Before and after Unplugged Games, I consulted on game industry business issue, and on game designs. Since I have left Nokia, and Manifesto Games is as yet unfunded, I am available for consulting at present (although not for a long-term, full-time gig). I can be contacted at (646) 489 8609, and also at greg +at+ costik +dot+ com.

Interactive Entertainment Means Games

The game industry--or industries, as console, PC, arcade, mass-market board, hobby, online, and wireless games constitute overlapping but different industries--is the second largest entertainment industry in the world, and growing faster than all alternative forms of entertainment.

I've been involved in the field virtually since its inception, almost 30 years, and have experience as a game designer, software developer, producer, manager, and entrepreneur. With a deep understanding of "the game" in all its forms, a firm understanding of business practices and models, a clear vision of software development methodologies, and a firm grasp of the aesthetic of the audience, I can assist your firm in its interactive entertainment ventures.

Whether the need is for business strategy and analysis, positioning a technology for success in the games industry, repurposing existing IP for profitability in the gaming space, implementing entertainment or educational product with game-like aspects, an understanding of the nature of the field, or the development of a solid interactive design, I can provide the knowledge, services, and contacts you need to ensure success.

Clients

Business consulting clients have included:

• I will be advising Wieden + Kennedy on how to advertise and promote games more effectively than in the past.
• Through the Themis Group, I consulted to Intel to educate them about the mobile games industry as they try to figure out how to challenge Texas Instrument's virtual lock on chip manufacture for mobile devices.
• Through Thornhill Partner's Interactive Entertainment Group, I consulted to IBM to assist them in formulating a strategy for participating in an effective way in the game industry's growth.
• Worked with the Themis Group to help them achieve their ambition to be the industry's leading provider of community management and marketing services for massively multiplayer online games.
• I assisted Viacom work out its online game strategy for the web operation of its Blockbuster unit.
• I worked with Sarnoff Corporation to explore the use of their computer vision technology in the games industry.
• I consulted to Roland Berger & Partners, an international management consultancy, to help them advise a major European carrier on its wireless data strategy.
• I helped France Telecom research the online games industry in preparation for the launch of Goa.com, FT's online game portal.
• I helped Eden Soft Corporation perform research and construct a business plan to implement netplayable hybrid and online-only military conflict simulation games.
• I wrote a report on The Future of Online Games for Good Reports, Creative Good's brand name for its line of online industry reports. Creative Good is the web's leading user experience firm. (The report is a couple of years old, but if you'd like a copy, click here.

Game Design

I've designed more than 30 commercially released computer, online, wireless, board, and roleplaying games; there's a complete ludography on this site.

As a consultant (as opposed to staff member), I've worked with:

• Crossover Technologies. I designed Fantasy War for this New York area independent game developer; it launched on The Station@Sony.Com, but is no longer available.
• Learn Technologies Interactive. I helped this New York-area new media firm design a graphic adventure, for which they had a publishing deal with Southpeak Interactive.
• Simon & Schuster Interactive: Worked on the design of a prototype for a computer RPG based on a major science fiction media license.

Other Stuff

I write frequently about games, game industry business issues, and game design for a variety of web and print publications, including the New York Times, Salon, Wall Street Journal Interactive, The Escapist and Game Developer. My novels are published through Tor Books. I also coordinate the New York chapter of the IGDA.