A few days ago I had the pleasure of playing Tom Clancy’s EndWar in a pretty little hotel conference room in Soho. To be honest, I hadn’t given the game much thought until then. There have been AAA titles coming out thick and fast over the past few months, and it’s tricky bringing up the emotional investment in a game that’s not due out for yonks. On the flip side, it meant I didn’t have any preconcieved ideas or concerns (well, except for the voice commands. Brain Training anyone? Yellow? YELLOW!)

One of the cool things about being a Frag Doll is seeing how a game is developed, as well as being able to meet the developers themselves. It wasn’t until I became a Frag Doll that I even gave thought to developers. A game was made by “X” publisher. They were the ones with their logos on the front of the game boxes, so that was that. I didn’t realise what went on behind the instruction manual.

But now, having met so many incredible people through and around my job, I have the utmost respect. I can’t imagine the work that must go into creating a game, and then putting it out there for the general public to praise or punish. So many years of work. It makes me wonder about the developers who aren’t working on AAA titles. Games that are packed with just as much fun and charm, but maybe don’t have the budgets to push them into the spotlight. What must that be like? How many amazing games have you known slip under the consumer radar? Too many, by my memory.

But no matter whether they are big games or small games, real time strategy or role play, sandbox or survival horror - let’s give thanks to our developers. They work away behind the scenes to bring us some amazing experiences. Long may diversity thrive.

P.S. And keep your eyes out for our Frag Doll EndWar interview, coming soon!