Chapter Meeting: June 2002
>> Check out the photos of Derek Smart in action!
IGDA South Florida Chapter was please to host premiere South Florida independent developer Derek Smart for our June 2002 meeting. This marquee developer appropriately brought out the best crowd we have ever had at a monthly meeting.
The joint Siggraph/ IGDA meeting commenced with a screening of the preview tape from Siggraph 2002. As usual, it is always a kick to see the kind of cutting edge audio visual presentation that have become a hallmark of the Siggraph tapes.
We then spent several minutes distributing "swag" and games to the 50 plus members and guests in attendance. Special thanks goes out to Ken Tannenbaum, local Infogrames Director, and the folks at Arush for providing us game titles for distribution. Local board member of Vic DeLeon of Digitalo also supplied lots of E3 swag for distribution including the highly prized gig bag from the Sony party at E3.
Derek Smart was then introduced to the gang. Derek proceeded with a "no holds barred" discussion of his experiences as an independent developer in the fullest sense of the word. Of course, Derek pointed out that no developer is independent because ultimately he is answerable to the publisher funding the development. But Derek has taken a road less traveled with his own Battlecruiser franchise.
Derek told us the story behind the most recent version of Battlecruiser, Millennium, his Space Sim Strategy RPG. It was completely self funded and distributed directly to Electronic's Boutique through a one of a kind direct distribution deal. This process brought a lot of situations directly to Derek as a self publisher, that most developers never have to deal with. Things like securing the production of both the media and boxes, including the box art, shipping and even proofing the final burns all fell into Derek's competent hands. But not without some bumps along the way, that he was happy to share with us.
Derek told us of how he developed his game through a team of independent contractors spread all over the globe, many of whom he has never even met in face-to-face!. His comments on his management of such a widely diverse team was quite enlightening. But most of all it was Derek's honest and straight forward willingness to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of the development process that made his presentation both informative and entertaining. Derek plainly stated that game development is not for anyone unwilling to sacrifice and remain committed to their vision for as long as it takes.
Derek's strength and tenacity is a real inspiration to any developer interested in seeing their own vision come to fruition. This was, without a doubt, our best meeting to date. But the best news for all for us here is South Florida is that Derek has agreed to actively participate in our chapter as a member of the IGDA South Florida chapter's Board of Directors. I look forward to his input. This can only help our chapter grow and flourish...Welcome aboard Derek!
Tom Buscaglia
Chapter Coordinator
IGDA South Florida Chapter
