David Jaffe On Why Game Developers Can't Be Superstars Like Movie Stars

[The 1 2 P]

We all know of quite a few developers that have that superstar status among the gaming community, such as Cliffy B and Shigeru Miyamoto. But according to David Jaffe(of God of War and Twisted Metal fame), they are the exception rather than the rule: http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/ne...etting-credit/

He actually makes some pretty good points in his blog. However, things have definitely changed in the last ten years. In Japan game developers have long been superstars in their respective genres. And here in the states, we have quite a few ourselves.

[TonyTheTiger]

It boils down to exposure. Actors, singers, and other performers are right there in front of the audience. It's practically impossible to appreciate Arnold Swarzenegger's body of work while at the same time having no clue what he looks like. Whereas it is perfectly possible to love Mario but have no clue what Shiggy looks like. Even most film directors aren't "superstars" in the same way actors are.

The reason publishers get more credit than the people behind the game is because the cover of the box says "Nintendo." The day producers, directors, designers, etc. get billing is the day they get famous.

[Ed Oscuro]

We all know of quite a few developers that have that superstar status among the gaming community, such as Cliffy B and Shigeru Miyamoto.

Shiggy? Yes. Carmack? Another yea.

Cliffy's regarded as something of a nutter, although I think it's unfair. Still a great dude. But really, what does he have to his name? Not as much as those guys, Miyamoto-sama in particular.

It boils down to exposure. Actors, singers, and other performers are right there in front of the audience.

bingo!

It's practically impossible to appreciate Arnold Swarzenegger's body

teehee

[Iron Draggon]

who the fuck is Cliffy B?

[jcalder8]

They aren't really comparing the same thing. It'd be closer to why are game developers superstars like writers and directors of movies.

[studvicious]

who the fuck is Cliffy B?

HAHA! That was the greatest post I've ever read. (I'm just getting sick of all the Cliffy worship)

Some of his games include Unreal and Gears of War

[boatofcar]

vs.

Jaffe doesn't need to explain anything.

[eskobar]

What about Kojima or Itakagi San ?

In the PS1 Naughty Dog era Dave Perry was a diva too ....

There are many people that has inmense charisma and no matter what they do they always stand above the rest, be it Hollywood or Game Development.

If you want an example look at the Dreamcast launch and all the hype on D2 created by Kenji Eno ...

[Rob2600]

In the PS1 Naughty Dog era Dave Perry was a diva too ....

David Perry is a loudmouthed egomaniac. Nobody takes him seriously anymore. I remember he hyped his computer game Messiah to death. When it finally came out, it bombed.

He's also responsible for the Enter the Matrix, Cool Spot, and Captain Planet games. Thanks a lot Dave.

Jaffe doesn't need to explain anything.

That's hilarious.

[SegaAges]

vs.

Jaffe doesn't need to explain anything.

You stop it. You are making me blush. That is SO HAWT!

[rbudrick]

You stop it. You are making me blush. That is SO HAWT!

Yep. That Jaffe's a hot bitch.

Game designers are dorks...that's why they aren't rockstars. Lolz. J/k...sort of.

-Rob

[calthaer]

Movie directors also seem to have a lot more creative control over their projects than what a lot of game designers have. Sometimes the studios simply shove the unfinished crap out the door - the equivalent of forcing a director to release the movie before it can be edited.

On the other hand, game designers need to start becoming a bit better at estimating how much time their projects will take to complete.

[rbudrick]

On the other hand, game designers need to start becoming a bit better at estimating how much time their projects will take to complete.

Well, they probably have to lie to get the green light to begin with. When you tell investors a game is gonna take 3 years, they go, "WTFBBQ No way! Can't you do it in 18 months11one!" Then shit meets in the middle somewhere after a few 3-month delays, since they can't shitcan it 18 months in!

-Rob