Game Developers

Role of a Video Game Developer

-They produce the content
-May specialise in making games for one console manufacturer.

First Party Game Developers

A First Party video game developer is a software developer that create video games. A developer may be associated
with a specific console manufacturer i.e. Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. Most developers also specialize in certain types
of games such as computer role playing games or first person shooters. Some focus on porting games from one console
to another and others focus on translating games from one language to another. An unusual few do other kinds of
software development work in addition to games.

Third Party Game Developers

A Third Party video game developer are usually called upon by a video game publisher to develop a title for one or more
systems. They are associated with a specific video games publisher and are often owed by them. Both the publisher and
the developer have a great deal of say as to the design and content of the game but in general, though, the publishers
wishes overrule the developers as the publisher is paying the developer to create the game. The business arrangement
between the developer and publisher is governed by a contract.

Independent Game Developers

An Independent Game Developer are small software developers that are not associated with a specific video games
publisher. Some of these developers self-publish their games relying on the internet and the words of people for
publicity. Without the huge marketing budgets of mainstream publishers, their products almost never get as much
recognition or popular acclaim as those of larger publishes such as Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. However they are free
to explore experimental themes and styles of gameplay that mainstream publishers would not risk their money on.
 Codemasters
- The three main games Codemasters develop are:

- Codemasters were founded in 1986 by Richard and Davis darling which are based in Warwickshire in the United Kingdom.
- The genre of the games Codemasters develop are mainly racing where you control your car in career mode in which you can unlock further cars
to add to your garage. Some racing games also allow you to customize your car with paint and accessories.
- Codemasters are Independent developers which mean they are small independent developers that are not associated with specific video games

Interesting Facts about Codemasters:

- Codemasters industry is Computer and Video Games
- Codemasters is notable for making the large majority of games published by the controversial Camerica company, which bypassed Nintendo’s
lock-out chip by glitching it and produced unlicensed NES games.
- In 1990 Codemasters developed a device called the Power Pak, later renamed the Game Genie. It was a cheat cartridge for the NES, released in
the US by Galoob and in Canada and the UK by Camerica.
- Between 1998 and 2003 Codemasters dominated one area of Game Console entertainment when they teamed up with Jester Interactive
Limited to publish their range of music creation software, for PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PC, namely MUSICtm, Music 2000, MTV Music
Generator and MTV Music Generator 2. In 2003 this partnership was dissolved, with Jester releasing their own Music 3000 product. Codemasters
released their final music based product called MTV Music Generator 3 in 2004.
 Eidos Interactive
- The three main games Eidos Interactive develop are:

- Eidos Interactive were founded in 1990 which floated on the London Stock Exchange. Now they are based in Wimbledon, United Kingdom.
- The genre of the games Eidos Interactive develop are mainly 3 rd person action/shooter where you control the main character on the front
cover completing missions and tasks in career mode.
- Eidos Interactive are First Party game developers which means they are software developer that create video games for a specific
console manufacturer i.e. Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo.
Interesting Facts about Eidos Interactive:
- Eidos Interactive industry is Interactive Entertainment Computer and Video Games
- In 2006, there revenue was 179.1 Million and there operating income was 28.8 Million. There profit was 8.1 Million.
- From 1990-2004, there owners were Independent. From 2004-2009 there owners were Sci Entertainment and from 2009-present their
owners are Square Enix.
- In February 2007, Eidos Interactive acquired Rockpool Games, along with it’s two sister companies Ironstone Partners and SoGoPlay.
- On 10 January 2008 Sci announced take over and/or merger talks had been halted. As a result, the share price dropped by over 50%.
 Rockstar
- The three main games that Rockstar develop are:

- Rockstar were founded in New York City in 1998.

- The genre of the games Rockstar develop are mainly action/shooter game where you control the main or a series of main characters doing missions
and tasks throughout the campaign.
- Rockstar are First Party game developers which means they are software developer that create video games for a specific console
manufacturer i.e. Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo.

Interesting Facts about Rockstar:

- Rockstar’s industry is Computer and Video Games Interactive Entertainment.
- Rockstar’s owners are Take-Two Interactive
- Rockstar have developed their own game engine called the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine to facilitate game development on the PlayStation 3,
Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Windows.
- The Headquarters of Rockstar Games is located on Broadway in the SoHo neighbourhood of New York City, part of the Take-Two Interactive offices.
It is the head office of Rockstar's worldwide publishing enterprises. It is home to the marketing, public relations and product development
departments.