Ex-Rockstar North Developer Shuts Down Blog After Upsetting Colleagues
An ex-Rockstar North developer, Obbe Vermeij, who left the company in 2009, has decided to close down his blog. The reason behind this sudden decision was an email he received from the studio, stating that “some of the OG’s there are upset.” Unfortunately, this kind of secrecy is detrimental to the industry.
The Need for Transparency in the Gaming Industry
While spoilers are unwelcome, there’s a clear distinction between providing insights into the game development process and divulging confidential information. Vermeij recently started a blog that shared anecdotes from his time at Rockstar North from 1995 to 2009. It’s important to note that his experiences are outdated and do not reveal any current secrets. Nevertheless, his former colleagues expressed concerns about the potential damage to the Rockstar image, leading Vermeij to delete many of his blog posts (as reported by Insider Gaming).
A Different Perspective on Game Leaks
The uproar that ensued when GTA 6 leaked last year showcased a common misconception about game development. Many people mocked the leaked footage, judging it as subpar. However, it is vital to understand that games often go through multiple iterations and may not look impressive until the final stages of development. The problem lies in the lack of transparency from game developers, leaving us with finished products as the only point of comparison. Consequently, leaks appear underwhelming in comparison.
In contrast, the film and TV industries offer glimpses behind the scenes, sharing set photos and unfinished scenes without CGI and audio. This allows viewers to understand that these elements are added later in the process. When it comes to game development, the behind-the-scenes aspects can be unsettling to viewers not accustomed to seeing them.
Promoting a More Open Approach
Instead of Rockstar and other game developers causing a commotion over an individual who hasn’t worked for them in 14 years merely sharing outdated information, they should consider adopting a more transparent approach to game development. By allowing fans to gain insight into the real process of creating games, it would dispel misconceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for the industry.