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ArticleEludamos: Journal for Computer Game Culture26 Apr 2010

Development in Context

Summary

"Development in Context" is an introductory piece from the 2010 volume of Eludamos, a journal for computer game culture, written by Judd Ethan Ruggill and Ken S. McAllister. Its central argument is that computer game scholars face a serious obstacle in the complexity and rapid change of the game industry, and that understanding a game's play and culture requires some grasp of how it was made. The authors contend that the production side of games is often obscured by proprietary practices, intricate corporate structures, shifting consumer markets, and constant technological change.

The piece proposes engaging directly with the developers who create games as a way to clarify these hidden processes. It introduces three excerpts from a series of interviews the authors conducted over the previous year. The developers interviewed come from different career stages, and their individual histories are presented as reflecting much of the industry's development over roughly three decades. The authors emphasize that these excerpts are glimpses rather than a comprehensive account of the field, and the study does not describe a formal sample size or systematic methodology.

The interviews raise recurring questions about professionalization, economics, art, education, the effects of success and failure, and the nature of commercial game making. The developers differ sharply on several of these, with one voicing concern about the corporatization of play, another favoring art as a remedy, and a third arguing that artistry, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship are inseparable in game development. The authors close by expressing hope that the interviews will foster lasting dialogue between developers and scholars.

Development in Context

Development in Context

Key insights

Scholars face an obstacle in the game industry's complexity.

The authors propose engaging directly with developers.

The excerpts are presented as glimpses, not a full account.

Interviews raise questions about professionalization, economics, art and education.

Developers disagree on corporatization, art and craftsmanship.

The authors hope interviews will foster lasting dialogue.

Summary

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