10 events from 2000 and forward that helped shaped the game industry of today.
Created by ptramont on Dec 15, 2010
Last updated: 12/15/10 at 09:03 PM
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In September 16, 2010. Microsoft releases the XNA Game Studio 4.0. - This development framework is released with a large focus on Windows Phone 7 games and applications. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? This is Microsoft’s late answer to Apple’s IPhone SDK. For game developers this framework is common to Windows and Xbox 360 programming, providing easy adaption from one platform to the next. APA Reference: N.D. (September 16, 2010) Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0. Microsoft. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=9ac86eca-206f-4274-97f2-ef6c8b1f478f.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In February 2009, the Android SDK is released. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? This is Googles answer to the Apple IPhone success. The Android OS is an OS which does not limit common applications such as Adobe’s Flash. Opening a much wider and free market for game designers and developers in comparison to Apple’s App Store. APA Reference: N.D. (February 2009) Android 1.1 Version Notes. Android.com. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-1.1.html.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In March 2008, Apple releases its IPhone SDK. - This tool allows independent software developers to create and sell program in the IPhone and ITouch. - Developers can use both the IPhone and an IPhone Simulator to test their apps. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? By allowing independent developers to create and their own apps, Apple created a huge selection of available applications and games for their user base. As a game a designer, the touch screen is a is a whole new interface medium, which was not widely explored before this event. APA Reference: Dairymple, J. (March 6, 2008). Apple unveils iPhone SDK. MacWorld. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://www.macworld.com/article/132400/2008/03/iphonesdk.html.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In December 2007, Blizzard and Activision merged to form Activision Blizzard. - The merger was worth $18 billion. - Activision is active in console games while Blizzard is dominant in the PC game market. By combining both companies they now have clout in both markets. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? When large companies merge, no matter what industry, there is a concern that they can easily squish minor companies. With large production and marketing budgets, larger companies have an upper hand against small and independent developers. This usually dampens innovation, since new products cannot be easily released for a profit. Cellan-Jones, R. (December 2, 2007). Video game giants in $18bn merger. BBC News. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7123582.stm
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In April 2007, Microsoft releases a new application framework to develop rich, internet based, interactive content. - This is widely know as Microsoft’s answer to Adobe Flash’s dominance in this market segment. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? This release puts pressure on Adobe to improve Flash’s reliability. For a developer and game designer, Microsoft provides a free framework to develop web based games. Adobe’s Flash development tools costs from $700 to $1800. Paul, R. (September 5, 2007). Microsoft releases Silverlight 1.0, announces Linux support. Ars Technica. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://arstechnica.com/open-source/news/2007/09/microsoft-releases-silverlight-1-0-announces-linux-support.ars.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In January 2007, Microsoft released its Games for Windows brand together with Windows Vista. - This new brand is aimed towards improving the quality of games for Windows based PC. - Some of its new features includes support for the Xbox 360 wireless controller, Parental controls and 64-bit processor support. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? With the decline of the PC game market, Microsoft new brand attempts to rejuvenate the PC as a gaming platform. Changes were made across the board. Retail boxes were trimmed down to match console game boxes, installation and compatibility problems were lessened. Even a well established magazine called Computer Gaming World was renamed to Games for Windows. For neglected PC developers and designers this meant an overdue helping hand from Microsoft, who had concentrated all its efforts towards gaming in the Xbox and Xbox 360. Adams, D. (December 7, 2006). Vista and Games for Windows. IGN. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://pc.ign.com/articles/749/749845p1.html.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In August 2006, Valve released its free Source SDK. - In conjunction with AutoDesk’s SoftImage Mod Tool, this SDK allowed inspiring game designers to create their unique universes. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? To have such a powerful tool like Valve’s source engine is a designer’s dream! Some successful MODs have been turned into full blown commercial such as Team Fortress. Most extend the value of the published game. APA Reference: N.D. (June 23, 2010). Source SDK Release Note Archive. Valve. Retrieve December 15, 2010, from http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Source_SDK_release_notes_archive#08.2F04.2F2006_Release.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In December 2006, Microsoft releases its XNA Game Studio 1.0. 1 year after the Xbox 360 hits the market. - This new development tool aims to enable independent developers to easily create video games for Windows and the Xbox 360. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? This event is important because it gives access to students, independent studios, hobbyists and small companies to easily develop games for Windows and the Xbox 360. It provides a set of predefined instructions and the documentation on how to use them. This shortens the gap between design and development. Although this is a development tool, many inspiring game designers are given the opportunity to create their own games. There is a learning curve to develop using this tool, but it is significantly shorter than developing from a game without it. APA Reference: N.D. (2007). Microsoft Game Studio Express 1.0 Refresh. Microsoft. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=12adcd12-7a7b-4413-a0af-ff87242a78de#Overview.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In April 2005, Adobe System acquired Macromedia for $3.4 billion. - Both companies were performing well, due to the increasing value of the mobile device markets. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? Adobe is a well-established business oriented company. Macromedia was a company geared towards providing tools for creative folks. With this acquisition, Adobe creates a more cutting edge image since Macromedia mostly deals with Internet content. For a game developer this meant a solidification of Flash as the preferred tool for web based games. N.D. (April 18, 2005). Adobe Acquires Macromedia. Wired. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2005/04/67259.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? - In October 2001, TeamSpeak 1.5 was released. - Released in freeware form. - Provides client to server communication for multiple users. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? How would the event affect you as a Game Designer or Developer? Independent voice chatting is a good tool for both developers and game designers. In multiplayer environments a game designer can count on having the fall back of voice chat to design challenges that require real time interaction from the players. As a developer, an independent communication channel, frees up development cycles. APA Reference: N.D. (2010). TeamSpeak Classic. TeamSpeak Communication System. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://www.teamspeak.com/?page=teamspeak1.
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