Postmortem: Harmonix’s Rock Band

Witness Harmonix's transformation from a game developer to a peripheral manufacture hybrid, as the company undertakes its most ambitious game to date—one which comes close to fulfilling the studio's ultimate vision. From controller management to over-stretched leads, this postmortem chronicles the trials and tribulations of this innovative game.

Engines Of Creation

Third-party licensed game engines are increasingly used in the development of high-profile titles. But which is right for you? Here, we lay the major entries' features side-by-side.

Interview: Mike Zak

Halo 3 environment artist Mike Zak talks designing art for curious players, Halo's unique look, and Bungie's newfound independence.

The Game Developer Market

The job market is hot right now, especially for developers with experience. This state of the industry report aims to discern what companies are really looking for.

Design Of The Times: Idea Synthesis

Ruminations on collaborative design and humility as ways to get ahead as a game designer.

Aural Fixation: The Three Rs of Audio Leadership

An audio lead and a sound designer necessarily have different skill sets—three of which are outlined here.

Arrested Development: It's a Trap!

Tips for surviving in a manager-driven world.