The value of game design docs
September 1st, 2009
In the comments for my last post (about how game ideas are not very valuable), some readers pointed out that not all ideas are low in value -- design documents by experienced designers can be quite valuable for some projects. That's definitely true! However, ideas are different from design docs in the same way that an architect's sketch is ...
The value of game ideas
August 30th, 2009
When I talk to aspiring game designers, I often notice some strange behavior. They're evasive about their ideas, almost coy, as if they've stumbled across a secret gold mine. They stamp obtrusive watermarks all over their concept drawings, and ask me to sign NDAs. Otherwise, they believe, someone would certainly steal their idea and unfairly profit from it ...
Overgrowth fan art spotlight - Emir0
August 30th, 2009
In the last year, artists have created many brilliant works of art inspired by Overgrowth, so we have been highlighting our favorites here on the blog. So far we have shown you works by ^_^ and Gauss and today I would like to share some stylized character portraits that Emir0 (aka M3nace) posted on page 19 of the fan art ...
Hanging Out With Anton
August 28th, 2009
Anton Riehl, the man responsible for the amazing live flute recordings you've heard in the Overgrowth Soundtrack, flew up from LA to visit the Bay Area this week. So last night we took him out for burgers and beer at one of Jeff's favorite restaurants. Then, following Wolfire tradition, we concluded the evening with some intense Little Big ...
Inspector UI redux
August 28th, 2009
I recently made some changes to the inspector UI system in Overgrowth to make it more powerful and look cooler. To recap, the inspector is essentially a flexible dialog that pops up when the user is required to make some kind of choice. The inspector was somewhat tricky to make, but what's cool about it is that now any ...
Taking texture reference photos
August 26th, 2009
I use reference images to make the textures that I put on objects in Overgrowth. It's easy to get texture reference images from websites like CGTextures, but that can be limiting. Taking your own photos is also really easy! This image is a normal reference photo I took while on my trip to the mountains. I thought it looked ...
Overgrowth Tribute Art spotlight - Jack
August 25th, 2009
In the last year, artists have created some brilliant compositions inspired by Overgrowth. Now we're highlighting some of our favorites here on the blog! Below are some character portraits created by Gauss, aka Jack Monahan. As you may recall from Aubrey's Dev Chat, Jack is a talented artist who worked with Aubrey at 8monkey Labs. Remember to click ...