top of page

Special Guest: James Kono

  • Writer: Tom Belous (The Lanky Soldier)
    Tom Belous (The Lanky Soldier)
  • Jun 22
  • 3 min read

We are being joined by a former Ripple Effect (Formerly DICE LA) developer James Kono, aka Kemo. His deep insights reveal a deep love for Battlefield’s roots and a critical view of current industry trends. His emphasis on community involvement, authentic game design, and cautious optimism about AI’s role underscores the importance of balancing innovation with core gameplay values. The episode encourages developers and players alike to cherish the art of gaming and advocate for meaningful, player-focused experiences.

Featuring: Tom Belous (TheLankySoldier), Ray Edmunds & James Kono

Episode 21: Special Guest: James Kono

Released on September 17, 2024

Length: 1 Hour & 27min





TIME STAMPS:


06:50 - Working at EA

16:27 - Battlefield CTE

28:05 - Patreon

31:16 - BF Incursions & Player Numbers

38:08 - Game Industry & AI

49:10 - Live Service Opinions

57:22 - Battle Royale Opinions

01:07:06 - Advice for new developers

01:11:00 - Perfect Battlefield Game

01:13:54 - Vibes & Only Vibes



QUOTES:

"CTE, in my mind it had to happen. I don't know how it's not still happening. It's a huge deal, as it ensured what the consumers wanted, what the players wanted."
"The perfect Battlefield is one that is pretty different every four to six months. I think at its core, it needs to change at a high level, but it needs to stay Battlefield."
"AI is a tool like any other tool. Back in the day, you couldn't Photoshop stuff, now Photoshop is normal, it's expected. Or Tron, the original Tron movie, was disqualified from winning an Oscar or whatever because they use computers to make graphics."


HIGHLIGHTS:


  1. Kemo’s Background:

    • Childhood stories about his early love for game design, including drawing game ideas as a kid.

    • Self-taught programmer and modder from a young age.

    • Worked on major titles like Battlefield 4, Battlefield 1, and others.


  1. Carreer experiences:

    • Unique and nostalgic first interview at EA QA, highlighting the quirky and demanding environment.

    • Burnout from working on community testing environments (CTE) and the intense workload involved.

    • Reflection on the importance of community feedback and the role of CTE in shaping Battlefield games, especially Battlefield 4.


  1. Commmunity test Environment (CTE):

    • Seen as a “labour of love” that connected developers and players.

    • Played a crucial role in improving game quality and fostering communication.

    • David Sirland's leadership was pivotal in its success.

    • CTE helped the franchise adapt and thrive, especially in Battlefield 4.


  1. Game development Insights:

    • The value of community feedback, testing, and iteration.

    • The importance of passion and effort in game creation.

    • Challenges of burnout and industry pressures.

    • The decline of genuine community engagement in modern AAA development.


  1. Industry and Business Perspectives:

    • Criticism of the current live service model, viewing it as profit-driven rather than art-focused.

    • Scepticism about the reliance on analytics and metrics over creative integrity.

    • Concerns about AI’s role in future game development, both as a tool and a potential threat.

    • The potential of AI to democratize game creation but also to threaten jobs and artistic authenticity.


  1. Battlefield and Battle Royale:

    • The missed opportunity for Battlefield to pioneer Battle Royale early on.

    • The upcoming Battle Royale mode in the next Battlefield game, developed by experienced Warzone developers.

    • Personal opinions that smaller-scale modes (like incursions) better capture Battlefield’s essence.

    • Criticism of the initial announcement of Battlefield Battle Royale as cringeworthy.

    • The debate over whether Battlefield needs Battle Royale modes, with some preferring traditional gameplay.


  1. Reflections on Game Design and Community:

    • The importance of making games with love and care.

    • The value of community input in shaping game features.

    • The nostalgia for the collaborative, passionate environment of past development.


  1. Personal Anecdotes and Memories:

    • Fun stories from visiting LA during Battlefield events.

    • Memories of interactions with community members and industry figures.

    • The comradery and vibe of those times.


  1. Advice for Aspiring Developers:

    • Caution against pursuing game development solely for fame or money.

    • Emphasis on sharing work, seeking feedback, and iterating.

    • The importance of persistence, experimentation, and passion.

    • Encouragement to make small, frequent projects to learn and grow.


DOWNLOAD: Episode 21 Transcript


Note: Transcripts are not fully accurate, as they were not fixed for accent & grammar mistakes

SOCIAL MEDIA

LISTEN ON

LATEST EPISODE

bottom of page