BAF Game 2013

This year I had the pleasure of attending the Bradford Animation Festival, I've attended the animation side last year and because I'm more into games I attended the Game bit this year. And I wasn't disappointed O_o

There were many interesting talks and I loved it because people from this industry are just, so funny! I mean I was hoping that the industry I want to get myself involved with isn't as serious and is funny, cause I think that's the best environment you can possibly do work in : D

I got quite a few emails from the presentations which is always good.

Their motion capture was interesting to watch.

They had to actually worked with horses. They showed us the process and how difficult it actually was. Since you have to make sure that the animal is not harmed or scared. 

They also had to make sure it's at peace because if it started running around it'd probably destroy all their gear that was placed around the stable.

It was interesting to see but I don't think it's something I'd want to get into.

Another talk that stuck in mind was one by Warren Spector to talk about his recent work Epic Mickey, for Disney.

He talked a lot about it's history and processes again.

He is clearly really passionate man and really made it clear that he didn't want to create new Mickey, and it was important to keep it's most recognizable assets but to make them logically work they had to be tweaked and changed but not enough for the mouse to look much different from the original.

A lot of attention to detail.

The really interesting one was the TT's talk because we had a little suprise waiting for us as we walked in. We got lego masks waiting for us on the chairs, they were of the Marvel characters.

When everyone walked in it was like letting small children into a toy shop, everyone got so excited.

This talk was again about the processes they went through to create the game, the mistakes and the victories.

We got a little preview of the game and got lots of tips and tricks.

It proves that bribes still work, because this turned out to be one of my favourite talks. And after months I still have the mask! 

The final talk I attended was by Brian Horton.

He's a senior director from Crystal Dynamic.

He talked about having to reinvent the iconic heroine Lara Croft!

I am a huge fan of the old original Tomb Raider games, and I never really wanted to give the new ones a go because I feared they're going to ruin it for me. 

But all the way through the talk he talked about how he didn't want to ruin the game, he kept the little things, but improved them.

It was all about the character development, as I said, not to ruin it.

But also it was about the characted interacting with the environment, so she doesn't just walk through the bushes for example, she gently moves them out of the way as she walks past them. 

There was a lot of about catching the right camera angle to portrait the right emotions, the cave shot for example, with the water halfway up it, they wanted it to feel really claustrophobic for example and they mostly did it through the right camera shots. 

I never really thought about it that much but I've gotta admit it's something worth looking into in a little more detail! It really changes A LOT.

He actually reassured me and made me want to go out and buy it! I did, and I spent days and days playing it. And it's amazing I actually don't have anything bad to say about the game.

Overall I've learned quite a few bits and pieces and enjoyed myself! 

Looking forward to next year : D