know how it works in boardgames, but if you license your concept for use in a video game, you can certainly ask for a limited term, and reversion of the rights to you at the end of the term. You can do that with books too - the publisher can publish your book for a certain term, and it's normal to ask for reversion of the rights once the term has run its course.
Your agent can help get you the best deal, that's a big part of what the agent does.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 22, 2008

Is there an RSS/ATOM feed for your IGDA column?

From: do_no_reply@igda.org
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 10:53 AM
Subject: The Games Game - Question
>A Games Game question has been submitted.
> Here are the details:
> Name: Michael Shapiro
> Email: mike@mikemusic.com
> Question:
> Hi Tom,
> This is more of a meta-question than a question. Does there exist an RSS/ATOM feed for your column?
> All the best,
> Mike

Gee, Mike,
I don't know. I would think there'd be an RSS icon on the page if there was an RSS feed. I have no idea what ATOM is. Anyway, you'd have to ask the webmaster of IGDA.org.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
14 Juillet (Bastille Day), 2008

Is this what "level design" is?

>From: Erik
>Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 8:32 PM
>Subject: Expressing how appreciative I am.
>Greetings tom!,
>Yes I realize my username is not within the boundaries of being appropriate nor professional, so I hope you can excuse that aspect of this email. I just wished to tell you how valuable all the information you have posted on your site is, (as if you weren't aware of that already :P ). As a sixteen year old aspiring to one day play a role in the creation of video games, I can't really describe to you how thankful I am. You've opened my eyes if you will, and showed me what must be done for me to reach my goal. I just have a question for you, currently I'm learning how to properly use the Unreal editor, along with Maya. I decided I want to become part of the level creation/development of a Video game. Is this What a "Level Designer" does? meaning, is the level designer the one who physically constructs the level via computer programs such as 3dsmax and Maya? and if not who is the one responsible for that line of work?
>*you'll have to excuse my somewhat poor grammar. i apologize.
>I hope my question was satisfactory, and if not please do tell me on how to make it a better question, i need to learn these things.
>looking forward to hearing back from you.
>Best Wishes,
>Erik

Hi Erik, you asked:
I decided I want to become part of the level creation/development of a Video game. Is this What a "Level Designer" does? meaning, is the level designer the one who physically constructs the level via computer programs such as 3dsmax and Maya?
Yep. You got it. I've been meaning to write an article about level design one of these days...
And BTW, I don't know what your inappropriate username is. And I guess I don't wanna know.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 13, 2008

Regarding FAQ #3

>From: Oskar
>Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 12:16 AM
>Subject: Game Industry Q+A: Required Courses Question
>While I'm writing this I try to keep in mind that you might post it publicly somewhere, so I try to write so that as many people as possible can understand---please don't feel like I'm trying to insult your intelligence.
>My approximate age is: 22
>The level of education I've completed is: Half-way through a 5-year computer science and engineering program.
>My occupation (if student, enter 'student') is: Student
>The type of game job I aspire to (if applicable) is: Game Designer, Balancer
>My game biz question is...
>Hey!
>Let me start by saying that, while I have not read all of your lessons, they seem really good and informative. Thank you!
>
>One thing that I disagree with is that one has to learn about all of the subjects below to be a good game designer. (Taken from your lesson number 3.)
>Physics
>Math
>Psychology
>History
>Drawing / Painting / Sculpture (learn how to make your own art)
>Music Appreciation
>Writing
>Literature
>Mythology
>Foreign language (any language that interests you; especially one from a country where there are game developers)
>Computers (even if you want to design board games)
>Acting
>Playwriting / Screenwriting
>Film Appreciation
>Public Speaking / Debate
>Marketing / Salesmanship
>Management / Leadership (especially, how to inspire and manage people)
>
>In my opinion, there are two kinds of game design: regular game design, and competitve game design. Most games are regular games, but there are a few good competitive games. By competitive games I mean games that competitive players play; games that are balanced enough so that they can be played for a long time without finding game breaking, imbalanced tactics. Of course, only multiplayer games can be competitive games. People can of course compete for the best highscore in a single player game, but those games are a lot different from what I'm talking about.
>
>The best way to understand what I'm talking about is to play a competitive game for a long time, I mean the same game for more than 3 years, if you are not already a competitive player. Then one will begin to understand.
>
>There is a shortcut though, and it's reading this article by David Sirlin: http://www.sirlin.net/archive/playing-to-win-part-1/
>VERY WORTHWHILE!
>
>As I said, I haven't read all of your lessons and articles, but I'm guessing you are not a competitive player, or maybe just not as fanatic and dogmatic as I am.
>
>So my point and question is this:
>I feel that it is not necessary to know something about all of those subjects to be a good competitive game designer: It's mostly about designing abstract game rules and balance, not about creating characters and story. And there are jobs in this area, for example
>http://www.blizzard.com/us/jobopp/designer-game-balance.html
>An aspiring game designer might not yet know that he wants to be a competitive game designer, and I think it's inaccurate to tell him that he needs some understanding in all of those areas. To be a competitive game designer, you need to have been a competitive player, not you don't have to know much at all about music or mythology.
>Have you considered this? Do you still feel that it is important to know about those subjects?
>Players be warned; playing competitively might make 99% of the games out there become boring. But the other 1% MUCH more fun.

Hi Oskar, you wrote:

I try to keep in mind that you might post it publicly somewhere
Of course. If you've seen this board, you know that every email that comes in on this topic gets posted here.

I disagree ... that one has to learn about all of the subjects below to be a good game designer.
Okay.

In my opinion, there are two kinds of game design: regular game design, and competitve game design. ... By competitive games I mean ... multiplayer games
In my opinion, there are many more kinds of games than those two. But let's say there are (just to pick a number) seven types of games. Does that mean there are seven types of "game design"?

this article by David Sirlin
Great! I've added it to the Links page.

I'm guessing you are not a competitive player, or maybe just not as fanatic and dogmatic as I am.
I play mah-jongg internationally. In my view, that makes me a "competitive player," but I don't play multiplayer action games, shooters, or RPGs much. (I have played them, but not to the extent that you do.) So I suppose your guess is fairly correct.

I feel that it is not necessary to know something about all of those subjects to be a good competitive game designer
Certainly it's possible to attain the job of designer without studying all those subjects. But for someone who's a high school kid planning his future who wants to become a game designer and wonders what to study, he'll benefit greatly from taking those classes. And he'll be prepared for designing all seven types of games. (Seven being an arbitrary number for the sake of this discussion as previously mentioned.) If he wants to specialize solely on multiplayer shooters (for instance), then his best preparation for that might be to become a military special ops trooper (and of course, survive and get a 4-year bachelor's degree at minimum, and learn a game industry skill that'll let him break into the industry).

I think it's inaccurate to tell him that he needs some understanding in all of those areas.
Okay.

Have you considered this?
Nope. (I don't mean to say I didn't hear what you said and think about it. I just mean that your line of thinking is not something that had entered my head prior to my receiving your email.)

Do you still feel that it is important to know about those subjects?
Of course. You didn't really expect me to completely change my philosophy because I got one email from a college student, did you? My philosophy is based on my experience as a game designer, which I've been doing since before you were born. In my game career, I've met and gotten to know many other game designers, including designers who have talents I don't, knowledge I don't, and who can design stuff I can't. It takes all kinds to make a world, and a good game is a world into and of itself.

I feel... Do you still feel...
I prefer not to talk about "feelings." I believe it's better to talk about facts and beliefs. My FAQ 3 is based on my beliefs (which are based on my experience), not my feelings.

Finally, I like the last paragraph of Sirlin's article.

In the end, playing to win ends up accomplishing much more than just winning. Playing to win is how one improves. Continuous self-improvement is what all of this is really about, anyway. I submit that ultimate goal of the "playing to win" mindset is ironically not just to win...but to improve. So practice, improve, play with discipline, and play to win.

It's very much in agreement with my philosophy. And I believe that an aspiring designer who takes my recommended list of classes will be a well-rounded designer, able to design many types of games, not just the limited subset called multiplayer shooters. Studying the list essentially comprises "playing to win" the game of life, which is, after all, the most important game.

Now I'm reminded of my first IGDA column and the closing line of FAQ 9. Check'em out, Oskar.

Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 9, 2008

My son the artist

>From: Esther
>Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 11:28 PM
>Subject: Information
>Mr Sloper
>My son wants to become a "Concept Artist".
>He loves gaming and wants to design the characters for that.
>He is still in school in South Africa.
>Can you please advise us on the best route to follow?
>Esther

Hi Esther,
Your son should get an art degree (preferably a 4-year art degree, not just a 2-year degree) and build a spectacular portfolio of concept art. He needs to put his portfolio online and design a user-friendly web interface for it. He needs to participate in the online game discussion forums (see my Game Biz Links page) to network. He should join the local IGDA chapter and network with live humans (^_^). He should find ways to contribute to indie game collaborations in progress. It'll all take time, so he needs patience and perseverance. He needs to read my FAQs 53, 54, & 64 (above left).

And you need to stop doing his research for him, step aside, and let him take over. If he can't get out there and do his own research, he'll never succeed in the game business world.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 9, 2008

Newsgroups, part 2

>From: Hélder
>Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 10:44 PM
>Subject: Newsgroups are still alive!
>Newsgroups are still alive! Well, not those two that you linked, but there are some active groups around :) And you can access Usenet groups using Google Groups :)
>In fact, anyone can great a google group, it is a usefull tool for a producer with a internet-based team...

Héllo Hélder, you wrote:

Newsgroups are still alive! Well, not those two that you linked
The ones I used were the ones that were important... to me. comp.games.development.design has been taken over by a troll who doles drivel by the truckload (it's a bloody shame). And at rec.games.design, the guy who was posting the FAQ every week stopped posting it two months ago. I could extend my FAQs to that group but what would be the point? I should probably quit posting the comp.games.development.design FAQs sometime soon.

but there are some active groups around
Eh. I just care about the groups I care about.

you can access Usenet groups using Google Groups
Yes, but for comp.games.development.design and rec.games.design it would be pointless given their sorry state.

anyone can [create] a google group, it is a usefull tool for a producer with a internet-based team...
Sure. Google groups (not usenet groups).

Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 9, 2008

"Newsgroups"? What are those, and how do I access them?

>Subject: What do I type in these internet connection wizard links?
>From: Amanda
>Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 8:28:53 PM
>On this page of your website http://www.sloperama.com/advice/idea.htm there are 2 links to game design newsgroups. When I get to the part where it asks for the News (NNTP) server, what do I type?
>Thanks
>Isaac

Oh. Sorry, Isaac. Newsgroups have largely fallen out of use, so I've now fixed those links in FAQ 1. Now they point you to more useful Internet forums (IGDA and GameDev). Go back to FAQ 1, and refresh the page to see the proper links.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 8, 2008

Help me choose a school! Hurry!

>From: sohail
>Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 11:04 AM
>Subject: Career Advice
>Dear Sloperama,
>I am an aspiring game programmer of 17 years old . I need to make a decision fast about which college to attend , my choices are art institute of california - la and csu chico , i had applied to ucsc aswell however i got rejected , i had made a decision grid but both of them seem equal. the problem with Ai is that it is an institute and not a university , which i feel is important , however they have excellent career placement statistics , the problem with chico is that i dont know whether i will be able to find a job after graduating. could you please advice me.i need to make a decision by today or tomorrow! thank you!

Hi Sohail, you wrote:

i had made a decision grid but both of them seem equal.
OK, so you already used FAQ 25 and discovered that it doesn't matter which school you go to because they're both equally good. Did you notice that I also wrote in FAQ 25:

Apply to both your first and second choice schools. If you get accepted by your first choice, that's your school. If that school doesn't accept you but the second choice does, then that's your school.

Read also "An Exception. - Sloper's rule #3" at the bottom of FAQ 40.

But I gotta tell ya, Sohail - your procrastinating ways are gonna bite you in the butt. You need to plan better, get decisive, don't let things slide until the last minute. Good luck!
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 8, 2008

Not sure what I want to do - not sure what my question is

>Subject: Game Industry Q+A
>From: Thomas
>Date: Sunday, July 6, 2008 1:08:32 PM
>I understand that, in order for you to give me the best answer suited to my unique situation, you need to know that...
>My approximate age is: 21
>The level of education I've completed is: 1 more year of college (undergrad)
>My occupation (if student, enter 'student') is: Student/ Tech Intern at Barclays Bank
>The type of game job I aspire to (if applicable) is: What ever I enjoy doing
>My game biz question is: Tom, firstly I would like to thank you for very informative website. As mentioned above I am a college student that has one more year left in school. I currently am attending a business college but I am majoring information systems (figured I choose the most broad major possible). Anyway I have done a couple internships (in tech) within Investment Banks to “test the waters” and I have learned that I really must pursue my passion of video games. I have a “willing to do whatever it takes” attitude in anything a do. As I write to you as well, I am trying to learn Maya and XNA C++. My question to you is( I have read most of your steps) there don’t seem to be very many jobs in the video game industry that cater to entry level/college kids, I am just looking in the wrong places?

Hi Thomas, you wrote:

there don’t seem to be very many jobs in the video game industry that cater to entry level/college kids
There are a reasonable number of entry-level jobs. What makes you say there aren't?

I am just looking in the wrong places?
I don't think so. I think your problem is the other thing you wrote:

The type of game job I aspire to (if applicable) is: What ever I enjoy doing
That's the problem. You don't have a focus. Nobody wants to hire a college kid who doesn't know what he wants to do. You have to look inside yourself and figure out which of the game jobs outlined in FAQ 7 you want to shoot for.

Or of course you can always just start in QA (FAQ 5)...

Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 6, 2008

will there be a method designing in consideration of fun, part 2

>Subject:Re: Please, Answer in question
>From: 강경태 (aschium)
>Date: Sunday, July 6, 2008 10:00 AM
>Mabey, ' Is there a method for making sure my game is fun to play? '
>How do you understand it whether it is true fun or delusion?
>Is there a method to simulate it in a head?

Hi Kyoung-tae,
No, there is no method. That's why it's so difficult to get hired to fill the position of "game designer." Because there is a great risk that the designer will make a game that's not fun. Employers want to promote someone who's already demonstrated that he can be trusted to design fun games. This is precisely why you need a lot of experience working in games, and playing games, before you can become a designer.

And that's also why it's a good idea to develop a proof-of-concept prototype early on, so as not to spend a lot of money and time on a non-fun concept.

Sorry, but there's no nice magic answer, Kyoung-tae.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 6, 2008

will there be a method designing in consideration of fun?

>Subject: Please, Answer in question
>From: 강경태 (aschium)
>Date: Sunday, July 6, 2008 9:16:03 AM
>Hello, Tom Sloper.
>I'm Kyoung-tae Kang studying for a game design in Korea.
>If there is the part which English is hard to understand with poorness, please understand it.
>I read your 'Game Biz Advice' very movingly.
>Thank you for a good sentence.
>I'm in a university with a specialist in programming specialty fourth grader now, I go to a game academy additionally.
>Age is 25 years old.
>In addition, there are six game development experiences as an amateur game designer.
>(and I develop it now. I failed twice for the creation period. As for it having been completed, it was illogical.)
>I became very realistic through that kind of experience. And I gave up fun by game development and came to think of only completion.
>However, I understand that it was wrong.
>Because a game isn't simulation.
>I'm preparing to apply for a job in game design.
>Though I don't chase the idea that it was damaged emptiness as you said, will there be a method designing in consideration of fun?

Hi Kyoung-tae, you asked:

will there be a method designing in consideration of fun?
Kyoung-tae, I'm not sure what you're asking. Is it one of these:

1. Is there a method for making sure my game is fun to play?
2. I hear the game industry is a lot of hard work. Can I have fun in the job, or is it all grueling hard work?
3. Maybe I can just work on games for a hobby instead of as a career?

Please word the question differently. I don't know what "designing in consideration of fun" means.

Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 6, 2008

A difficult question

>Subject: hi~ Tom Sloper
>From: 지성웅 (rubiconeye@naver)
>Date: Sunday, July 6, 2008 5:48:50 AM
>hi~ Tom Sloper
>Sorry, I can't English well....
>I have a question...
>What do you think difficult game part?
>Why do you think it?

Hello 지성웅,
You asked:

What do you think difficult game part?
>Why do you think it?
When you ask, "what's the difficult thing about games," what do you mean? I don't understand the question.

1. Do you mean "what's the most difficult aspect of designing a game"?
2. Or do you mean "what's the most difficult thing about being a game designer"?
3. Or do you mean "what's the most difficult part of becoming a game designer"?
4. Or do you mean "what's the most difficult job in games"?

You see what I mean? I don't know what it is you're asking.

And I don't know why you ask. When you add, "why do you think that," it sounds to me like you're asking me to write an essay for you. Are you asking this because you're working on a school project and your teacher wants you to ask a question of a game professional? If not, what is the reason for your question? If I know why you ask, I understand what you ask.

And I also need to know: How old are you? What's your education level? What is your occupation (if you have a full-time job, what is it - or are you a student)?

Since you are Korean, and your English isn't great (and my Korean is even worse) I'm using Babelfish to translate this:

A. 당신이 물을 때, "게임에 관하여 어려운 것은인 무엇," 당신은 무엇을 의미하는가? 나는 질문을 이해하지 않는다.

1. 당신은 "를 의미한다; 게임" 디자인의 가장 어려운 양상은 무엇인가;?
2. 또는 당신은 "를 의미한다; 가장 어려운 것은 무엇을 게임 디자이너" 인에 관하여 인가;?
3. 당신은 "를 의미한다; 게임" 디자인의 가장 어려운 양상은 무엇인가;?
4. 또는 당신은 "를 의미한다; 게임" 에 있는 가장 어려운 일은 무엇인가;?

당신은 나가 의미하는 무슨을 보는가? 나는 이다 무슨 모른다 당신은 묻고 있다.

그리고 나는 왜 당신이 묻는지 모른다. 당신이 덧붙일 때, " 왜 당신이 그것을 생각하는지, " 그것은 저 당신이 저를 당신을 위해 수필을 쓰도록 요구하고 있는 처럼 소리가 난다. 당신은 당신이 학교 프로젝트에 종사하고기 당신의 교사가 당신을 게임 전문가의 질문을 질문하기 원하기 때문에 이것을 묻고 있는가? 만약에 아닙니다, 당신의 질문을 위한 이유는 무엇인가? 왜 당신이 묻는지 나가 알고 있는 경우에, 나는 당신이 질문하는 무슨과 이해한다.

그리고 나는 또한 알 필요가 있다: 당신은 몇 살 인가? 당신의 교육 수준은 무엇인가? 당신의 직업은 무엇인가 (당신은 풀타임 일이 있는 경우에, 그것은 무엇인가 - 또는 당신은 학생인가)?

Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 6, 2008

Thanks!

>From: Michael
>Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 12:20 PM
>Subject: IGDA
>Thanks for the advice on IGDA forum...It is greatly appreciated.
>Michael

You're welcome, Michael.
Tom Sloper  /   トム·スローパー   /   탐 슬로퍼   /   湯姆 斯洛珀
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 3, 2008

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