Anatomy of a Game CTIN 463

1
Anatomy of a Game CTIN 463

• John Hight
• john_hight_at_playstation.sony.com
• 310-404-9880

2
Whats on tonight?

• The pitch process
• Role of the Executive Producer

3
What is a concept?

• Concepts are the short story version of a game
  idea.
• Everything someone needs to know about a game and
  nothing more
• In a format that can be digested in five minutes
  or less

4
Proposal answers 4 questions

• 1. What is the game?
• 2. Who will buy the game?
• 3. Why will they buy the game?
• 4. Why should this game be published?

5
Concept proposal sections

• high concept
• premise and story synopsis
• unique selling points
• game features
• genre of game
• target platform
• target customer
• competitive analysis
• financial analysis
• team
• proof of concept (optional)

6
High Concept

• A short sentence or two that provides the vision
  or big idea for the game
• Usually the first thing in the proposal, right
  after the title
• Keep it simple

7
The X

• Electronic Arts uses the term the X to identify
  the main feature or major message of the game
• a team of programmers, artists, and testers
  provides feedback to ensure that the game
  supports the X.

8
High Concept

• Example
• Crazy Taxi meets The Simpsons

9
High Concept

• Example
• The Real Driving Simulator

10
High Concept

• Example
• The Real Driving Simulator
• Gran Turismo features
• accurate reproductions of cars from well-known
  manufacturers
• realistic handling and performance
• real world tracks and racing conditions

11
Unique Selling Points

• Core pillars guiding design and marketing
• Tend to sound like slogans
• Inspiration
• a well-known brand or license
• use of new technology
• Innovative game mechanic
• Rule of thumb 3 USPs

12
USP Examples

• Switch on the fly between 3 player characters
• Fly, drive, run, and swim all in one world
• First game to be set in the mythical underwater
  realm of Atlantis
• Epic military battles above ground, squad-based
  exploration below it

13
Shannon StudstillDirector of Production,
SCEAExecutive Producer, God of War
14
Assignment 1

• Concept proposal 2-5 pages typed
• Should include
• high concept
• premise and story synopsis
• unique selling points
• game features
• genre of game
• target platform
• target customer
• competitive analysis
• Due February 19, 2007