GCAP 2017

For many games, limitations are something that can not be avoided. Limited memory, limited disk space and throughput, limited CPU and GPU time. This session will present some techniques, processes, and tools used during production at Insomniac Games that we use to keep track of how our games compare to the limitations of our target platforms, and to help our game teams to make the most of the features in our engine. We want to be creating content that is shippable from the start, identifying problems early, to be able to prioritize and address the problems efficiently - because we can make better games when we do so. This session will include discussion and examples of the following: Taking ownership of the platform Know the limitations of the target hardware and know what your games needs - then set, communicate, enforce, and manage budgets wherever you can. Making it easy to find the right person to attend to a problem Out of frame. Out of memory. Too big. Long load times. What should be done? For problems that may not be caused by any one person, it is important to have accurate data, good tools, and clear processes that make it easy to route to the right person. Shortening feedback loops There’s a lot of value in putting well justified constraints as close to content producers as possible. Immediate feedback on the shippability of some new content increases artist efficiency and can prevent expensive problems later in production - but it can be complicated.