In this episode:

Jordan interviews Bernard François, founder of Preview Labs, a company that specializes in rapid prototyping for video games. They have created prototypes for Amazon, Wargaming, Unity, Disney Imagineering, Google R&D, and more. Bernard shares expert insights into the world of prototyping, offering practical advice on how to build prototypes that are efficient, effective, and serve as a foundation for innovative game development.

Topics covered:

• Bernard’s journey from programmer to founding Preview Labs
• The key differences between prototypes, MVPs, vertical slices, and grey boxing
• The difference between internal prototypes and prototypes for a pitch
• How to set up an effective prototype and key variables to consider
• Common prototyping mistakes and how to avoid them
• The importance of functional graphics in prototypes
• Knowing when to stop the prototyping process and move forward with production

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Timestamps:

[02:53] Bernard’s background and how Preview Labs began

[04:11] Bernard’s journey to becoming a prototyping expert

[06:53] The formation of Preview Labs and its early success

[09:44] Defining a prototype’s vision and key mechanics

[11:58] The importance of keeping prototypes simple

[13:21] Prototyping for pitches versus internal prototyping

[17:35] Feature creep and the importance of scope

[19:53] How to make use of variables and iterations in prototypes

[23:03] The value of functional graphics over grey boxing

[28:52] When to stop prototyping and move into production

[34:20] Common pitfalls in prototyping and how to avoid them

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Bernard François:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Learn more about Preview Labs:

• Website
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Games & companies mentioned:

• Amazon
• Google R&D
• Unity
• Disney Imagineering
• XCOM 2 (Firaxis Games)
• God of War (Santa Monica Studio)
• Fortnite (Epic Games)
• Bejeweled (PopCap Games)
• The Waiting Game (ProPublica)