Tech Colleges: the REAL "Hogwarts"
Watching a group of programmers performing their art is something that I find fascinating. They speak of incomprehensible variables and other bits of computer subtext. Then something is compiled and something is on the screen which wasn't previously there. It's magic, and I suddenly feel less like a project coordinator directing individuals to tasks and more like a feudal lord enlisting summoners. It's as though I've employed them to bring something mighty and massive through an interplanar portal and into reality where it previously only existed in imagination.
"I need it to breathe fire," I say.
"No," one says, shaking a finger laden with mystic rings, "we haven't the proper components for that!"
"Hold," says another, "we do have the emberstryfe talisman."
"But..." says yet another, "does that talisman have a BSD license?"
I'm telling you, it's almost like that.
Overhearing the discussion of world states, vertices and classes awes me at the fact that so much of importance is being said and I'm mostly oblivious to it. I say "mostly" because sometimes the discussion will dip to the level where I can understand it and I'll put in some input or recall a technical document which might aid the situation. Then the train leaves the station without me as they're off again.
I'm going to be able to show off the work done by my artists (possibly sooner than later) and that gives me a chance to push their work into the foreground where it belongs. But the same is just not possible with programmers. Obviously, the entire game and its structure are testaments to their abilities, but the grim truth remains that seldom do players stop to think about the hours of labor, toil and coordination that went into bringing these games to fruition. I'm a gamer of 20+ years and I don't think I've ever caught myself pondering the labors of the codesmiths responsible for my hobby.
We admire the painting for its artfulness but seldom the workmanship of the frame.
Maybe I'll figure out a solid means to give the framemakers their due credit (and no, I don't think watching their names scroll by in a credit roll suffices)...
I agree, I've also have seen some programmers work and it's really an amazing thing and they indeed don't get enough credit.
Also, just wanted to let you know that I've been following you guys and Gravitronix since you announced it and I really appreciate how open and public relation friendly that you are. Also, I'm a big fan and I will absolutely invest in your games when they hit the Wii.
And if you even need some public input or feedback feel free to hit me up...
I appreciate your feedback on that, Nate, primarily because one of my concerns behind our liberal PR policies is that we'll seem boring in comparison to other companies because we lack the "mystique" which draws people to them.
Bottom line, glad to know someone cares. ;)