Playing the Game: Insider views on video game development

Gaming Mentoring matched video game developers with expert mentors. This book contains lessons from the scheme, and informed views on the industry.

Gaming Mentoring matched video game developers with expert mentors. This book contains lessons from the scheme, and informed views on the industry.

Key findings:

  • The mentors provided an invaluable input to their mentees – giving support, guidance, insight and a sounding board to help them “raise their game”.
  • Key elements of a successful mentoring programme are based on preparation and support; matching mentors and mentees; their getting to know each other; setting objectives; structuring the regular meetings; a focus for the mentoring and an exit strategy.
  • In the course of the mentoring relationship common games development and business issues arose. The mentors’ practical guide to these issues can be found in section two of this publication. 
  • Predictions on the future of the video game industry (from mentors, mentees and industry figures) are diverse and varied.  

Playing the Game is the result of our year-long pilot in mentoring where we paired up seven ‘young’ UK video games developers, (representing all platforms – mobile, handheld, console, on-line and adver-games) with a video games expert who had the skillset, experience and independence to support a younger business in their commercial growth.

 

This book has been compiled by the mentors and participants on this programme. ELSPA and TIGA have also contributed pieces.

 

Author:

Nesta