Gamer TV pilot Ideas?

[xHOODLUMGIRLSx]

My family has a TV station network that is based around wealth. I have been asked to pitch a few ideas about gaming, the business and how we can tie it into wealth. This is a completely new concept and is in the beginning stages. This would bring in many different viewers and could be a great hit or a complete fail. I want to see if anyone has any great ideas or what would interest you personally as a viewer from a gaming perspective. We have already done shows on conventions such as CES, E3 and Com-icon. Looking for other interest. I included the link to the site so you could get a feel. I was thinking shows on how much a professional gamer can make a year, reality tv?, Tour gaming Design studios, etc.

wealthtv.net

Thanks in advance!

[Ninja Kn1ght]

I suggest a radical show, this has never been done before ok. Radical disruptive thinking here...the title: "Ninja Kn1ght Plays Games For Money". The idea: You pay (this brings in the wealth aspect, because I want a lot) Ninja Kn1ght money (wealth agan, nailing the key points) to play games (games). I have a lot going on but I believe in this project so get in touch we can hammer out the contract details and whatnot.

[xHOODLUMGIRLSx]

Sounds interesting? http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif

[l337pino]

It would be nice to have a show cover a lot of the international tournaments for shooters, RTS, and fighting games, especially if they got a look at how these are run and the players that dominate the spotlight.

I would also watch a show much like the original Arena on G4TV (the one with Wil Wheaton and Travis Oates as hosts).

[Ninja Kn1ght]

I think hardcore gamers and investors could be interested in a show that focused on the business side of the games industry, guys like Michael Pachter always seem to get good traction on their comments and he's a financial analyst.

As games grow and get more mainstream coverage more people will see them as a viable investment opportunity, you might be able to try something there.

[weaselboy]

I agree with Ninja, that would be nifty. Especially considering the "recession proof" (LOL) industry isn't, you know, recession proof. So a show focusing on the business side can help people make more informed investments than just, "GAMES WON'T BE HURT MUCH LOL".

I said that once. And now my EA stock is down ~60% http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-mad.gif

Also: I think it'd be awesome for a show to cover indie (or just small) developers. You know, maybe each show hunts down a different indie game, reviews (or previews) it, and then talks to the developers about their business strategy, design philosophy, etc. This would, really, work better for guys that have already put out at least one game and sold some copies. That way they have *some* experience to back up what they're saying!

I would dearly love to see a show tour major developers HQs. Not sure what benefit it would have (if it is JUST a tour, and didn't include a talk with a financial officer, designer, or etc.) outside of getting some of us to nerdgasm, but you know. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/inlove.gif

[JaimeNV96]

I suggest not doing something along the lines of G4, im sorry but some of it gets really boring. I could see something along the lines of almost a reality type. I've always wanted to know what goes on in a pro gamers life.

[Brimtown]

Gamer Cribs - start with Cliffy B http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[JeStaR_GG]

Originally posted by JaimeNV96:
I suggest not doing something along the lines of G4, im sorry but some of it gets really boring. I could see something along the lines of almost a reality type. I've always wanted to know what goes on in a pro gamers life.

Pro gamer life is not as glamorous as you think. I would know because I'm dating a pro-gamer. He practices as if it was a full time job. Because it is. It's how he makes money. It's a lot of hard work.

He's constantly practicing: running over strats, scrimming. It's not that glamorous like I said.

[Ninja Kn1ght]

You sounds unsatisifed with your man, wanna get wit me? I'm mad wealthy and a great lover. I'll take you to restaurants and stuff.

unrelated question: mcdonalds is a restaurant, right?

[JeStaR_GG]

Oh, hahahahaha! I'm not unsatisfied at all! We've been together for almost 2 years. He takes care of me and it's not all about him scrimming. We do other things too. And keep in mind I game a lot too!

[VballChick PMS]

True Life: I'm A Girl Gamer ?

[Redcoat Kezz]

This may be a bit biased since I am a game programmer, but maybe do something educational and show the programmers for what they really are! :P In fact, show off all the diciplines! Let's have someone who actually did work on a game talk about it instead of people who pay people to work on a game and then take credit http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

One thing I disliked about E3 was that it was all suits and media "satisfying" each other and showing the world what the next generation of games is. Those people have their roles, certainly, but how about we actually talk to someone who worked a 35+ hour day in crunch time, someone who actually could fix the latest bug that has all the forumers ranting, or someone who actually can and does tighten up the graphics on level three?

How about seeing a professional designer tell everyone what designing a game is really like? Someone who can set all these game writer wannabes right. Someone who can tell you why your idea sucks, but in a positive way, and then tell you what to do to make it better? Or get a game artist to come on and show you what the difference is between making art for your portfolio or whatever other art background, and making game art?



Another idea I've had that I would LOVE to see implemented is a one week "reality TV" game jam! You'd get a bunch of professional game devs and they would bust their arses for a week solid! They'd work round the clock for this week in there studio/loft and they would make a low spec, but complete and fun game! When it is done the game can be shipped by whatever the decided medium is and all profits go to child's play or something?



All the gamer TV stuff I've ever seen really focus on playing the games, but I am convinced there is a market for TV for making them too.

[ERRRskate151]

Pro Gamers sit in front of T.V.s for hours upon end like any other person who plays video games. It's quite fascinating, really.

[weaselboy]

Originally posted by Redcoat_Kezz:
This may be a bit biased since I am a game programmer, but maybe do something educational and show the programmers for what they really are! :P In fact, show off all the diciplines! Let's have someone who actually did work on a game talk about it instead of people who pay people to work on a game and then take credit http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

One thing I disliked about E3 was that it was all suits and media "satisfying" each other and showing the world what the next generation of games is. Those people have their roles, certainly, but how about we actually talk to someone who worked a 35+ hour day in crunch time, someone who actually could fix the latest bug that has all the forumers ranting, or someone who actually can and does tighten up the graphics on level three?

How about seeing a professional designer tell everyone what designing a game is really like? Someone who can set all these game writer wannabes right. Someone who can tell you why your idea sucks, but in a positive way, and then tell you what to do to make it better? Or get a game artist to come on and show you what the difference is between making art for your portfolio or whatever other art background, and making game art?



Another idea I've had that I would LOVE to see implemented is a one week "reality TV" game jam! You'd get a bunch of professional game devs and they would bust their arses for a week solid! They'd work round the clock for this week in there studio/loft and they would make a low spec, but complete and fun game! When it is done the game can be shipped by whatever the decided medium is and all profits go to child's play or something?



All the gamer TV stuff I've ever seen really focus on playing the games, but I am convinced there is a market for TV for making them too.

That's kinda what I was thinking with the indie games thing I mentioned, except more in-depth. As such, I support your idea. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif

[aBBy_NormaL]

You could look at the finance side of gaming ... how does one finance the R&D ... sources of capital ... angel investing ... government programs (geared towards inward investment and business development) ... leveraging capital ... human capital ... mergers and acquisitions in the gaming industry (sort of the who's banging who) ... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-happy.gif

[l337pino]

Originally posted by JaimeNV96:
I suggest not doing something along the lines of G4, im sorry but some of it gets really boring. I could see something along the lines of almost a reality type. I've always wanted to know what goes on in a pro gamers life.
Go watch old school G4...as in pre-G4TechTV. As a matter of fact, watch some old school TechTV as well. The Screen Savers is teh sex.

[zeeEVIL1]

If I was your parents I would not waste a dime on "Gamer TV programming.
Watching a pro tournament on TV would amount to less fun than slicing your own wrists with a dull razor.
Going around different developers studios would be about the same level of excitement It would only appeal to a very very small minority of people and would not be lucrative.
Just research every other attempt at this before making a decision.
regarding G4TV, Attack of the show and X-PLAY are the only things that work for gaming AOTS only works because of a certain hottie host.

But, since this is a thread for Ideas, I don't want to be a spoil sport so I will offer an Idea. But...when this becomes huge, I will have my hand out for my cut.

Create a show called The Game Show.
Make it Weekly and each show would follow this format.
Each Episode would
*focus on a different Studio
*Take a game from that studio and create a LIVE action gameshow with real contestants.
So Imagine you do a piece on the developers of Ratchet and Clank. You then create a gameshow that would be shot on a green screen and have people competing in a platformer environment.
The reason you shoot in greenscreen is because you could make the environment look like the game it is based on. Then use real world items but program them so that the greenscreen makes them look like weapons or effects from the game.

All of the contestants would be dressed in outfits fitting the game.
The game itself would be a mix of WIPEOUT and NINJA WARRIOR.
A weekly format would allow fast programming to match the gameworld with real players.

Every week the returning players would be thrust into a different game environment and be required to play the Game show like the game being focused on.

One week Ratchet and Clank. The next COD: MW2
The next week could be a jet ski game or a Survival horror setup.

If your parents want to hire me, let me know. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Brimtown]

Okay, here's a serious suggestion. I took a look at the network's website. Looking at the programming list, it appears as if most of the shows are geared towards the high-end - which makes sense, since the network is centered around wealth.

I would do a show about gaming overseas, most notably in South Korea and Japan. Focus on the differences in their gaming culture and ours. People love things that look exotic, and you can't really go wrong with mixing the bright lights of Tokyo and Seoul with gaming.

[xHOODLUMGIRLSx]

Thanks for the ideas everyone I will be passing them along. I know I would love to see some type of reality/gameshow and maybe the FRAGDOLLS could host it.

[Slickrick2345]

a show where contestants move an on screen character and each space has a pop quiz, arcade challenge and other goodies. The team that wins gets put into the game via green screen for the grand prize...I even have a name for it...NICK ARCADE!...O wait.

Seriously though I like redcoats idea greatly.

[Brimtown]

If you want to go for the reality TV angle, here's another idea. Take Redcoat's idea, and put a little spin on it. There are several very good quality game design schools around the country. Organize several teams, and have them compete to design a game. At the end, you would have a panel of judges to decide which one wins, and the winner would get a nice contract from a major sponsor.

[weaselboy]

Originally posted by Brimtown:
If you want to go for the reality TV angle, here's another idea. Take Redcoat's idea, and put a little spin on it. There are several very good quality game design schools around the country. Organize several teams, and have them compete to design a game. At the end, you would have a panel of judges to decide which one wins, and the winner would get a nice contract from a major sponsor.

That's basically the Independent Games Festival contest. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Redcoat Kezz]

Originally posted by weaselboy:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Brimtown:
If you want to go for the reality TV angle, here's another idea. Take Redcoat's idea, and put a little spin on it. There are several very good quality game design schools around the country. Organize several teams, and have them compete to design a game. At the end, you would have a panel of judges to decide which one wins, and the winner would get a nice contract from a major sponsor.

That's basically the Independent Games Festival contest. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Right. That is very much the student IGF. Interesting though. When I was a student at Full Sail going through final project we decided that we were going to enter the student IGF. We also wanted to get the hype machine going about our game, so I spoke with some contacts I had with the school and got us featured in numerous articles and videos for the internal school news site. The word spread and we eventually grew to a team of around forty students who contributed! It was fun times!

I'm not convinced that students consistently have the capacity to make a commercial game for a final project though. I thought our game was fun, but honestly, would I pay for it? No, and I doubt anyone else would either (though some really obscure review sites have gotten a hold of our game and rated it as such!). If the goal of the show was to make a profitable, marketable product I'd go with pros, but that's not to say a show similar to the student IGF wouldn't be interesting.

[DevinMace]

speaking of game TV shows I'm looking forward to Pure Pwnage on FX

[Mookel]

Given the growth of the industry over the last couple decades, there's a lot of people with various points of view and expertise available. You could gather 3-4 of them and have a 30min - 1 hour roundtable discussion show, "Politically Incorrect" style. Debating and discussing the future, culture, issues, etc. of the industry.

This is also and excellent idea that got lost in the WCG thread:


Originally posted by Anim8rJB:
IMO a great show would be to follow a whole dev team around for the creation of a game - from preproduction to ship. Show the management meetings, the late nights, QA freaking out, layoffs, etc. Hell, even show the closing of a studio in one season. I think a show like that would be great, and really show people what people go through making the games they end up playing. I don't know how many people would watch, but it would be cooler than any of those 'making of' featurettes they put in collector's editions that only show the good stuff.

[zeeEVIL1]

Man even though I offered an Idea here, I still cannot see gaming related programming falling into the same category that I see Baseball.
ITs fun to play but boring as hell to watch.

[xHOODLUMGIRLSx]

Originally posted by zeeEVIL1:
Man even though I offered an Idea here, I still cannot see gaming related programming falling into the same category that I see Baseball.
ITs fun to play but boring as hell to watch.


We are looking for just 1-2 shows. This network is based around Wealth and has a variety of shows on it. We aren't looking to make a network on gaming.

[weaselboy]

Originally posted by Redcoat_Kezz:
When I was a student at Full Sail...

Mostly off topic, but how'd you like that? I considered going there for computer animation, but tuition + cost of living down there shied me away pretty fast. Been considering taking one of their online courses now that they offer what I want online (pretty much debating between Full Sail or Gnomon Online IF I decide to go through with more schooling.)

I knew a guy who came out of one of Full Sail's art degrees... **** me he is good.

Also, I support Mookel's support of JB's suggestion. Hell, I'd show something like that to my class to dispel the illusion that the game industry is made up of unicorns and puppies that extract an idea right from your head and make it digital without any effort.

[Redcoat Kezz]

Originally posted by weaselboy:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Redcoat_Kezz:
When I was a student at Full Sail...

Mostly off topic, but how'd you like that? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry, Just saw your question now. Full Sail was very good to me. I always wanted to program video games and sure enough after I graduated it was only a few weeks before I was working on my first commercial game for Activision.

Full Sail does have a lot of mixed reviews though. Though my case has been a very good success story I think there have been some students that have gone there and failed badly. I think effort and motivation are the big factor here. Most colleges you can glide through at your own pace and get done when you are ready to be done. Full sail is not like this. If you don't put 100% in the whole time you can easily fall behind and fail.

For me this was perfect! I loved the pace! I loved that every month I could make a big list of things that I could now do that I couldn't a month ago. What's more, I could see how each of these things was very important to my field of study and how I would use them when I graduated. Never had this experience with a college before.

Long and short, you need to know exactly what you want to be in life and your career. You need to be VERY motivated and passionate for what you do to be successful at Full Sail. If you are that though there is no better place I think you could go to school!

[FoRTiFiedMinD]

Actually I take back everything I said. Pretty lame thought once I read it again and again.