Interview with Alvin Yap

It is indeed fortunate that I was able to snag Alvin Yap for a quick interview. Alvin Yap is the Managing Director at Nex Gen Studios, one of the few game studios in Singapore. And without further ado, here is the interview:

Sunder Iyer: I am curious about game production in South Asia.

Alvin Yap: (Laughing) It’s virtually non-existent in Singapore.

SI: Isn’t there Nanyang that pumps out good students?

AY: I’m one of the pioneers here. So far it’s been tough. Artists and programmers are, of course, trainable. There are very good artists working freelance for me. But a game studio is not only about artists and programmers. You need the art director, the project manager, the producer etc., all of which are non-existent here. I’m taking on these roles at the moment, and learning as I go along. Thank God, I have a French game consultant to ask advice from.

SI: So, basically you do the parts of the art director, project manager and producer?

AY: Not to mention finance as well.

SI: As in funding?

AY: So far I’m doing all the funding, and I’m looking for investors at the moment. Not many understand the digital entertainment market here, so it’s been a tough climb for studios here. It’s only passion that keeps me going. And since there are not many studios to look for a job in, I decided to create one myself!

SI: That’s the toughest option. You said earlier you hire freelance; I’d like to know how portfolios are reviewed at Nex Gen. What do you consider to be an ideal portfolio?

AY: Simple. They present what I like and if it suits the game projects we are working on, then I put them on a trial or small job to see if they really are what they show themselves to be. The portfolio can be the most perfect but I still need to test them. Also I need to know if they can work in a team and follow the art direction set out for them.

SI: Do you get many portfolios?

AY: Yes… a lot! Many artists like the idea of working in a game studio.

SI: How big is Nex Gen? What is the range of employees?

AY: I have three programmers, one part-time creative director, two Nanyang interns, three Californian interns, one German intern, myself and another director. And an army of freelancers.

SI: How many products have you released?

AY: I have a mobile game and some flash games. We do art and music assets for a local ISP. We also have two game project demos going on, which is partially funded by the Media Development Authority.

SI: That’s good. What’s your take on web gaming?

AY: I think it’s the easiest way to reach out to casual gamers and will be here for a long time, especially when mobile phones start to be able to access them.

SI: What software do you use?

AY: Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, 3DS Max, Cubase, Dreamweaver, Swish, Anark and for game engines, we are using the A6 Pro version at the moment.

SI: Since you handle a lot of things at Nex Gen, what would you say is your favorite part of the job?

AY: The creation and seeing it materialize.

SI: And which one causes most stress?

AY: The production aspect is most stressful!

SI: On a lighter note, what’s your favorite game?

AY: Dark Age of Camelot.

SI: Is it a big inspiration? What part inspires you most?

AY: Yes, it is… in a way. The gameplay and the engine.

SI: To round off, what’s your advice for students trying to get into the industry?

AY: Don’t be picky. One will never be at the perfect position on the first try; start anywhere and work your way to that dream position.

SI: Good advice. Thank you very much for your time.

AY: Nice to have spoken to you.