Building Better Games

What defines cheating in games? Is it exploiting existing bugs, using automation or macro tools? What about installing third-party mods that unlock special features in the game?   Building Better Games is joined by game developer and anti-cheat expert, Paul Chamberlain, on this episode to discuss cheating and creating an anti-cheat strategy. Cheating is inevitable, but there ARE ways to mitigate its effects and keep competitive integrity in games.   Paul outlines the importance of understanding your game, measuring vulnerable systems to find patterns, and the role of operations teams in combating scammers and investigating cheaters. He also goes over multiple examples from real games, including League of Legends and Fortnite.   Tune in to hear Paul’s advice for dealing with cheating in game development!   Topics discussed in this episode: Why people cheat How to reduce cheating What defines cheating Why you need to understand your product Real examples of cheating solutions How players view the volume of cheating Paul’s advice to address cheating   Watch Dan Olsen's video, "Why It's Rude To Suck At Warcraft,” from his YouTube Channel, Folding Ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKP1I7IocYU   Paul Chamberlain's Twitter: https://twitter.com/arkemNew Avalon Studios Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewAvalonGames   Omega Strikers from Odyssey Interactive just released, and you can check it out here: https://www.odysseyinteractive.gg/omegastrikers   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/   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield

Things like meetings, reports and team structure are in place to help the game dev process go smoother, and create cohesion among team members. But are these work systems actually having a positive effect? If not, you probably have an alignment issue.   In this episode, we dive into this topic and offer tips to build a system that inspires autonomy, creativity, and effective decision making. You’ll hear about the benefits of defining goals and sharing this vision with your team, understanding how work systems and humans interact in game development, and more.   These changes will help you avoid doing extra work that’s not needed, utilize information in a way that will push you forward toward your goals, and rethink your approach to managing a team.   Listen to this episode to learn WHY and HOW you can invest in alignment every step of the way!   Topics discussed in this episode: - Our ideal world of game development  - The purpose of process  - Defining alignment and why it’s important  - What makes up a work system in game dev  - The role of humans in the system  - Adapting to the uncertainty and change in game dev  - How to keep teams consistently aligned  - Dealing with dissension  - Facilitating effective decision making  - Riot’s superpower  - The impact of trust in work systems   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/   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield  

The truth is, most people underestimate how long a task will take. This is especially true in game dev, where new developments and problems are inevitable even with the guidance of a roadmap.   During this episode, the hosts of Building Better Games dive into the misuse of roadmaps and 5 key areas leaders should focus on more. We discuss prioritization, rate of discovery, managing expectations of key stakeholders, blindspots like team readiness and more.   Our tips will help producers better strategize their planning, create reliable roadmaps, communicate with their teams and keep them engaged in the process.   To learn how to adapt to change and incorporate uncertainty into your roadmap, tune in now!   Topics discussed in this episode: - The obscurity of roadmaps  - The value of having a roadmap and how it’s misused - Updating your plan and clueing in the team - Evaluating team readiness and risks - Common planning mistakes - Adapting to the discovery of new work - Why prioritization is such an important tool - How to manage expectations of stakeholders - The role of producers in team engagement   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/ This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield

“It's cheap to have opinions. It's hard to have informed opinions. It's really, really hard to be an expert who's researched something.”   This episode of Building Better Games concludes our two-part series on Web3, wrapping up our conversation with game dev leaders Susan Cummings and Ryan Scott. Along with hosts Ben and Aaron, they highlight the importance of exploring the value of Web3 for games, including how leaders can stay on top of tech trends while not losing focus of player value.   We also continue our discussion into why the dialogue surrounding Web3 is so contentious, as well as how the industry should be approaching this new technology.   Tune in for advice on navigating this world as a game dev leader — and possibly get excited about Web3, too!   Topics discussed in this episode: Why Web3 conversations are so contentious in game dev Why players and game developers are angry How the chaos in Web3 is affecting innovation Susan’s monetization model Advice to leaders navigating the world of Web3 The importance of curiosity and authenticity Discernment when it comes to getting funding How we should approach Web3 as an industry   Connect with Susan Cummings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanicummings/ Learn more about Petaverse on their website: https://petaverse.com/   Connect with Ryan Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-scott-akamorello/   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for monthly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   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/ This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield

Web3 is the next generation of the internet, and it’s already having an effect on the gaming industry. There’s a lot of opinions floating around, but one thing the hosts of Building Better Games and today’s guest can agree on is that player value needs to be leading the conversation.   Joining Ben and Aaron on the show today to discuss Web3 is Susan Cummings, CEO of Petaverse, and Ryan Scott, a veteran senior design leader. Susan’s experience working in VR and Web3 gives her firsthand knowledge of how Web3 is affecting game development.   Susan and Ryan both help us address the issues plaguing game development related to Web3, including common misconceptions, opposing business models, and the future of games. We also explore the idea that digital ownership is the path to player value.   If you’re wondering why you should care about Web3 as a game dev leader, listen in to part one of our productive conversation with Susan and Ryan!   Topics discussed in this episode: - Player value is missing in the Web3 conversation  - Monetization in games  - Lessons to learn from the past  - How digital ownership relates to player value  - A hybrid approach to metadata  - Ryan’s utopian view and the future Metaverse  - Transferring content between games  - Value proposition for companies and players  - The argument against it   Connect with Susan Cummings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanicummings/ Learn more about Petaverse on their website: https://petaverse.com/   Connect with Ryan Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-scott-akamorello/   Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for monthly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/   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/ This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield

What does it mean to really drive change? How do you effectively bring up problems with leadership? How do you say no when others want too much from you? What do you do when no one cares about the issues you bring up?   Get answers to these questions and MORE in today’s episode! In addition, you’ll hear our advice on being an active leader, rather than a passive leader that lets problems go unsolved. Plus, expect to learn how you should handle problems at every level, no matter your title.   Sometimes, values are so misaligned between employee and employer that there’s no chance of having a mutually beneficial work environment. That’s why we’re also sharing strategies you can use to feel heard when it seems like no one is listening, and how to know when it’s time to quit.   Tune in to hear conversation examples on getting support from your leaders, and how to be a supportive leader!   Topics discussed in this episode: Being a leader at every level of your career How we respond when we notice a problem How we should respond The responsibility of leaders to drive change Setting priorities and getting support How to have conversations with senior leaders Can you make change at a bad company? When you should skip your boss and go to their boss How to know when it’s time to quit   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/   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield  

Choose any issue, and you'll find people with differing perspectives. This is inevitable but yet, in the gaming industry, having an opinion that's not in line with current workplace trends is condemned. But why can there only be one way to do things?   Discussing this topic with us today is Joseph Kim, a longtime gamemaker and leader with a resume that includes Sega and Leila Games. He shares his philosophy surrounding the nuances in game development, including modern working methods, work-life balance vs. integration, the perceived class war between management and workers, and more.   They discuss why we’re struggling to have tough conversations, the effects it’s having on gaming culture and innovation, plus how leaders can avoid the trap of zero sum thinking.   Before you get into the minutiae of your career goals, spend some time thinking about meaning and what’s important to you. This episode will help you get started!   Topics discussed in this episode: Why so many are against differing views The rise of a self-centered work ethic Evolution of workplace culture in the US tech/gaming industry The perceived class war between management and workers Joseph’s disappointment with leaders How feelings play into the workplace environment Differences between working at a startup vs. established company Potential consequences and the effect on innovation Stability vs. impact Joseph’s advice to leaders   Sign up for Joseph's newsletter, The GameMakers Letter: gamemakers.substack.com Connect with Joseph's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jokim/ Learn more about Lila Games: https://lilagames.com/   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://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/building-better-games/   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://podcastboutique.com   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield  

Game development is defined by creative work, and for leaders, sometimes that means ditching the old framework and coming up with nuanced approaches to common issues. This is especially true when it comes to estimations.   During this episode, we’ll answer these key questions on this topic: How do you explain estimation to your team, and give them confidence that it's actually useful? How do you know which estimation tools to use in different circumstances? What can you do as a leader when someone misuses your team's estimates?   We go over guiding principles that will help you build trust with your team, communicate with stakeholders, and know what data is needed before making an estimation. You’ll know how to find the value in estimations, and be able to discern when estimation becomes a hindrance instead of a tool.   By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of estimation behaviors and how they drive a culture at your company. Tune in now!   Topics discussed in this episode: Effective vs. ineffective estimation systems Dealing with uncertainty Estimation based on past performance How successful developers estimate Issues leaders need to address Ben’s project estimation story  Consequences of poor estimation   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.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://podcastboutique.com/   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield

If you’ve listened to episode 21, How not to Lose Your Game Vision on the Altar of “Getting Shit Done,” then you’ve heard us talk about the pressure on teams to rush through the game development process.   This is just one problem that arises when game dev leaders try to adopt the system development life cycle method without leaving room for the creativity and flexibility the industry requires.   Today, we address the pitfalls of SDLC and the poor assumptions leaders make within it. This episode lays out each phase of the cycle and offers tips for leaders, such as dealing with deadlines and dwindling funds, when having a smaller team benefits you in the cycle, and MORE.   After tuning in, you’ll learn how to approach SDLC and lead your team to success, so press play now!   Topics discussed in this episode: - The positives and negatives of the SDLC model - Defining the phases of SDLC in game development - Tips for the production phase - What to focus on in post-production - Approaching SLDC through the cone of uncertainty - Risks of rushing into production - How leaders can guide teams for the best outcome   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.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn   This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://podcastboutique.com/   Content Producer: Ben Chadfield

Remote work has completely transformed the way we work on teams and communicate with each other. Leadership still has many of the same responsibilities, but the way they can successfully accomplish them has changed.   During this final part of Building Better Games’s series on remote work, you’ll learn the necessary skills remote work leaders need to keep company culture at the forefront of an organization’s structure. We discuss how producers/leaders in game development can stay in alignment with their team’s goals, and actively build trust and respect remotely.   There are key takeaways for leaders of every industry as well, such as how to effectively communicate and decide what is important to communicate, collaborate creatively remotely or in a hybrid work environment, and MORE.   We’re just starting to understand our roles and tools needed to succeed in a remote world, so tune in to get started!   Topics discussed in this episode: - The pitfalls of remote work for game dev - How leaders should be guiding teams in remote work - Alignment is crucial to success - Building trust and relationships remotely - Using your facilitation skill set - Tools and tips for leaders - Creating a game jam environment - Meetings as an alignment tool - Effective communication   To learn more about facilitation, check out Marsha Acker’s book, The Art and Science of Facilitation, here and follow the author on LinkedIn!   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.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn   This Episode Was Produced by PodcastBoutique.com   Content Editor: Jenna Spangler

If you’re like the hosts of Building Better Games, then you thought the proliferation of remote work was temporary. The world has moved into a new era post-pandemic, and it looks like remote work is here to stay.     During this episode, a few questions about remote work are discussed, including: Is remote work a right, or a privilege that might need to be earned? What is the function of management in this remote world? How has remote work affected the gaming industry?     Remote work is such a controversial topic today, and there’s plenty more to explore. Listen in to start examining these issues together, and come back next week for part two of this discussion!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Why remote work is so controversial - The role of leaders in a remote world - Our privilege to have the remote work debate - Are we headed back into the office? - Remote work as a workers’ rights issue - Effects of bad management - Challenging assumptions about remote work and corporate structure - How the gaming industry has been affected by remote work - Key takeaways from this episode     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.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn   This Episode Was Produced by PodcastBoutique.com   Content Editor: Jenna Spangler

Does likeability have a lot of value in leadership? How much does setting and enforcing boundaries help you and the organization succeed? What skills are important for leaders to exhibit?     Answering all these questions and more is Zach Blitz, a senior director of production at Epic Games and friend of the hosts of Building Better Games. He has experienced leading multiple teams in a large organization, while still keeping his leadership style relationship centric.     In this episode, Zach gives examples of his own growth as a leader in game dev, and how he finds the time to build relationships in a large organization. You’ll also hear advice on the interview process, solving problems, and fostering relationships at every organizational level.     Tune in to learn more about the psychology of creating a workplace that mutually benefits both leaders and employees!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Zach’s career journey and background - His new role at Epic Games - The roles of interviewers and interviewees - Do you need to be an expert in something to lead? - Zach’s foundational beliefs about humans/leaders - How leaders deal with high work loads - Types of leaders - How Zach deals with conflicts as a leader - Finding the time to be a good leader - Who should leaders have one-on-ones with? - Solving big problems with large teams - A story exemplifying Zach’s ability to recruit and lead - Trust is a core currency   Find Zach Blitz on LinkedIn!   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.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn   This Episode Was Produced by PodcastBoutique.com

“I believe that we will make better games by treating game developers better. Game development should be a dream job, but it's not.”     This quote comes from today’s episode with Josiah Kiehl, co-founder and CEO of Sprocket Games. After experiencing his own disappointment with the “myth of the dream job,” he teamed with like-minded creators to found a company that’s building a strong technology foundation and fostering a culture that supports creativity.     During his chat with the hosts of Building Better Games, Josiah talks about this passion for giving creators a better environment to reach their creative potential. You’ll also hear their views on the future of the gaming industry, and how leaders can help their employees thrive and businesses grow.     Tune in to learn more about building creativity into the culture and Sprocket Games, a company that’s hoping to have a big impact on the industry!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Josiah on finding his place in the industry and starting a company - Challenges faced in getting investors - What motivated Josiah to create a company with a creative culture - The importance of QA (quality assurance) - Why aren’t more people changing along with the industry? - Risk budgets and how leaders should work with them - Consequences of the “myth of the dream job” - Changes Josiah thinks leaders need to make - What’s next for Sprocket Games     Find with Josiah Kiehl on LinkedIn!   Sprocket Games Website: https://sprocket.games/ BITKRAFT Ventures Website: https://www.bitkraft.vc/   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.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn

Dreaming of a career in game development? In the gaming industry, relevant skills and real experience delivering outcomes matter more than a college degree. If you’re highly creative and technical, and can work well on a team, you’ll do well in this industry, but keep in mind that working in game dev is not all fun and games.     On today’s episode, Building Better Games is addressing some of the myths and struggles of the industry, such as the pressure and time crunch many people in game dev are faced with. With a higher supply than there is demand for workers, there’s stiff competition and passion and a great resume just aren’t enough to land your dream role.     You’ll hear what the gaming industry is really like, both the numerous positive elements and the few bad, as well as ways you can develop your skills on your journey to working in game dev. This included modding, joining a community, and of course - playing games!     For tips on how you can demonstrate your worth and stand out in a field that has an influx of new interest, tune in!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Misconceptions about working in the gaming industry - What the gaming industry actually looks like - Learning software development and problem solving - Advice on landing a job in game dev - Modding and getting exposure for your work - Roles that don’t require expertise/experience - How useful is a college degree? - Tips to improve your resume     If your company could benefit from talking to us, email info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes head to the Building Better Games Podlink.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

During Part 1 of our conversation, our leader in game dev shared the tough layoff decision she was unexpectedly forced to make as a leader at her former employer. We learned the basics of what happened and how it impacted her, and now we dive into a deeper discussion of the choice she made in part 2.     Building Better Games plays devil’s advocate in this episode, discussing the different ways she could have addressed this situation. They talk about what led her to make her final decision, and the feedback she received from her team. You’ll hear a deeper dive into how she honored herself, her former employer, and her team.     We also discuss the employee life cycle, and why companies should help guide employees through their time at the company and prepare them to find a new role when they leave. This includes being a conscious leader, and addressing the emotional pain and stress that comes with layoffs.     Doing the “right thing” is not always the most pragmatic thing, but staying true to your values and doing what’s right may help you keep looking at yourself in the mirror each day. Tune in to this episode for advice on how to handle layoffs as a leader!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Our leader in game dev considers other paths before making her final decision - Leaders being unwilling to let go is a source of a lot of problems - The surprising way the team’s story ended - Conscious leadership and taking responsibility - Ways to view severance packages in layoffs/firings - Aaron on leaders that don’t handle firings well - Staying true to yourself and decisions made as a leader - How to approach a layoff scenario as a leader     Learn more about Rise and Play: Rise and Play Website Rise and Play   For tips on how to staff your dev team, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes head to the Building Better Games Podlink.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

If you’ve been on LinkedIn lately, you may have noticed a rise in layoffs. The interesting part about this news is not the fact that more layoffs are happening, but that more people and companies are being open about it.     Layoffs have always been common, but where companies go wrong in the process is their lack of transparency, which can result in employees feeling unimportant and ashamed. Layoffs are definitely a negative experience, but being laid off should not be a stain on someone’s resume.     A games industry leader recently experienced the reality of layoffs in her team. Her desire to provide information and thoughtful treatment during a layoff of half her team has given her firsthand experience on this topic. She recalls breaking the news to the team she passionately built, and how they navigated a tricky situation.     In Part 1 of our conversation, she shares how it affected her personally and professionally, including her decision to save the less secure team members over the more experienced leads — including herself. You’ll also hear a deep dive into the taboo subject of emotions in the workplace, and respecting yourself and your employee if it happens to you.     Listen to this first part of our conversation and learn what to do when your values misalign with your company, and why you should value your emotions and intuition as you make decisions!     Topics discussed in this episode: - A layoff experience as a leader - Why she made the decision to leave - Emotions being taboo in the workplace - Advice to other leaders in the same situation - One thing many leaders lack in their approach - Telling the team leaders and the exit plan     Learn more about Rise and Play: Rise and Play Website Rise and Play   For tips on how to staff your dev team, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes head to the Building Better Games Podlink.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn YouTube  

Time and time again, we see game teams struggle with the feeling that they're not moving fast enough. Something isn't right with the game, but they don't have time to think about it because there's “so much work to do.” These kinds of issues arise when we're focused on building stuff, rather than creating compelling experiences that resonate with players. That’s why, in today’s episode of Building Better Games, we’re focusing on value, not work!     We want to help you hone in on what true progress looks like and discover how you can create the best possible player experience using the smallest amount of stuff. Tuning in, you’ll learn why you need to abandon the GSD or “get-shit-done” approach to game development and adopt a more minimalist approach instead.     Do you want to feel more empowered to make value-based decisions that align with what your game should be? Are you looking to avoid some of the most common progress pitfalls that game developers tend to fall into? This is the episode for you!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Defining ‘value’ and ‘stuff’ for the purposes of this conversation - Why value is greater than the sum of its stuff - Centering progress on player experience rather than work progress - Making something of value versus “getting shit done” - A look at why you need to create value and build stuff - Why figuring out what the game should be is key - Tips for building a production roadmap with value at its core - Why it’s critical to communicate the player experience to your team - Assessing the importance of each and every piece of work - How to embrace uncertainty as a leader - Differentiating between play tests and product reviews - A minimalist approach to creating the best player experience - Common progress traps that game developers fall into - How the acronym IKIWISI can be useful here - Advice for keeping vision and strategy top of mind   If you’d like to work with Jeff, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or email him at jeff@supergroup.co.   Resources Mentioned: The Ladder of Inference Big Five Personality Test Structural Dynamics   For tips on how to staff your dev team, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes head to the Building Better Games Podlink.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn YouTube  

Knowing how to communicate and listen effectively is right up there with knowing how to write code, design characters, or compose a musical score. Taking what you have constructed in your mind and being able to materialize it, in whatever form, is like a muscle that can become strengthened over time with enough practice.     Today, we're going to show you how to level up your day-to-day communication skills with your peers and your seniors. We illustrate how to better understand the thinking and motivations of others, and how to avoid some of the more common foot-in-mouth communication traps that we've all fallen into at one point or another!     With us is master communicator, seasoned coach, and former Riot Games engineering manager, Jeff Hackert. Jeff helps teams align on organizational goals, build shared values and work habits, and improve both their communication and software delivery process.     Together, we give you the tools you need to avoid ‘fishbowl communication’, become a conversational superhero, and ultimately ship better games.     You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking conversation!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Where Jeff’s passion for human dynamics comes from - The drive to be “right” in high-stakes environments - Using the Ladder of Inference to explain awareness bubbles - How agency can be perceived as power - Why Jeff recommends taking a personality test - Understanding selection bias - A look at Structural Dynamics and the different communication styles - The role of the interventionist in bridging communication divides - Why you need to be willing to adopt a different communication style - Changing the circumstances versus expecting others to change - Some of the perils of democratic decision making - How you can benefit from engaging with uncertainty - The problem with closed communication styles - Tips for building a shared vision of the desired outcome - Why empathy and humanity are important for effective communication - Advice for game development leaders to fix communication, not people - The value of becoming a better listener   If you’d like to work with Jeff, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or email him at jeff@supergroup.co.   Resources Mentioned: The Ladder of Inference Big Five Personality Test Structural Dynamics   For tips on how to staff your dev team, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes head to the Building Better Games Podlink.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn YouTube  

Far from losing steam in the digital age, tabletop games are booming thanks to their collaborative and tactile nature. In fact, today’s guest believes that video games can learn a lot from tabletop RPGs – and vice versa!     Today, we’re joined by Tyler Kamstra, a software developer by trade who plays a whole lot of Dungeons and Dragons and other tabletop RPGs in his spare time. Tyler is also the founder and primary author of RPGBOT.net, an online resource for tabletop roleplaying games, including informative articles, online tools, and the RPGBOT.Podcast.     We discuss the crossover between video games, board games, and tabletop RPGs, whereTyler fills us in on some of the exciting developments taking place in the tabletop gaming world. We take a look at some of the joys and perils of leadership, how you can benefit from building an open and respectful corporate culture that promotes transparent feedback, and what the future holds for RPGBOT.net.     To learn all this and more from an expert from the tabletop world, make sure to tune in today!     Topics discussed in this episode: - Overlap between video games and tabletop RPGs - What pen and paper can learn from digital and vice versa - Why collaborative storytelling makes games memorable – even if they suck! - How RPGBOT.net has evolved from a solo passion project - Areas of leadership that Tyler finds difficult - The importance of building feedback into your culture - Why professional leadership can be about breaking stuff The origin story of RPGBOT.net - How Tyler became known for his character optimization content - The role RPGBOT.net plays in the tabletop space today - Developing needs in the space and how the ecosystem is evolving - What the future of RPGBOT.net looks like   Follow Tyler on LinkedIn and Twitter. You can also visit his website and discover his Monstrous Races series on Dungeon Masters Guild.   Check out RPGBOT.net and listen to the RPGBOT.Podcast to learn more about tabletop roleplaying games and become a better player!   For more tips on how to staff your dev team, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!   For more episodes head to the Building Better Games Podlink.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

The visuals and feel of a video game are a lot more complex than even most artists think. It is imperative that your team is on the same page when it comes to communicating with the player through the game’s visuals, especially during long and complex game development cycles.     This is why you should make the art direction clear from the start, then be ready when people don’t understand or try different things. Having a clear yet evolving vision allows for teams to create better games, learn quickly, and maximize each member’s individual strengths. Your team won’t get it perfect the first time, and that’s ok. They may surprise you!     Tomáš Jech, co-founder of independent studio Tandemi and TEDx speaker, joins us in today’s episode to share his experiences in art direction, some of the tools he’s discovered over the years, and where he sees opportunities to lead better in making art for games.     After years of creating in the gaming world, Tomáš is still learning about the importance of limitations, the usefulness of having a visual hierarchy, and why you need to understand what ignites the spark of passion within your team—and tap into it!     Tune in for pragmatic advice on how to leverage your team’s individual talents and experiences to make a game that not only looks good, but plays well too.     Topics discussed in this episode: - The importance of a clear art strategy - Getting on the same page - Understanding your team makes for better games - Creativity is an ocean of opportunity - The importance of limitations - The idea repository - The soup is greater than the sum of its parts - Having clear paths of authority - Why a visual hierarchy matters - Protecting your time - Maximize your team’s individual strengths - Tomáš’s latest creative venture: BEGONE BEAST   Check out Tandemi’s upcoming project, BEGONE BEAST at begonebeast.com and sign up for their newsletter to help develop the game!   For more tips on how to staff your dev team, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90 minute call!   For more episodes head to the Building Better Games Podlink.   Connect with us: TikTok Instagram LinkedIn YouTube