E83: 3 Steps To Leading Well In Game Development

Building Better Games

6:24

Grumpy helps a reader choose the best hydrangea for their hometown. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer Isaac Nunn - Recording Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 42:59

MP3•Episode home

The difference between management vs. leadership in game dev
How to set and maintain the right goals for your team
Avoiding false urgency and overconfidence in decision-making
Why building trust and influence is crucial for game development success
Practical steps to gain real followers and inspire your team

Why This Matters:

Many game development leaders unknowingly fall into the trap of micromanagement, focusing more on processes than people. If you want to build better games, create stronger teams, and lead with purpose, you need to develop real leadership skills.

Your Challenge:

Are you truly leading, or just managing?
How well do you communicate your vision to your team?
What’s one leadership skill you can refine today?

Join the Building Better Games Community

Our Discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ

Interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer? Check it out here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production

Subscribe to our newsletter for game development insights: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter

Follow & Subscribe:

Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm

🚀 Support the Show! Help us create more amazing content by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial

109 episodes

Building Better Games

E83: 3 Steps To Leading Well In Game Development

Building Better Games

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Key Takeaways:

The difference between management vs. leadership in game dev
How to set and maintain the right goals for your team
Avoiding false urgency and overconfidence in decision-making
Why building trust and influence is crucial for game development success
Practical steps to gain real followers and inspire your team

Why This Matters:

Your Challenge:

Are you truly leading, or just managing?
How well do you communicate your vision to your team?
What’s one leadership skill you can refine today?

Join the Building Better Games Community

Our Discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ

Interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer? Check it out here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production

Subscribe to our newsletter for game development insights: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter

Follow & Subscribe:

Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm

🚀 Support the Show! Help us create more amazing content by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial

109 episodes

All episodes

Building Better Games

1
E89: The Cost of Power: Leadership, Burnout & Survival in Game Dev with Melissa Phillips 1:00:32

11 days ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Building a game is hard. Leading the team to do it well without losing yourself along the way? That’s even harder. In this episode, Ben sits down with Melissa Phillips, founder of Games Leadership and a former Head of Studio, to talk about the messy, emotional, and deeply human side of game leadership. From BAFTA boardrooms to indie trenches, Melissa brings a rare blend of psychological insight and real-world experience to one of the most overlooked conversations in game development: what happens when power, pressure, and people collide. They dig into what founders get wrong, why doing “everything right” can still lead to failure, and how today’s leaders can navigate burnout, broken systems, and the crushing uncertainty of building something new. You’ll hear: Why leadership in games is different and often lonely The hidden cost of scaling a team too fast How power changes you (whether you like it or not) What founders need before they build the next big thing Why we need to talk about failure and what it teaches us What it really means to lead with resilience in an industry built on chaos If you’re a founder, leader, or future studio builder, this one’s for you. Connect with Melissa & Games Leadership: 🌐 gamesleadership.com 🔗 LinkedIn – Melissa Phillips 🎓 Explore the Games Leadership Blueprint – 12-week leadership program Join the Building Better Games Community Looking to grow as a developer, producer, or studio leader? We've got you covered. ✅ Join the BBG Discord Connect with a community of developers, producers, and industry leaders working to build healthier studios and stronger games. 🔗 https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ ✅ Level Up Your Production Skills Explore our flagship online course, Succeeding in Game Production, and become the producer your team needs. 🔗 https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production ✅ Get Insights in Your Inbox Subscribe to our newsletter for fresh, actionable leadership and production content delivered straight to you. 🔗 https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Connect with Us: LinkedIn: Building Better Games Twitter: @BBG_Podcast Instagram: @buildingbettergames Website: buildingbettergames.com YouTube: Building Better Games 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on building better studios, better games, and better leadership in the game industry. #GameLeadership #IndieGameDev #StudioCulture #GamesIndustryInsights #LeadershipInGames…

Building Better Games

1
E88: Why Eastern Game Dev Might Be The Future with Rob Wynne and Clark Kosene 1:16:08

25 days ago1:16:08

1:16:08

What if the next great game studio doesn’t come from the West? In this episode, Ben chats with Rob Wynne and Clark Kosene from Rising Tide Studios—an unannounced AAA-inspired indie team taking a bold leap: building a game that truly bridges Eastern and Western audiences. We dive deep into why the moat of Western AAA game development is disappearing fast—and how China, with more devs than the U.S. and EU combined, is already playing on equal footing. Rob and Clark share the untold story of how Rising Tide’s founding team (ex-Activision and former Soulslike directors) aims to skip the slow forming-storming norm and go straight to "performing" with their next-gen isometric action roguelike. Why are Western games losing ground? Can a game truly appeal to both Western and Eastern markets? How do you create narrative depth without sacrificing gameplay flow? Why creativity thrives on constraints—and how Rising Tide harnessed it Clark also reflects on transitioning from screenwriting to games, and the team’s surprising approach to embedding story: real-time commentary inspired by Chinese crosstalk comedy. Their goal? A game where narrative flows during gameplay—not in between. If you're interested in global game dev trends, narrative innovation, or the future of indie-AAA (triple-I) development, don’t miss this conversation. Stay Connected: Ben Carcich (Host, Building Better Games) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich Substack: https://bencarcich.substack.com Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames Rob Wynne (Co-founder, Rising Tide Studios) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwynnestudiofounder Website: https://projectgreatwall.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RisingTideOfficial Clark Kosene (Narrative Lead) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clark-kosene-25745227 Website: https://kosenecreative.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kosenecreative4589 Rising Tide Studios Website: https://projectgreatwall.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RisingTideOfficial Get full uncut episodes & behind-the-scenes content: https://www.patreon.com/buildingbettergames…

Building Better Games

1
E87: Toxic Culture in Game Development: The Real Metrics That Matter with Charlie Sull 48:06

6 weeks ago48:06

48:06

How would you know if your studio’s culture is toxic—before it’s too late? In this exclusive conversation, we talk with Charlie Sull, co-founder of CultureX and researcher with MIT, about how to spot, measure, and fix toxic workplace culture—especially in the high-stakes world of game development. Forget ping pong tables and free snacks. Culture is your operating system, and if leaders don’t prioritize it, dysfunction spreads fast. We break down: What creates a toxic culture The Toxic Five behaviors that damage morale and hurt retention Why standard employee surveys fail—and what to do instead How AI and Glassdoor data can tell you some hard truths about your company Real stats on game studios vs. other industries—who’s getting it right? If you're a studio head, team lead, or future cultural change-maker, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you new tools to build a better workplace. What You’ll Learn: Why culture is more than perks—it’s your company’s operating system The Toxic Five traits that silently destroy trust and retention How Glassdoor + AI reveal the truth about your team’s culture Why top leadership, not HR, is key to lasting culture change What game dev studios like EA and Blizzard can teach us about reform How to apply the Will + Knowledge formula to lead cultural transformation Books & Authors Mentioned (and Must-Reads!) from This Episode The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni - Focuses on the "heart" vs. "science" sides of business—emphasizing the value of culture Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni - Referenced for understanding team behavior and dysfunction Works by Charles O’Reilly - Recommended by Charlie Sull for understanding organizational culture and leadership - Notable titles include Winning Through Innovation and Lead and Disrupt Research & insights from CultureX (Charlie Sull’s organization) - Practical tools and AI-driven metrics for measuring and improving workplace culture 🔗 Learn More & Connect Charlie Sull & CultureX 🌐 Website: https://www.culturex.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-sull/ 🎧 Podcast Series: Culture Champions (MIT Sloan Management Review) Join the Community Our Discord community is live! Join the conversation with game developers, producers, and industry leaders committed to improving the future of game development: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ Looking to level up your game production skills? Explore our online course designed to help you become a more effective game producer: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Stay ahead with game development insights delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBG_Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/ Support the Show! Help us create more amazing content by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial Let’s keep building better games—together.…

Building Better Games

1
E86: Why User Acquisition Isn't Just For Mobile Anymore with Matej Lančarič 1:09:46

8 weeks ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Building a great game is hard—but getting players to actually discover and play it? That’s often harder. In this episode of Building Better Games, Ben sits down with user acquisition expert Matej Lančarič, whose decade of experience spans mobile, PC, Steam, and cross-platform launches. Together, they dive deep into the realities of user acquisition (UA), creative strategy, and why great games still fail without a clear plan to get players in the door. We break down: What “user acquisition” really means in 2024 Why CPI, LTV, ROAS, and retention all matter—but don’t tell the whole story How studios waste UA budgets by skipping data health and onboarding funnels Why today’s ads look nothing like the games—and why they still work The surprising metrics that matter most (and how to track them) What the best studios are doing to lower CPI and extend LTV curves The role of creative testing, paid channels, and landing page optimization Matej shares how mobile’s UA evolution is coming to PC and console games, and why studio leaders must get hands-on with their marketing strategy before it’s too late. Whether you're a game developer, producer, or studio lead, this episode is your tactical crash course on how to actually reach players in 2024’s overcrowded game market. Connect with Matej Lančarič: Website: https://lancaric.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matejlancaric Twitter: https://twitter.com/matej_lancaric Join the Community Our Discord community is live! Join the conversation with game developers, producers, and industry leaders committed to improving the future of game development: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ Looking to level up your game production skills? Explore our online course designed to help you become a more effective game producer: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Stay ahead with game development insights delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBG_Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/ Support the Show! Help us create more amazing content by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes focused on building better studios, better games, and better leadership in the game industry.…

Building Better Games

1
E85: Why Your Game Vision Sucks (And Why You're Not Alone!) with Graham McAllister 1:31:13

10 weeks ago1:31:13

1:31:13

In this episode, we welcome back organizational psychologist Graham McAllister for part 3 of our deep dive into one of the most critical challenges in game development—game vision. If you're a game developer, leader, or aspiring leader, this is an essential conversation that exposes why studios struggle to align on vision and how that misalignment contributes to failed games, frustrated teams, and organizational friction. Graham shares exclusive insights from his groundbreaking research, revealing why even seasoned studios misfire on creating shared mental models and what happens when product vision and creative vision pull teams in opposite directions. We break down how team psychology, leadership gaps, and missing frameworks are silently derailing your projects—and what you can do to change that. Whether you're leading a game team, working in production, design, or aiming for studio leadership, this episode will reshape how you approach collaboration, alignment, and success. Key Topics: The missing link in game vision no one talks about Why teams consistently fail to align on player experience The hidden rift between creative and product vision The psychological traps even veteran leaders fall into How to bridge the communication gap between departments Actionable insights for game makers to improve alignment & culture Resources & Next Steps: Connect with Graham McAllister: https://grahammcallister.com/ Read Graham’s research and updates on the upcoming Game Vision book: https://grahammcallister.com/books Check out Graham’s player psychology book (free online or via Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Usability-Playtesting-Games-Friction-Points-ebook/dp/B0DXV6PYLZ Like this episode? Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on building better teams and creating successful games: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Join the Community Our Discord community is live! Join the conversation with game developers, producers, and industry leaders committed to improving the future of game development: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ Looking to level up your game production skills? Explore our online course designed to help you become a more effective game producer: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Stay ahead with game development insights delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBG_Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BuildingBetterGames Support the Show! Help us create more amazing content by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial We want to hear from YOU! What struggles have you faced with game vision on your projects? Drop your experiences in the comments.…

Building Better Games

1
E84: The Real Cost Of Founding A Game Startup with Joseph Kim 1:06:33

12 weeks ago1:06:33

1:06:33

The gaming industry is changing rapidly, and the global landscape is shifting in ways many studios aren’t prepared for. Are Western game studios becoming too complacent? What role will international development play in the future of game creation? In this episode, Joseph Kim, CEO of Lila Games, shares hard-earned lessons about building a game studio in India, the challenges of hiring and leading globally, and the realities of making tough business decisions in game development. Key Takeaways: The Complacency Problem – Many Western studios lack the urgency and work ethic to stay competitive in today’s game industry. Why Small Teams Outperform Big Teams – Large studios often have unresolved issues that everyone knows about but no one addresses. The key to success is a strong culture of accountability. Experience as a Team Matters More Than Individual Talent – A well-coordinated team that has worked together for years will almost always outperform a group of "rockstar" hires. The Reality of Game Development in India – The country has talent, but cultural perception, technical challenges, and legal hurdles create unexpected difficulties for game studios. The Pre-Production Trap – Everyone knows pre-production is critical, yet studios repeatedly rush through it, leading to costly inefficiencies. People and Culture Define Success – A game studio doesn’t fail because of a lack of ideas—it fails due to misaligned leadership, poor hiring decisions, and weak company culture. Hard Conversations Matter – Many studios suffer from unspoken problems. Addressing issues early is the difference between success and failure. Decision-Making Should Be a Science – Too many game studios rely on gut feelings rather than structured, first-principles thinking when making critical decisions. Connect with Joseph Kim GameMakers Newsletter: https://www.gamemakers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jokim Website: https://lilagames.com/ Expert Profile: https://www.liquidandgrit.com/expert-directory/joseph-kim/ Check out this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjBIXbN6h_E YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lilagames Join the Community Our Discord community is live! Join the conversation with game developers, producers, and industry leaders committed to improving the future of game development: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ Looking to level up your game production skills? Explore our online course designed to help you become a more effective game producer: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Stay ahead with game development insights delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBG_Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BuildingBetterGames If you're a game developer, leader, or someone looking to start a game studio, this episode provides essential insights into the future of game development. Like, comment, and subscribe for more industry discussions.…

Building Better Games

1
E83: 3 Steps To Leading Well In Game Development 42:59

14 weeks ago42:59

42:59

What does it take to lead effectively in the gaming industry? Many leaders in game development step into their roles without formal training—learning through trial and error. In this episode, we break down what real leadership looks like, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to drive meaningful change without falling into the trap of just "managing" processes. Key Takeaways: The difference between management vs. leadership in game dev How to set and maintain the right goals for your team Avoiding false urgency and overconfidence in decision-making Why building trust and influence is crucial for game development success Practical steps to gain real followers and inspire your team Why This Matters: Many game development leaders unknowingly fall into the trap of micromanagement, focusing more on processes than people. If you want to build better games, create stronger teams, and lead with purpose, you need to develop real leadership skills. Your Challenge: Are you truly leading, or just managing? How well do you communicate your vision to your team? What’s one leadership skill you can refine today? Join the Building Better Games Community Our Discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ Interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer? Check it out here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for game development insights: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Follow & Subscribe: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm 🚀 Support the Show! Help us create more amazing content by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial…

Building Better Games

1
E82: The Art & Science of Game Prototyping with Leif Johansen 1:21:55

16 weeks ago1:21:55

1:21:55

What if everything you thought about prototyping was wrong? Many teams rush to validate an idea too soon, but what if the real secret to success is building a studio that learns better? In this episode, Leif Johansen breaks down the myths of prototyping and how studios can create a structured approach to experimenting with game ideas. Key Takeaways: - Stop Searching for the “Perfect Prototype” – The best teams prioritize many small, fast failures over one high-stakes prototype. - Prototyping Is a Science and an Art – The most successful studios create intentional experiments that map out their design space before committing to a vision. - Build a Learning Machine, Not Just a Game – A strong studio isn’t just about good ideas—it’s about a team that knows how to test and refine them. - Innovation Comes from Small Fixes, Not Big Ideas – World of Warcraft and Apex Legends didn’t just win by reinventing the wheel; they won by refining existing formulas with micro-improvements. - Hiring Too Fast Can Kill Your Game – Too many studios hire for downstream roles (art, animation) before locking in core mechanics, creating inefficiencies and wasted resources. 👉 Connect with Leif Johansen - Leif Johansen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leif-johansen-52139141 Our Discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ Interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer? Check it out here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for game development insights: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Follow & Subscribe: - Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames - Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm 🚀 Support the Show! Help us create more amazing content by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial…

Building Better Games

1
E81: Why You Aren’t Ready for Where Game Dev Is Going with Leif Johansen 36:59

18 weeks ago36:59

36:59

Is the games industry maturing or collapsing? How have our old models and comparisons hurt how we develop? In this episode, Leif walks us through how game dev has shifted, and how you need to think differently to stay relevant. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Playtesting and Leadership: How leaders set the tone for playtesting with their behavior, not their words. The Slow Rise of “Forever” Games: How players spending more time in older games is reshaping play patterns. Drinking Our Own Kool-aid: Too many games have an expectation that they’ll wildly succeed and make decisions that cause anything but breakout success to lead to studio failure The Challenge of Scale: Games may be different, but we may need to look outside our space to tackle the problem of large organizations. Specialization in Game Dev: Generalists have value, but large companies are often looking for specific, deep skills rather than breadth of capability 👉 Connect with Leif Johansen • Leif Johansen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leif-johansen-52139141 Our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ If you’re interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer, head here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for more game development tips and resources: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm Help us create more amazing content! Join us on Patreon today: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial…

Building Better Games

1
E80: How UGC Is Transforming The Games Industry with Bungie and Look North World Founder Alex Seropian 57:11

20 weeks ago57:11

57:11

Why did Bungie's founder leave the AAA world to start building games in UEFN? What are the advantages and challenges of UGC platforms? Today, we talk with Alex Seropian, veteran game designer and founder of Bungie and Look North World, about the future of our industry. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: UGC Platforms Provide Some Serious Advantages: Tools like Fortnite Creative and Roblox empower creators, enabling rapid prototyping and innovation. Game Dev is Evolving: The shift from small teams to massive AAA productions introduces challenges beyond what we expected and that remain unsolved. Rapid prototyping is essential for aligning ideas with player expectations but not all large studios are set up for it. Balancing Art and Business is not a trivial tightrope to walk. You need creativity, you also need solvency. Playtesting Matters. Rigorous and intentional player feedback is crucial for refining gameplay and UGC can get you this much more easily UGC isn’t all roses and rainbows. There are unique challenges and limitations to navigate being on UEFN, Roblox, or other platforms. Community Engagement: Early interaction with players increases the potential, and similar to playtesting, UGC can give you a bit of a leg up here. 👉 Connect with Alex Seropian Alex Seropian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderseropian/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefourthcurtain Website: https://looknorth.world Our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ If you’re interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer, head here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for more game development tips and resources: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm Help us create more amazing content! Join us on Patreon today: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial…

Building Better Games

1
E79: Why AAA is Failing and How to Recover and Other Questions - Our First Q&A Episode! 1:18:34

22 weeks ago1:18:34

1:18:34

No guests today! Instead, I'll be taking questions from the Building Better Games discord and answering them. I cover10 questions including the challenges with AAA dev, the rise of co-dev, and what production careers look like. Enjoy! Question #1 : How do you ensure that you (the royal you) are making a game that will be fun for players, not just fun for its designers to make? (Or maybe in this context - what are the ways in which production can support product management and ensure the sprint-to-sprint goals align with what internal player advocates are asking for?) Question #2 : What would you say needs to happen to make the big players more competitive / successful again? Question #3: Do you think there’s an observable trend towards an increased amount of codevelopment as a way to mitigate costs/risk? What issues do you see this posing for coherent design and production if there is an increasing reliance on external development partners? Question #4: There are clear signs when certain aspects of a game are lacking - incoherent design, low quality assets, buggy software. What are the player-facing symptoms of a game that is lacking in production or leadership competencies? Question #5: Production organizations at larger game studios often suffer from issues of structure, such as a substantial number of producers, senior producers, and even lead producers all rolling directly up into an overburdened production director, because there doesn’t seem to be an understood space for a “producer manager” between frontline production and executive/director-level production leadership. What is the rationale for this gap when manager is a well-understood conceit in other gamedev disciplines (e.g. designers will have design managers reporting to a design director, artists will have department managers reporting to a director, engineers have managers between them and directors, etc.)? Is it just that production is typically not a large enough organization to merit managers? That producers are seen as organized and not in need of more traditional personnel management? Question #6: How can you become better at your role as a producer when you aren’t at your job? Or in other words, how can you get better at what you do aside from getting more experience? Question #7: For mid- and senior level producers: What does a career development track look like? Often it seems like the only future for a highly competent producer is executive producer (a stretch for many and not a realistic path for most) or production director, which itself is a rarified commodity at larger developers. What are the progression opportunities an IC producer should be considering? Question #8: As the only Production guy on my team (and 1 of 3 "operations people"), how would you deal with getting questions and answers when you have nobody around to rubber ducky with? Question #9: When talking about the past, how can you learn to abstract experiences and look past the specifics? Are there any resources you recommend for learning how to tell stories so that you’re not bogged down in the details of history? Question #10: How are game developers selecting and setting up test groups to see their players are enjoying the game and it’s a good market fit? Are there aspects of this process that could see refining and improving? Or common pitfalls other developers tend to see in this process? LinkedIn for Steve Bromley ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebromley/ ) and Graham McAllister ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahammcallister/ ) Steve Bromley's Book: https://gamesuserresearch.com/book/ Graham McAllister URL: https://grahammcallister.com/ Steve Bromley URL: https://gamesuserresearch.com/ Agile Game Development: Build, Play, Repeat by Clinton Keith: https://www.amazon.com/Agile-Game-Development-Addison-Wesley-Signature-dp-0136527817/dp/0136527817/ Lean from the Trenches by Henrik Kniberg: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Trenches-Managing-Large-Scale-Projects/dp/1934356859/ Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace: https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Inc-Expanded-Overcoming-Inspiration/dp/0593594649/ Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet: https://www.amazon.com/Turn-Ship-Around-Building-Breaking/dp/0241250943 Our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ If you’re interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer, head here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for more game development tips and resources: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm Help us create more amazing content! Join us on Patreon today: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial…

Building Better Games

1
E78: How to Lead Game Dev in Uncertain Times, with Omar Kendall 53:48

23 weeks ago53:48

53:48

There’s a ton of knowledge about how we sustain games, but the art of creating something new remains mysterious, even to veteran developers. In this episode, Omar Kendall returns to talk about unknowns, product vs design, and how our industry is relating to risk. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Embrace Uncertainty: Build teams ready to solve the riskiest problems first. Early Feedback Wins: Engaging players early reduces risks and validates ideas. Product vs. Design: Learn the difference between identifying opportunities and crafting solutions. Innovation Thrives in Small Teams: Smaller, lean teams innovate faster and smarter. Leadership in Gaming: Transparent communication fosters trust and team alignment. Balance Risks and Rewards: The gaming industry needs bold risks for long-term growth. 👉 Connect with Omar Kendall • Omar Kendall LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarkendall/ Our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ If you’re interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer, head here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for more game development tips and resources: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm Help us create more amazing content! Join us on Patreon today: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial…

Building Better Games

1
E77: How You Know Which Game To Make, with Omar Kendall 55:49

26 weeks ago55:49

55:49

Figuring out a novel game idea is HARD. You can’t just hope the mishmash of ideas in your head are going to come together - history shows they often don’t. So how do you pick your target? Omar Kendall is here to help you out with that. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Learn how Elden Ring and FromSoftware’s iterative approach shaped success. Discover why leveraging your team’s strengths beats chasing trends. Explore the balance between expertise and innovation for new opportunities. Understand the importance of creating games players truly want. Gain insights on respecting and learning from your audience. Find out how niche player signals can guide game development. See why early prototyping is key to validating ideas and reducing risks. 👉 Connect with Omar Kendall • Omar Kendall LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarkendall/ Our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ If you’re interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer, head here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for more game development tips and resources: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm Help us create more amazing content! Join us on Patreon today: https://www.patreon.com/BBGOfficial…

Building Better Games

1
E76: How to Market Your Game with Chris and Joe from Ignition Facility 37:18

28 weeks ago37:18

37:18

Marketing games is tough. The world is twisting under our feet right now, as big and small studios struggle to reach players. The world is changing, but there are things you can do. We’ve got Chris and Joe here to help you better market your game. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Navigating Niche Marketing: How targeting specific communities can yield better results than broad-based marketing strategies. The Power (and Risks) of Early Access: Testing games early can provide critical feedback and build a player base before launch, but perception has been tarnished in recent years. Engaging with Influencers: Why building genuine relationships with content creators can lead to better game visibility. Community Building as Core Strategy: Ignition Facility’s approach to embedding within game communities to foster authentic engagement. Avoiding Costly Missteps: Tips on testing marketing strategies before fully investing in campaigns. 👉 Connect with Chris Heintz & Joe Blancato • Chris Heintz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heintzer/ • Joe Blancato LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jblancato/ Our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ If you’re interested in an online course on becoming a better game producer, head here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Subscribe to our newsletter for more game development tips and resources: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm Subscribe to our newsletter for more game development tips and resources: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm…

Building Better Games

1
E75: Why It’s So Hard To Get Players To Play Your Game, with Joe and Chris from Ignition Facility 51:40

30 weeks ago51:40