Building Better Games

In this episode of "Building Better Games,"  Benjamin Carcich and Greg Street, also known as Ghostcrawler, delve into the intricacies of game design during the ideation phase. Greg shares his extensive experience from his time working on League of Legends, World of Warcraft, Age of Empires, and his current venture at Fantastic Pixel Castle. Key Discussion Points: Early Stages of Game Development: How to initiate a new game project and the unique challenges that come with it. Differentiating game design during the ideation phase compared to later stages. State of the Gaming Industry: The current landscape of the gaming industry, including the impact of layoffs and economic shifts. Greg's perspective on the future of the industry and the potential for recovery. Innovations in Game Design: The importance of focusing on specific areas for innovation while adhering to established industry standards in others. Examples of innovative design elements planned for Greg's current project, "Ghost." Social Dynamics of MMOs: The unique social fabric of MMOs and the challenges of designing for player interaction and community building. Strategies to enhance social interaction and make it easier for players to play together. Player Feedback and Iteration: The value of incorporating player feedback early in the development process. Balancing the creative vision with player expectations and feedback. Leadership and Team Dynamics: The role of leadership in guiding a team through the early stages of development. Building a collaborative and productive team environment. Estimation and Planning: The importance of estimation in managing early game development tasks. Balancing estimation with the flexibility needed for creative exploration. Defining Vision and Audience: The significance of having a clear vision and understanding the target audience. Strategies for identifying and catering to the intended player base. Challenges and Risks: Identifying and managing risks in the early stages of game development. Strategies for mitigating potential issues and ensuring project stability. Greg also shares personal anecdotes and insights from his career, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and maintaining a clear vision throughout the game development process. This episode provides valuable guidance for aspiring game developers and offers a deep dive into the complexities of game design in the ideation phase. 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 And if you're interested in more of our content, links below. "Succeeding in Game Production: What You Aren't Taught" online course for game producers: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Greg's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-street-b356447/ Greg’s Website: https://fantasticpixelcastle.com/ Greg’s Twitter: https://x.com/Ghostcrawler YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames  

In this episode of "Building Better Games," hosts Benjamin Carcich and Aaron Smith dive into the complex and often frustrating topic of estimation and planning in game development. They address the challenges, misconceptions, and emotional reactions surrounding estimation, drawing on their extensive experience in the industry. The episode also covers current trends in game development, including the ongoing issue of layoffs and economic pressures affecting studios.   Key Points: Challenges of Estimation: Estimation is a universal pain point in game development, often leading to frustration and cynicism. The misconception that precise estimates can accurately predict future outcomes is widespread and problematic. The Importance of Flexibility: Effective estimation requires flexibility in scope, time, resources, and priorities. Establishing clear levers that can be pulled to adjust plans as needed is crucial for successful project management. Relative Estimation and Calibration: Estimations should focus on accuracy rather than precision, using confidence intervals to provide a more realistic view of project timelines. Techniques like throughput and relative estimation help teams make faster and more reliable predictions. Prioritization and Learning: Estimations are valuable for prioritizing tasks and understanding the relative importance of different features. Tracking past performance and learning from previous estimates can improve future predictions and planning. Balancing Creativity and Control: Overly rigid plans can stifle creativity and lead to subpar games. Creating systems that allow developers to exercise their judgment and creativity is essential for producing high-quality games. Trust and Communication: Building trust between managers and teams is vital for effective estimation and planning. Clear communication about the realities of project timelines and the inherent uncertainties in game development is necessary. Tools and Techniques: Various estimation techniques, including ideal days, story points, and throughput, offer different benefits and can be tailored to specific project needs. The hosts emphasize the importance of choosing the right method for the context and being willing to adapt as new information emerges. By addressing these points, Ben and Aaron provide valuable insights into how to navigate the complexities of estimation and planning in game development, ultimately helping studios ship better games with less stress and frustration.   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   And if you're interested in more of our content, links below. "Succeeding in Game Production: What You Aren't Taught" online course for game producers: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production  Newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter  Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames    

Episode 63: People, Products, Playtests (Republish of E1 of BBG) Welcome to Building Better Games! Due to Ben's recent knee surgery, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes from season two. In this episode, originally titled "People, Products, Playtests," we dive deep into the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the games we create. By the way, 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  Key Topics: 1. Playtesting and Engagement: We discuss how regular playtesting can prevent teams from getting lost in the technical aspects and keep the focus on creating an engaging player experience. 2. Internal Playtests: We explore different company cultures around playtesting and how frequent testing can lead to better team behaviors and more successful products. 3. Gamer First, Developer Second: We talk through the impact to our own careers of being a gamer before a developer and how this perspective can lead to better game design and development. 4. Approach to Playtests: Aaron shares insights on the mindset and cultural aspects of playtesting, emphasizing the importance of playing the game from a player's perspective rather than just a developer's. Join us for this episode on how to build better games through effective playtesting while maintaining a meaningful connection with both the product and the audience. Don't forget to check out our new Discord server for game development leaders and producers to continue the conversation and solve the right problems together. Enjoy the episode! And if you're interested in more of our content, links below. "Succeeding in Game Production: What You Aren't Taught" online course for game producers: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production  Newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter  Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ 

Despair and burnout are commonplace in game development. As leaders, what can we do about that, both to prevent it and solve it when it’s present? In this episode, we're joined by Greg Street, a veteran in the game development industry, currently serving as the Studio Head and Game Director at Fantastic Pixel Castle Greg shares his valuable experiences and strategies for tackling burnout, demoralization, and despair within game development teams. He emphasizes the importance of providing team members with agency, fostering transparent leadership, and navigating the challenges of layoffs and morale with empathy and support. Greg delves into the nuances of leading teams through tough times, highlighting the critical role of communication, setting clear visions, and understanding the impact of leadership decisions on team dynamics.  The conversation is packed with practical advice for inspiring teams, preventing burnout, and the significance of empathy in leadership roles.   Key Takeaways:  Transparent leadership and open communication are crucial in managing teams effectively. Empathetic leadership can significantly impact team morale and productivity. Providing team members with a sense of agency helps prevent burnout and fosters innovation. Navigating layoffs and other challenges requires a careful balance of honesty and support. Emotional well-being is as important as professional skill in developing a healthy workplace culture. Strategies for maintaining high morale include listening to team feedback and adapting leadership approaches accordingly. Check Out Fantastic Pixel Castle: https://fantasticpixelcastle.com/ Greg’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-street-b356447/ Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/ Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/

In this episode, Ben and Aaron delve into the complex interplay between creative direction and executive production in game development. They explore the challenges and pitfalls of aligning creative vision with operational efficiency, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different leadership roles. The discussion includes real-world examples and insights into developing a successful leadership team, balancing creative and operational responsibilities, and fostering a productive work environment.  They also address common misconceptions and offer strategies for enhancing team dynamics and product outcomes in game development.   Key Takeaways: The roles of creative directors and executive producers in game development are crucial and intertwined, requiring a balance of creative vision and operational strategy. Leadership in game development involves navigating complex team dynamics and ensuring that creative and operational objectives are aligned for successful game outcomes. Effective communication and collaboration between different leadership roles are key to overcoming challenges in game development projects. Understanding and adapting to industry trends is essential for game developers, especially in leadership positions. Fostering a positive and productive work environment is vital for creativity and operational efficiency in game development teams. Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production    Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/

In this episode, Andrei Van Roon, the Head of League Studio at Riot Games joined Ben and Aaron to discuss the emergence of live service and gameplay in the gaming industry and how it has become the default expectation for players. Andrei shares insights on the importance of regular updates and content expansion to keep players engaged. He emphasizes the need for a high level of quality in live service games and the challenges of balancing the needs of different player segments. The conversation also delves into the role of iteration and player feedback in creating a better gaming experience. Andrei provides valuable advice on setting up a team for live design and highlights the importance of understanding the player base and their expectations.   Key Takeaways: Live service has become the default expectation for players, and companies need to meet this expectation by providing regular updates and content expansion. A high level of quality is crucial in live service games, as mediocre performance can lead to players switching to other games that better meet their needs. The frequency and type of updates in a live service game depend on factors such as the genre, player segment, and platform. Balancing the needs of different player segments, such as casual and competitive players, is a challenge in live service game design. Understanding the player experience requires a combination of methods, including direct gameplay, player feedback, quantitative surveys, and data analysis.     Connect with Andrei Van Roon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrei-van-roon-21158111/ Riotgames.com/careers page Leagueoflegends.com      Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production    Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh  

In this episode, Josh Thaler discusses the mindset and skills required to build successful live service games. He emphasizes the importance of total ownership, where every team member takes responsibility for the features they develop. Josh also highlights the need for empathy and grit in the team, as well as the importance of building a strong technical foundation with tools like continuous integration and delivery. He explains the significance of release cadence and the need for predictability or complete unpredictability. Josh also shares insights on metrics, organizational challenges, and the role of cross-functional teams in live service development.   Key Takeaways: Total ownership is crucial in live service development, where every team member takes responsibility for the features they develop. Empathy and grit are essential traits for successful live service developers. Building a strong technical foundation with tools like continuous integration and delivery is necessary for efficient live service operations. Release cadence should be either predictable or completely unpredictable to meet player expectations. Metrics should focus on the end-to-end player journey and provide insights into the game's performance and player experience.   Check out https://coldironstudios.com/ for careers Resources: The Checklist Manifesto (Book) Anything by Brene Brown around Vulnerability Simon Sinek for leadership Books on leadership Crucial Conversations   Connect with Josh Thaler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-thaler/   Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production    Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

Steve Bromley, a games user research consultant, joins Ben and Aaron to discuss the importance of user research in game development. He emphasizes the need for teams to understand their target players and their needs, and to integrate player insights throughout the development process. He also highlights the value of early playtesting and the benefits of engaging with real players rather than relying solely on internal feedback. He encourages teams to make user research a collaborative process and to prioritize specific objectives when conducting studies. Overall, Steve emphasizes the role of user research in creating a better gaming experience for players. Key Takeaways: User research should be integrated into the game development process from the early stages to ensure alignment with player needs and preferences. Playtesting should not be left until the end of development; regular and targeted studies throughout the process can lead to better decision-making and prevent critical issues from being overlooked. It is important to involve real players in playtesting rather than relying solely on friends and family or internal team members to gather feedback.   Connect with Steve Bromley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevebromley If you want to run reliable playtests, or start a career in games user research check out his website: https://gamesuserresearch.com/    Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production    Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

Paul Gebel, a product leader with over 20 years of experience, joins Aaron and Ben to discuss the importance of product management in game development. They explore the difference between good and bad product managers, the challenges of the role, and the impact a great product manager can have on a team. They also touch on the need for empathy, communication, and a focus on value in product management. The conversation highlights the value of understanding the user and the importance of balancing operational tasks with strategic thinking. Key Takeaways: Product management is about understanding the user, solving their problems, and delivering value. Product managers should focus on the bigger picture and not just operational tasks. Saying "no" is an important skill for product managers to prioritize and make trade-offs. The role of product managers is to bridge the gap between different teams and ensure alignment towards a common goal. Product management requires curiosity, empathy, and the ability to navigate ambiguity.   Connect with Paul Gebel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgebel/   Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production    Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh  

Join us in this enlightening episode where Serge Knystautas, a seasoned technologist with extensive experience in the gaming industry, dives into the art of crafting outstanding live services and assembling stellar technology teams. As a leader in game development, Serge brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, discussing the intricate challenges unique to game development, the necessity for ongoing innovation, and the pivotal role of technology in curating exceptional player experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of live service games and how to excel in this dynamic field.   Key Takeaways: Empowering Player Experiences Through Technology: Discover how technology acts as a cornerstone in enhancing player experiences in live service games. Adaptive Mindset for Live Services: Learn the importance of evolving your approach and being receptive to player feedback in the constantly changing landscape of live game services. Problem-Solving and Player-Centric Decisions: Gain insights into focusing on core issues and leveraging player feedback to make strategic decisions in game development. Fostering Psychological Safety and Collaboration: Uncover the significance of psychological safety and interdisciplinary teamwork in driving successful live service game projects. Player-First Approach in Game Development: Understand why prioritizing player experiences and satisfaction is key to thriving in the live service game industry.   Connect with Serge Knystautas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeknystautas/   Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production    Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

Communication challenges are a common concern in game development studios, but are they the real root issue? In this episode, Aaron and Ben argue that the crux lies in collaboration and the intended outcomes of communication. It's not just about relaying information; it's about the response and actions it triggers. The hosts caution against an excess of documentation and unproductive meetings and advocate for game development leaders to truly understand their teams' needs to foster effective collaboration. In our modern world of remote/hybrid work, finding innovative solutions to communication challenges and preventing overload are vital in the games industry. The ultimate aim should be to use communication as a catalyst for better decision-making and positive change.   Key Takeaways: Collaboration is often the core challenge in game development, not communication itself. Prioritize the outcomes of communication, not just information transmission in game development. Excessive documentation and too many meetings will hinder rather than help effective communication in the game development industry. Tailor communication to your game development team's unique needs and preferences. In a remote work environment, seek creative solutions to communication challenges within the game development context. Harness the power of communication to drive decisions and foster positive change in the game development sector. Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production    Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

In this episode, Aaron and Ben address the prevailing frustration and cynicism within the game development industry concerning Agile methodologies. They stress the importance of acknowledging the evolving landscape, characterized by a shift from defined to empirical work methods. To facilitate this transition, they introduce the concept of the Six Parameters: Innovation Needed, Uncertainty, Rate of Change, Cost of Change, Controllability, and Impact of Failure. These parameters serve as invaluable tools for assessing the work environment and selecting the most suitable approach.   As practical instruments, the Six Parameters foster thoughtful discussions among leaders and their teams, promoting adaptive processes tailored to the unique requirements of each project. The ultimate objective is to align teams and steer the focus toward value and collaboration, emphasizing flexibility over rigid adherence to traditional Agile practices.   Key Takeaways: Frustration and resentment can arise in the game development industry due to the perception of bureaucratic Agile practices. The contemporary work landscape is characterized by complexity and uncertainty, necessitating a shift in mindset and management strategies. The defined-empirical spectrum empowers teams to evaluate their environment and determine the optimal approach for their projects. Collaboration emerges as a crucial asset for navigating uncertainty and harnessing human creativity. Assessing the cost of change and the impact of failure is pivotal when selecting a management approach. Effective leaders prioritize a comprehensive understanding of their projects and teams, rather than blindly adhering to traditional Agile practices.   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

In this episode, Aaron and Ben delve into their winning model for exceptional game production, highlighting the skills that define successful production. Their perspective: leadership, influence, and systems building are the pivotal yet often overlooked skills to acquire for the “Game Producer” role.   Discover the essence of production, which extends beyond mere planning, focusing on force multiplication, empowering teams to make sound decisions, and crafting, enhancing, and sustaining human systems aligned with shared objectives. The episode addresses prevalent misconceptions surrounding production and delves into the unique challenges confronted by game producers in a dynamic industry like game development. Aaron and Ben advocate for a shift toward outcome-driven leadership, effective communication, alignment strategies, and the development of systems that ensure the repeatability of successful results.   Key Takeaways: Game producers should prioritize leadership, influence, and systems building for maximum effectiveness. Leadership encompasses goal setting, cultural establishment, outcome-oriented thinking, and driving transformative change. Influence is the art of equipping team members to make informed decisions through impactful communication, fostering alignment, and nurturing productive relationships. Systems building revolves around creating repeatable results by defining directions, modeling desired behaviors, and implementing efficient work systems and processes. Game producers should aspire to be architects of human systems, mastering the craft of designing and enhancing systems that bolster both the team and the organization.   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

In this episode, Ben and Aaron delve into the critical role of game production and shed light on common misconceptions and pitfalls often encountered by producers. The discussion uncovers three distinct categories of production traps: suboptimizers, unskilled supporters, and the actively dangerous. Ben and Aaron underscore the importance of steering clear of these pitfalls and emphasize the significance of effective leadership in driving both team and project success. They explore how leadership in game production diverges from traditional management roles and underscore the producer's need to prioritize value and the project's overarching objectives, rather than becoming entangled in processes, tools, or excessive planning.   Key Takeaways: Effective game production requires leadership, not just management.  Suboptimization, focusing too much on process, tools, or planning, can hinder the success of the project.  Unskilled supporters who take on tasks without providing true leadership can create friction within the team.  The actively dangerous, such as those who always have an answer or act as authoritarian taskmasters, can harm team dynamics and hinder progress.  Producers should focus on the overall goal and value creation, rather than getting caught up in specific tasks or processes.   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

Aaron and Ben discuss the challenges of poor management practices in the gaming industry. They explore the lack of transparency, the flawed promotion system, and the need for managers to prioritize their role as people managers. They introduce four principles of being a good boss: growth, integrity, accountability, and advocacy. They emphasize the importance of investing time and effort into effective management and advocate for creating a system that supports the growth and success of employees.   Key Takeaways: Poor management practices are prevalent in the gaming industry, but there are steps that can be taken to improve as bosses.  Clear expectations and growth trajectories are essential for effective people management.  Creating a system that has integrity is crucial. Systems with integrity are knowable and consistent, they create a reliable frame for management. Accountability is crucial for ensuring that goals are met and progress is made.  Advocacy is an important aspect of being a manager, and managers should be willing to use their influence to recognize and reward their team's achievements.   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

Ben and Aaron discuss the importance of understanding where your game falls on the live service spectrum and how that impacts your development process. They emphasize the need to build live service stewardship into the culture of your teams and train new employees to think about the live service. They also stress the importance of setting clear expectations with players and communicating openly with them. Overall, they provide valuable insights and advice for running a successful live service game.   Key Takeaways: Understand where your game falls on the live service spectrum to determine the level of investment needed. Build live service stewardship into the culture of your teams to ensure everyone takes responsibility for the live service. Train new employees to think about the live service and how it relates to their work. Determine the relationship you want to have with your players and communicate openly with them. Set clear expectations with players and be proactive in communicating any changes or updates.   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh

“Most of the failures in any project that I've ever been on have been due to lack of communication, lack of coordination, lack of respect for other people, overemphasis on procedure, as opposed to being able to react elegantly to changes in the situation that you're in.” - Jim Benson   This quote is from our guest on today’s episode Jim Benson, who has extensively studied why people struggle to collaborate and is the author of Personal Kanban and The Collaboration Equation.   Jim joins our hosts Ben and Aaron on today’s episode to have a crucial conversation about how relying on procedure can prevent progress, and more importantly, why people won’t collaborate or why they can’t seem to get it right.   It is clear that when done well, collaboration produces the highest quality outcome and it just feels good. But why do people struggle with it? This is the question that Jim, Ben, and Aaron discuss in today’s episode, as well as how to collaborate effectively, the benefits of collaboration, how to assess your level of collaboration, dealing with conflict and frustrations within a group, and how to get leaders to get the most out of their team, and much much more.   If your team is missing deadlines, not seeing eye to eye, noticing more bugs, and the stress levels are high, or if you’re just looking for ways to improve your collaborative efforts, this episode is for you.   You don’t want to miss this one!   Topics discussed in this episode: A little bit about Jim’s background Similarities between music and games Dealing with uncertainty through collaboration Incentivizing “pulling the cord” in collaboration vs. in knowledge work Producing value in teamwork vs. solo work Why don't leaders use collaboration more often? Do gamers want more complex tech? Improving sequels by removing the “bad stuff” instead of adding The best way to deal with stress Questions to ask yourself to gauge your level of collaboration Dealing with conflict when collaborating A healthy way to deal with unhealthy frustrations What is learned helplessness and how to deal with it How to make visualization effective for groups and teams   Check out what Jim Benson is up to by visiting his websites here: https://moduscooperandi.com/ https://modusinstitute.com   You can find Jim Benson’s books here:    Personal Kanban: https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Kanban-Mapping-Work-Navigating/dp/1453802266/   The Collaboration Equation: https://www.amazon.com/Collaboration-Equation-Strong-Professionals-Delivery-ebook/dp/B0BHXDBG25 Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for monthly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you’ve enjoyed this episode and wonder if we could help your studio or company out, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/valarin-inc/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

When it comes to saving money, working efficiently or creating value for players, what should take priority in game dev? No matter what your opinion is, tools are a possible solution to all of these problems.   In this episode, we’re joined by Jean-Eric Khalife, product manager at Hypixel Studios, to talk about what happens when tools are overlooked or used poorly, and when they shouldn’t be used. Formerly a tech artist, he’s a pro at solving problems and has plenty of examples to prove his ability to strategize the use of tools. He also shares his approach to building tools, as well as the steps you can take to improve your games and build better tools that your team will want to use.   So, when should you invest in proprietary tools? How should you prioritize tools differently during different stages of production, or different stages of a company? What can you do when your leaders won't invest in better tools?   Tune in to hear Jean-Eric’s answers to these questions and lots more!   Topics discussed in this episode: Why tools are forgotten about and undervalued When you should and shouldn’t use a third party tool When to invest in proprietary tools Examples from his work on League of Legends Prioritizing tools in each stage of development Cost of change Savings money versus creating player value Jean-Eric’s process for building tools How to get people to switch tools   Connect with Jean-Eric Khalife on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaneric/ Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for monthly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you’ve enjoyed this episode and wonder if we could help your studio or company out, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/valarin-inc/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

There was an unusually high number of low-quality games released in 2022, and we think we know why.   The disconnect between the money and development sides often lead to rushed deadlines and games that don’t live up to their promises, resulting in an oversaturated market and subpar products in competition with each other. That’s why we have Joel McGinnis on this episode to help us discuss this topic, and why business and creative need to start communicating better.   Joel shares his ideal relationship between money and production, including what questions should be asked, and necessary alignment around product and operations. We also talk about issues of sunk cost, disincentivized transparency, and more.   As Joel says, “people want to put a $60 million game in a $20 million box.” Tune in to find out how game dev can start to solve this problem!   Topics discussed in this episode: The disconnect between business and development in game dev Conversations that should be had ahead of projects Getting on the same page on project size Examples of mismanaged projects Sunk cost and low-quality products Why it’s hard to be honest in negotiations Why it’s hard to tell people “no” in development Dealing with companies that won’t negotiate How Joel likes to spend efficiently and manage burn rate   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for monthly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you’ve enjoyed this episode and wonder if we could help your studio or company out, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/valarin-inc/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Is your organization struggling with making decisions, from a lack of consensus or clarity on who the key decision makers are, or something else entirely? The RAPID decision-making framework might be your solution.   Joining us on this episode to discuss the RAPID Decision-Making Matrix is Linda Fane, a consultant, coach and organizational expert in games. We start by going over the scale of decision making, including the two extremes of the spectrum and which model is the most effective, and the roles of the RAPID framework.   Linda also shares how these roles work in harmony to balance power and build trust, the three reasons to not use the tool, and its built-in accountability feature. Plus, she gives real examples of the RAPID process, using the framework to make cross-cutting decisions, and MORE.   Tune in to learn more about the RAPID decision-making framework, and how best to introduce it to your organization!   Topics discussed in this episode: How Linda built her career in the gaming industry The spectrum of decision making Consultative decision making Framework of the RAPID Decision Making Matrix Tool Examples of implementing the RAPID matrix When you shouldn’t use the RAPID tool What happens when people don’t agree How long it takes for an organization to adopt RAPID The consequences of a bad decision Why there’s opposition to RAPID and how to introduce it   Watch Linda’s GDC talk, “Epic Sync: Wrangling the Work of Highly Interdependent Dev Teams at Bungie:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndPyhgorOKY Connect with Linda Fane on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindafane   Learn more about the RAPID decision-making framework: https://www.bain.com/insights/decision-insights-10-great-decisions-not-a-solo-performance/ https://hbr.org/2006/01/who-has-the-d-how-clear-decision-roles-enhance-organizational-performance Learn more about consultative decision-making: https://www.teamly.com/blog/consultative-decision-making/ Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for monthly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/   If you’ve enjoyed this episode and wonder if we could help your studio or company out, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378   Connect with us: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/valarin-inc/   Content Editor: Jonathan Singh This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com