Professionals in this industry have a wealth of knowledge and acumen, but we are first and foremost fans. We love games, and we generally love helping people out. You can get professional grade advice from seasoned veterans if you play your cards right. Here are some pointers:
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Point the first: Establish clarity. Nobody is going to respond well if you accost them at a game convention with I LIKE GAEM HOW MAKE MY PWN GAEM. Spend the time to understand precisely what you need help with. Where are you stuck? What are your specific obstacles?
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Point the second: Limit your scope. Terrible: "What is the design process?" Bad: "Should I design starting with theme or mechanics?" Decent: "I'm curious how you solved the first player advantage in [game X]" Good: "You once said randomized setup is a crutch. Could you expand?"
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Point the third: Do your homework. Until you've put boots on the ground, it's too early to ask for professional advice. Design your game. Play test it. Make sure you already think it's pretty good. It's YOUR game, and your responsibility.
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Point the fourth: Know your Audience. Study up on the professional you are targeting for advice. Read (or watch) their academic content or interviews. BUY THEIR PRODUCT. Play it. Know it. Put time into framing questions you think would interest them specifically.
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Point the fifth: Prepare your sales pitch. You are not entitled to free advice. You have to earn it. You know your audience, now think about what's in it for them? Why would they want to help you? Hint: Many of us are excited by unique questions and challenges.
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Point the sixth: Respect boundaries. You;'re in! You've engaged your target mentor. Convo is going great. Be mindful of their time and space. Watch their body language; do they need to go? Have you crossed a line? If you're bad at social cues, bring a friend to help tag you out.
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Good tips. Thank you. Now back to finishing my RPG rules... :D
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I seriously wish more people knew of this advice at PAX West panels x.x I usually love listening to Q&As with the experts, but there were so many asking things that could have easily been Googled x.x
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
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