Are you sure you know what a Video Game Prototype is? Or even why they're important? This week we sit down with James Smith again to talk exactly that. Through his experience as a teacher and project manager in the games industry, James has experience first hand with students, entry level and even many mid level developers on their perceptions and implementations of Video Game Prototypes.

This week James Smith returns to talk about his experiences with Portfolios in the Games Industry. He speaks from both the perspective of a teacher working with students and from a recruiter looking to hire. Together, he has a lot of valuable insights for both those building their own portfolios and those looking to hire someone. Whether you are new to the industry or you've been working in it for a while, this episode is a must listen for anyone working with or around Portfolios in the Games Industry.

This week James Smith is back and sharing 3 different approaches on how to start making a video game. Whether you're new to the industry or you've been around for a while, he has 3 sure fire ways to get you past the dreaded question of "what should I make?"

In this episode of Indie Innovators, we delve into the crucial early stages of indie game development. Join us as we explore the importance of planning and prototyping with James Smith, producer and co-owner of BlackCap Creative. James shares his insights on how to start small, set realistic goals, and build effective prototypes.

We discuss strategies for new developers to create a solid foundation for their projects, focusing on the importance of defining clear goals and scaling up gradually. Whether you’re dreaming up your first game or refining your development process, this episode provides valuable insights on how to start smartly and ensure future growth.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the initial challenges of game development, make the most of limited resources, and turn your creative ideas into reality. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you succeed in the competitive world of indie game development.

In this episode of Indie Innovators, we explore the often overlooked yet crucial roles that make indie game development possible. Join us as James Smith, producer and co-owner of Black Cap Creative, shares his insights and experiences working with small indie studios.

James delves into the common pitfalls indie teams face, from the absence of essential roles like technical animators and level designers to the challenges of leadership and communication. Discover why having a well-rounded team with defined roles is key to a project’s success and how many indie developers can miss these critical aspects.

We also discuss practical advice on how new teams can establish effective leadership, foster a collaborative environment, and stand out in the competitive gaming industry. Whether you're a budding game developer or an established professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on building and maintaining a strong indie game team.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of team dynamics and ensure your project stays on track amidst the chaos of game development.

In this episode of Indie Innovators, we delve into the often daunting challenge of scope creep in game development. Join us as we sit down with James Smith, co-owner of BlackCap Creative, who brings a wealth of experience in game triage and project management.

James shares real-world examples of how seemingly small feature additions can spiral into major project overhauls, jeopardizing timelines and budgets. He explains the concept of scope creep, its impact on both indie and triple-A game projects, and offers practical strategies to manage and prevent it.

Whether you're an aspiring game developer or an industry veteran, this episode provides valuable insights into maintaining focus and discipline in your projects. Discover how to balance creativity with practicality and learn from the experiences of those who have navigated these challenges before.

Tune in for a candid discussion about the realities of game development, the importance of player-centric design, and how to keep your projects on track amidst the allure of new features and ideas.

In this inaugural episode, we sit down with James Smith, producer and co-owner of BlackCap Creative, a 3D animation and Game Dev Studio. James takes us through his fascinating journey from working in a fish plant to becoming a prominent figure in the game industry. He shares the challenges he faced, including the unexpected closure of Pixar Canada, and how he pivoted his career towards software development and game design.

James provides valuable insights into the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and networking in building a successful career. He discusses his experiences working on various projects, from industrial simulations to game development, and how these diverse experiences shaped his skills and knowledge.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the game development process, the significance of prototyping, and the advantages of having a broad skill set in the industry. James also shares practical advice for aspiring game developers, emphasizing the need for perseverance, networking, and being open to new opportunities.

Join us as we explore the inspiring story of James Smith and learn how passion, determination, and a willingness to adapt can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths in the game industry.