How to make a good Xbox Live Arcade game
- February 15, 2007 16:15 PM PST
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XBLA Planner David Edery tells wannabe developers how to create games for Microsoft's console-in-a-console.
By Eugene Huang
If you're thinking of pitching an idea for a game on Xbox Live Arcade, or if you're just interested in finding out what sort of games Microsoft is looking to put in next year's line-up, you're probably going to want to pay attention to this. In a Q&A chat with Gamasutra, XBLA Games Portfolio Planner David Edery gave a rundown on the definition of a good Live Arcade game.
It's a well-known fact that every good game starts out as a good pitch, and Edery states that he's received hundreds of proposals ranging from simple e-mails containing broad game descriptions to prototype games, complete with forty-page concept documents. He also pointed out that Microsoft is continuing to accept ideas, and works closely with potential developers to help them create workable proposals.
Edery then spells out a list of qualities that he and his team look out for when considering a proposal. First, they look for a game that is easy to get into, but also less time-consuming than a typical retail console game. Second, he looks for games that appeal more to both the casual gamer and, as he puts it, "the hardcore gamer who's looking for a break between sessions of Gears of War." And third, he looks for games that fully utilize the Xbox Live service, such as games that offer multiplayer functions. In particular, he's searching for "games that bring players of all kinds together".
But the most important aspect he looks for in a proposal is innovative gameplay. Edery is proud of the fact that XBLA provides developers with a low-risk, low-cost haven ripe for experimentation. He states that, in the past year, they've received more and more innovative proposals for XBLA games that have led to some exciting games due for 2007.
As for the most popular reasons why a pitch isn't considered for release, Edery mentioned incongruity with the XBLA model as a common issue. In essence, he believes that XBLA is in a category of its own and therefore avoids game proposals that might be better suited as a retail game.
Edery was then asked if he had any words of advice for would-be developers wishing to create games for XBLA. In response, he suggested that they first ask themselves: "How is my game proposal different from all the other content available to XBLA customers online or offline? And what am I doing to take advantage of the unique ways that Live enables me to excite the Xbox community?"
To clarify even further, Edery listed three genres that he's specifically looking for: non-combative co-op multiplayer games, board games, and games of an experimental nature.
Those interested in pitching their own game ideas to Microsoft can send their proposals to arcade@microsoft.com.
