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Documents
Game Developers Conference62 min
One Frame in 'Halo Infinite'
The transition from the rigid, fixed-interval architecture of the Halo 5 engine to the flexible, job-based system in Halo Infinite represents a fundamental shift toward multi-platform scalability.
- 343 Industries transitioned from Halo 5's specialized thread architecture to a generic 'real-time worker thread' pool in Halo Infinite, allowing for more flexible execution across available CPU cores.
- To handle variable frame rates while maintaining physical simulation accuracy, the engine uses a 'twinning' interpolation system that projects character poses between the two most recent fixed-update game ticks.
- The engine employs a job-based graph system that dynamically constructs and submits fixed-update job graphs based on the current frame rate, allowing the game to perform multiple ticks per frame when necessary.
Game Developers ConferenceMay 2022
Thomas Brush11 min
Remaking Assassin's Creed Level W/ NO MODELING SKILLS
The process of recreating game environments without advanced modeling skills relies on three fundamental pillars: geometric simplification, color palette management, and strategic asset repetition.
- Environmental design can be achieved without advanced modeling by deconstructing complex architecture into basic geometric primitives like cubes and triangles.
- Strategic asset repetition allows for the efficient scaling of large game worlds by categorizing objects into layers, ranging from background props to high-visibility landmarks.
- Color palettes are essential for environmental storytelling and navigation, as demonstrated by the use of warm oranges for Damascus and teal tints for Acre in Assassin’s Creed.
Thomas BrushMay 2022
Game Developers Conference43 min
'Rocket League': Scaling for Free to Play
The transition of Rocket League to a free-to-play model necessitated a comprehensive architectural overhaul to accommodate a projected fivefold increase in player traffic.
- Psyonix successfully managed a 5x increase in concurrent player traffic for Rocket League's transition to free-to-play by utilizing accurate load projections and extensive iterative load testing.
- The team utilized Locust, a Python-based load testing framework running on Kubernetes, to simulate client traffic, though they noted that the framework required significant custom orchestration to ensure test accuracy.
- To address database bottlenecks, the team migrated from Google App Engine to Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) and implemented ProxySQL to manage MySQL read-traffic scaling and dynamic query routing.
Game Developers ConferenceMay 2022
Jonas Tyroller38 min
I PLAYED YOUR GAMES! | Game Design Feedback
Indie game development relies heavily on the intersection of intuitive mechanics and polished user experience.
- Commercial viability in indie games is frequently undermined by technical inconsistencies and poor visual communication, even when core gameplay loops are compelling.
- Effective user experience requires prioritizing silhouette-based design and icon clarity to prevent the information overload and poor readability observed in titles like Intergalactic Taxi and Swing It.
- Environmental logic, including lighting and collision detection, must be precise to maintain player immersion, as seen in the failure of Unknown Escape to sustain suspension of disbelief.
Jonas TyrollerApr 2022
Thomas Brush9 min
Make a RED DEAD REDEMPTION level w/ NO MODELING SKILLS
Environment design can be effectively executed using only basic geometric primitives, such as cubes, to test spatial understanding and shape composition.
- Environment design can be effectively executed using only basic geometric primitives like cubes to test spatial understanding and shape composition.
- Complex architectural styles should be deconstructed into modular, reusable components to create recognizable game worlds without requiring advanced modeling skills.
- Visual storytelling relies on the strategic use of silhouettes and distinct architectural features, such as varied roof angles or signage, to differentiate building functions.
Thomas BrushApr 2022
Thomas Brush10 min
5 MISTAKES I Made When I Started Making Games
Independent game development requires a strategic shift from purely creative impulses to structured business management.
- Create a comprehensive game design document to serve as a project roadmap, which prevents scope creep and keeps development timelines on track.
- Diversify revenue streams by securing funding through Kickstarter, Patreon, sponsorships, and publisher advances rather than relying solely on post-launch sales.
- Treat community building as essential infrastructure by using devlogs and consistent social media engagement to drive Steam wishlists and secure a loyal audience.
Thomas BrushApr 2022
Thomas Brush8 min
How To Land A Deal With A Game Publisher!
Securing a publishing deal in the independent game industry requires a strategic focus on marketability and a deep, nuanced understanding of a specific target audience.
- Publishers prioritize projects that identify and serve a specific, underserved niche rather than attempting to replicate major studio flagship products.
- Developers must demonstrate proven market demand by targeting communities centered around specific gameplay styles, such as speedrunning or niche RPG combat.
- A successful pitch requires a game design document that explicitly balances honoring established genre inspirations with unique mechanical twists that differentiate the project.
Thomas BrushApr 2022
Game Dev Unchained61 min
LIVE | Making Weapons for Back 4 Blood with Brad Boyles
Weapon design in modern first-person shooters requires a rigorous synthesis of technical efficiency and mechanical authenticity.
- Weapon design in high-fidelity shooters like Back 4 Blood relies on a synthesis of simulation software and physical references to ensure mechanical accuracy in reload animations and functional movement.
- The production pipeline has shifted from manual, Photoshop-based workflows to procedural texturing tools like Substance Painter, significantly increasing output efficiency for small teams.
- Artists utilize height maps and high-poly baking to simulate complex surface details, while maintaining traditional hard-surface modeling methodologies.
Game Dev UnchainedApr 2022
Game Dev Unchained72 min
The Making of Genesis Noir with Evan Anthony and Jeremy Abel | 303
The development of Genesis Noir serves as a case study in transitioning from motion graphics and web design into the independent game industry.
- Marketing and promotional efforts should be integrated directly into the game engine workflow, as these activities can consume up to 50% of the total development cycle.
- Securing professional publishing partnerships is essential for managing the logistical complexities of console certification, localization, and multi-platform deployment.
- Independent developers can successfully transition from motion graphics to game development by leveraging vertical slices and detailed pitch decks to secure both crowdfunding and external funding.
Game Dev UnchainedApr 2022
Thomas Brush9 min
My #1 Secret To Building An Indie Game Studio
Building a sustainable indie game studio relies heavily on cultivating a direct, mutually beneficial relationship with a community through consistent social media engagement and content creation.
- Building a sustainable indie studio depends on cultivating a direct, mutually beneficial relationship with a community to secure financial independence and creative autonomy.
- Platforms like TikTok and YouTube function as essential tools for gathering real-time feedback on specific game design elements, such as enemy mechanics and environmental details.
- Consistent content creation, specifically through weekly devlogs, serves as the foundation for building a loyal audience prior to launching a crowdfunding campaign.
Thomas BrushApr 2022
Thomas Brush10 min
Your Indie Game WILL SUFFER Without It
Effective game development requires a transition from intuitive, solo-based workflows to structured project management.
- Formalizing development through Game Design Documents (GDDs) and milestone-based scheduling is essential to prevent bloated budgets, excessive costs, and creative drift.
- A GDD functions as a foundational roadmap that prevents scope creep by clearly defining project boundaries and discouraging the addition of non-essential mechanics.
- Implementing strict, self-imposed monthly milestones allows developers to identify necessary content cuts early, ensuring projects remain on track for completion.
Thomas BrushApr 2022
Thomas Brush54 min
He Started A Game Studio In HIS DORM (Conversation with Conrad Grindheim)
Independent game development requires a transition from solo creation to disciplined studio management, where success is predicated on financial diversification and rigorous project planning.
- Achieve financial stability by diversifying revenue through secondary streams like freelancing, asset sales, and educational content to supplement primary game development.
- Prevent scope creep and project bloat by utilizing comprehensive game design documents and strictly enforced, time-bound milestones.
- Use crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to secure initial capital while simultaneously validating market interest before full-scale production.
Thomas BrushApr 2022