Building Better Games: Recent Episodes

Benjamin Carcich & Aaron Smith

Building Better Games is about helping leaders create better video games through holistic leadership. If you’re a leader in games and game dev, you are who we make this podcast for.

Making games is hard, no two ways about it. Only 5% of video games that enter production turn a profit. We aim to increase that number. Through our own successes and failures we (and our guests) have learned lessons that will help you create better teams and better games. Leadership matters, so let’s get better at it together. Your team and your players will thank you.

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Every great game you have ever played relies on a hidden shape underneath its experience, and most game dev leaders can't name it.

When you can't name a design pattern, you can't use it on purpose. That's how talented teams spend years pouring sweat into content, only to release a game that just doesn't engage its players.

In this episode, Benjamin Carcich breaks down "interest curves," a game design lens from Jesse Schell that dictates how player engagement actually works. Drawing from juggling acts, Howard Shore's Lord of the Rings score, and nested loops in League of Legends, Ben demonstrates why player interest has very little to do with mechanical difficulty or content cost—and how you can map engagement to keep players coming back.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What an interest curve is—and why it determines whether players stay engaged or lose interest
The four stages of every great interest curve: the hook, rising peaks, strategic valleys, and the climax
Why developers often mistake development effort for player value, leading to weak pacing and player drop-off
How to design moments that maximize player engagement instead of just increasing production cost
A practical way to map your game's interest curve with your team and align everyone around the player experience
How playtests can reveal the exact moments where players become bored, confused, or disengaged
Why the same principles behind great games also apply to movies, presentations, and even business meetings

If you're a leader in game dev who wants your team aligned on what actually keeps players engaged—rather than just making games harder or more expensive to build—this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GameDesign #GameDevelopment #BuildingBetterGames #ProductionLeadership

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Have you ever walked through a building and assumed you knew enough to be a civil engineer?

When game dev leaders look at design, narrative, or engineering problems and think, "I could do a better job than that," they often mistake surface-level observation for actual craft expertise.

In this episode, Benjamin Carcich breaks down why smart leaders fall into the trap of second-guessing specialized disciplines—from game design to AI-assisted engineering—and how "swooping in" with uninformed solutions damages your game and your team's trust.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

What "armchair quarterbacking" actually costs your studio and why leaders easily fall into the trap of oversimplifying complex disciplines.
Why every game development decision is a series of trade-offs (pros vs. cons), and why untested ideas always look pristine in your head.
How to apply Chesterton's Fence to understand why a system exists before trying to tear it down.
How to give feedback as a leader by focusing on root problems and asking curious questions rather than mandating solutions.

If you're a leader in game dev who wants to stop accidentally undermining your experts and start giving feedback that actually elevates your team, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GameDesign #GameDevelopment #Leadership #StudioManagement

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is the video game industry being kept afloat by tech giants willingly lighting billions of dollars on fire—and what happens to your studio when the subsidy stops?

In this episode, Ben sits down with Colan Neese, SVP of Gaming at Screen Engine/ASI and author of the Patch Notes newsletter, to deconstruct the shifting macroeconomic tectonic plates of gaming. They dive into the reality of platform economics, why Microsoft is losing an estimated 64 cents on every dollar invested in gaming, the likely rise of ad-supported models in the PC/console ecosystem, and the terrifying market realities of the Grand Theft Auto VI release timeline.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What the true data reveals about the current collapse of platform economics, Microsoft's aggressive studio layoffs, and why the "rounding error" era of gaming budgets is officially over
Why the industry's current reliance on wishlist momentum and renting creator attention is fundamentally broken, and why ad-tech algorithms might be a viable solution to solve game discovery
How GTA 6 is creating an unprecedented industry black hole that is actively deflating competitor mindshare, shrinking long-tail revenues, and forcing studios to aggressively alter their release calendars

If you're a leader in game dev who is trying to forecast your studio's launch window, build a sustainable monetization strategy, and survive the impending GTA 6 market consolidation, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Colan Neese:

Connect with Colan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/colanneese/ and subscribe to his newsletters:

Mind Game Patch Notes: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/mindgame-patch-notes-7336099537939255300/
LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7336099537939255300/

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GamingIndustry #PlatformEconomics #Xbox #GTA6

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Does hyper-scaling your game studio actually destroy the soul of your product?

When outside capital flooded into WonderWorks Studio following Roblox's IPO, founder Zach Letter did what every investor screamed for: he scaled his three-person team to nearly 100 employees, built a massive physical studio, and hired a traditional AAA C-suite. The result was a toxic corporate culture, a mountain of high-maintenance work-for-hire contracts, and the near-death of their original IP.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Zach Letter to deconstruct the grueling reality behind those decisions. Zach shares the timeline of cutting his studio back down to a core group of 12 people, bootstrapping a high-stakes licensing deal with Paramount on raw grit, and shipping a chart-topping SpongeBob Tower Defense game on their final weeks of runway.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What structural traps await small, agile teams when transitioning to high-overhead venture capital models.
Why relying on traditional AAA corporate leadership frameworks can severely decouple your studio from fast-moving UGC algorithms and audiences.
How to leverage hyper-focused community feedback and competitive gap analysis to disrupt saturated game genres.
How to design high-stimulus, free-to-play reward loops that prioritize long-term player commitment over short-term FOMO mechanics.

If you're a leader in game dev who is struggling to balance studio growth with creative control, or considering a high-risk pivot into licensed IP and UGC platforms, this episode is for you.

Learn more about our guest:

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-letter-0769b893/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aviatorgaming/?hl=en

🔗YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AviatorGaming

🔗Wikitubia: https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/AviatorGaming

🔗 Wonder Works Studio: https://wonderworks.gg/

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #RobloxStudio #StudioScaling #LiveOps #IndieGameDev

Which of the 7 AAA mistakes are you struggling with? Find out here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/aaa-diagnostic

Game budgets are skyrocketing to $200M+ while hit rates are actively going down.

The games industry is spending more money than ever, on the biggest teams it has ever had, over the longest timelines in history, using a playbook that was out of date a decade ago.

In this episode of Building Better Games, Benjamin Carcich breaks down the systemic flaws currently sinking AAA studios. You'll discover how shifting portfolio math has fundamentally changed the business and why relying on rigid project management over true human leadership is driving massive projects straight off a cliff.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What the exponential shift in game development economics looks like, and why a single mega-hit can no longer easily subsidize a publisher's failures
Why prioritizing "stuff" (features, systems, and assets) over a cohesive, engaging player experience is wasting time and money
How to transition your studio from a plan-driven milestone trap to a value-driven culture that handles failure early, accepts uncertainty, and scales safely

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of hitting every single milestone on paper while feeling like the core game still isn't coming together, this episode is for you.

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #AAAStudios #GameLeadership #GamingIndustry #BuildingBetterGames

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

What if the secret to leveraging AI in game development isn't about just writing code faster, but getting your team to be more rigorous before a single line is even written?

In this episode of Building Better Games, Ben talks with Landon (CTO) and Jean-Eric (Product Lead/Producer/Tech Artist) from Believer. Together, they pull back the curtain on how agentic coding tools and custom internal bridges like Claireon didn't just accelerate their systems development from months to a single week—they completely flipped their production pipeline on its head.

They dive deep into why AI forces game dev teams back into a structured setup at the start, how it alters the role of engineering leaders, and why the ultimate bottleneck has officially shifted back to human creativity and polish.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What shifted when a veteran studio integrated agentic coding directly into the Unreal Engine editor, reducing a three-to-six-month development cycle to one week
Why relying on AI to "one-shot" solutions fails, and why true velocity requires human experts to break down tasks into strict decision-making frameworks
How to build customized, dynamic production dashboards that match your personal mental model rather than getting bottlenecked by the default constraints of Jira and tools like it
Why the traditional middle-of-the-pipe engineering grind is disappearing, forcing studio leaders to double down on upfront alignment and end-of-pipe playtest validation

If you're a leader in game dev who is skeptical of the generative AI hype but drowning in backlog management and long engineering cycles, this episode is for you.

Learn more about our guests:

🔗Jean-Eirc Khalife's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaneric/

🔗Landon McDowell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonmcdowell/

Learn about Believer:

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-believer-company/

🔗 Website: https://believer.gg/

🔗 About Claireon: https://believer.gg/introducing-claireon-our-open-source-unreal-plugin-for-agentic-workflows/

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GameProduction #UnrealEngine #AIEngineering #StudioLeadership

Access the Calibration Test: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/calibration-test

When every team in your studio tells you they're 80% confident in their timeline, why does the final project almost always miss its deadline?

In this episode of Building Better Games, Benjamin Carcich exposes the mathematical trap that undermines and then wrecks well-planned game development projects. When multiple teams average their confidence instead of multiplying it, a studio's actual probability of shipping on time can plummet from a perceived 80% down to a brutal 1%.

Ben breaks down why humans are naturally overconfident estimators, how dependencies cascade into developmental bottlenecks, and the two critical production pivots leaders must make to protect their ship dates.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What the "Confidence Trap" is and how standard multi-team tracking accidentally almost guarantees project delays due to compounding probability
Why even highly experienced leads give optimistically incorrect estimates, and why uncalibrated data forces reactive management loops
How to train your team in calibrated estimation and shift your development strategy toward strict value-prioritization so you always ship the most critical player experiences

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of watching meticulously planned schedules fall apart the moment reality hits, this episode is for you.

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #ProjectManagement #GameProduction #StudioPredictability #AgileGameDev

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is keeping your head down killing your game?

Many game dev leads survive by following a simple, unwritten rule: don't rock the boat. But staying silent when you see a broken system isn't "playing it smart," it's dodging your responsibility. True leadership isn't about having a perfect record or a flawless game plan; it's about having the courage to stand in the public square, plant a flag, and risk being wrong for the sake of your team.

In this episode, Benjamin Carcich breaks down the uncomfortable reality of what it actually means to lead in an agency-based industry like game dev. He exposes the two primary traps leaders fall into when trying to avoid vulnerability - hiding in plain sight or forcing absolute compliance - and shares a personal story of failure that forced him to choose between self-preservation and the work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What genuine leadership looks like when the deck is stacked in your favor, and why it demands courage rather than structural power
Why game development inherently requires an "agency-based" framework instead of a "compliance-based" model to thrive
A simple question to check if you're acting out of fear and failing to lead
What the two extreme survival traps look like and how both destroy team trust
How to build comfort with the unknown so you can confidently tell your team, "I don't know, let's figure it out."

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of fighting change resistance, feels caught between the demands of senior stakeholders and the needs of your developers, or is endlessly worried that your next big decision might miss the mark and make you look dumb, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #GameIndustry #ProducerLife #GamingStudio #BuildingBetterGames

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Can you defy the industry experts by refusing to compromise on your creative vision?

When the entire gaming industry declares a genre dead and claims nobody is buying narrative-driven games anymore, most studios pack up and pivot. But the team at Adhoc Studio did the exact opposite; they stuck to their guns, bet on their passion, and shattered every single expectation. Their debut game, Dispatch, blew past the skeptics to achieve a 97% overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam and over four million copies sold worldwide.

Bridging the gap between two fiercely distinct creative worlds, Nick Herman (Co-founder and COO) and Natalie Herman (Head of Production) joined Ben to break down how they pulled off this "magic trick" of a launch. Bringing a masterful blend of creative grit and operational expertise, Nick and Natalie pull back the curtain on what happens when you dare to build a studio on an original IP. In this conversation, they share the raw reality of navigating intense launch crises, managing the brutal push-and-pull of high-fidelity pre-rendered animation, and evolving from hands-on individual contributors into leaders who empower their team to shine.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to combine a game development pipeline with a TV animation pipeline—even when the two systems were never designed to work together.
Why putting story ahead of gameplay can create stronger emotional connections and make players care more about your characters.
The secret to building a thriving remote studio culture without micromanaging your team.
What happens behind the scenes when a major release gets hit by massive leaks—and how to keep your team focused through the chaos.
How to identify hidden talent, give people real ownership, and build a team that stays with you for years.
The biggest lessons learned from creating story-driven games that challenge conventional design rules.
Why trust, autonomy, and creative freedom often outperform rigid management processes.
The leadership principles that helped scale a studio while maintaining a strong creative culture.

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of copy-pasting the same safe mechanics and is ready to fight for an unconventional vision despite what the publishers say, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Dispatch:

🔗 Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/

🔗 Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34996965/

🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl0lwcDCTPL2LALusiS_xmw

AdHoc Studio:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-adhoc-studio/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadhocstudio/

Learn more about our guests:

Nick Herman:

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-herman-2b370b28/

🔗Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2550705/

🔗Mobygames Profile: https://www.mobygames.com/person/255829/nick-herman/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nickherman_/

🔗X: https://x.com/nickherman?lang=en

Natalie Herman:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-a-herman/

🔗 Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6048997/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkthefake/

🔗X: https://x.com/funkthefake

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #StudioCulture #NarrativeDesign #IndieGameDev #BuildingBetterGames

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your calendar a graveyard of back-to-back "team rituals" for 4 different orgs while your actual strategic work gathers dust

When you are a game dev leader straddling multiple layers of a studio, it is incredibly easy to fall into the "comfort trap" of doing what you already know how to do: running local team meetings, fixing immediate processes, and trying to play hero for every unstaffed team underneath you. But when you try to be everything to everyone, you aren't actually helping—you are stretching yourself to a breaking point and starving your organization of the high-level leadership it desperately needs to survive.

In this episode, Benjamin Carcich breaks down why doing less direct work for your teams is actually the ultimate force-multiplying move. You'll learn how to shift your mindset from a localized team manager to a scaled "team of teams" leader, how to ruthlessly audit your calendar, and why learning to hold a firm "no" will build more trust with your studio than any standup ever could.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The "serve everyone all the time" trap that keeps leaders from scaling their impact
Why great team leads often fail when promoted to higher leadership roles
A simple 4-step audit to align your time with what matters most
When to empower devs - no matter their discipline - to run processes without you
How to grow your leadership influence through solving broader problems than your team

If you're a leader in game dev who is drowning in cross-team meetings, covering unstaffed producer slots, and feeling too exhausted to actually steer the ship, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #ProducerLife #GameIndustry #StudioManagement #ForceMultiplier

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Are you running your game studio fast, or are you actually moving it forward?

In this episode, we break down one of the most destructive traps in modern game development: confusing efficiency with effectiveness. It's incredibly easy to measure velocity, count assets, or point to a rising graph on your screen. But if your team is flawlessly hitting its milestones and the game still isn't any fun to play, your chosen metrics are a farce.

We explore why game dev is uniquely unsuited for pure manufacturing efficiency, how localized optimizations choke your pipelines, and why real organizational value requires the courage to slow down, leave room for messy learning, and build a clear, shared North Star.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The difference between efficiency and effectiveness
How busy work and overproduction happen when teams execute without clear goals
Ways to identify and eliminate bottlenecks through better cross-team collaboration
Why prototyping, failing fast, and retrospectives drive long-term success

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of watching your team burn out to clear massive backlogs, only to realize the core game loop still isn't landing with players , this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #StudioLeadership #AgileGameDevelopment #GameProduction #ProductivityVsValue

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your release schedule a desperate race or a smooth commute? If every quarterly milestone feels like chaos and stress, you don't have a talent problem, you have a Bus Problem.

In this episode, Ben explores "The Bus Problem," a concept inspired by the unpredictable transit systems of Egypt 20+ years ago versus the reliable cadences of the London subway. He breaks down why infrequent milestones actually create more work and higher stakes, and explains why the counterintuitive secret to a calmer studio is actually releasing more often.

What you'll learn in this episode:

What the "Egyptian Bus Problem" is and how scarcity drives risky decisions
Why infrequent releases take longer and create more breakage and tech debt
How frequent releases reduce stakeholder pressure and "big reveal" anxiety
Why "no time for feedback" actually increases workload long-term
How to apply the bus principle to reviews and retros for better feedback
How to spot if your team is overloading milestones

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of the "last-minute jam" and feels like your team is constantly redlining just to hit a single, high-stakes milestone, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #BuildingBetterGames #GameProduction #AgileDevelopment #StudioCulture

Level up your leadership: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

What happens when your dream job becomes a political nightmare?

Making games is hard, but leading the people who make them can be even harder, especially when you realize that "doing the right thing" isn't always going to get you accolades or even support.

In this episode, Ben shares the raw details of his biggest game dev failure, a career-defining moment where he was ejected from a team after trying to fix systemic leadership issues. He breaks down the painful lessons learned about dehumanization, organizational politics, and why your self-worth should never be in the hands of your boss.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What it actually looks like to fail as a leader, even when your intentions are 100% about helping the team and the product
Why "dehumanizing" your opponents—even the ones you think are the problem—is a dangerous path
How to identify the "delta" between a company's explicit culture and its implicit reality
Why you must stop "outsourcing your self-worth" to the studio to start leading with true confidence instead of leading scared

If you're a leader in game dev who feels like you're bearing the burden of a struggling team alone and wondering if your "dream job" is starting to feel like a trap, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #GameIndustryCulture #LeadershipFailure #GameProduction #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

In a world where 5-year AAA production cycles often crash into 5-day culture cycles, shipping a great game is no longer the finish line. It is the opening bell of a survival race.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Shahar Sorek, the Chief Marketing Officer at Overwolf, to talk about why the "ship and pray" model is broken and how User-Generated Content (UGC) has become the industry's most powerful "immortality engine." Shahar brings over 15 years of experience as a studio founder, technology leader, and even a Hollywood creative producer to the table, offering a unique perspective on the convergence of media, tech, and community.

Together, they dive deep into the "Four Horsemen of the UGC Apocalypse"—the specific market pressures making traditional development obsolete—and why the creator has replaced the game itself as the new "atomic unit" of gaming relevance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What the "Four Horsemen of the UGC Apocalypse" are and why they are forcing a total rethink of game business models
Why the creator has replaced the game itself as the primary "atomic unit" of industry relevance
How to build a "Holy Trinity" between the gamer, the creator, and the studio to drive compounded growth
Why small indie teams should actually ignore UGC until they have mastered their core experience
How to manage the "chaos" of opening your IP to the public while maintaining brand safety and quality

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of betting years of work on a market that changes before you ship, this conversation on building games that last is for you.

Learn more about our guest:

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%90%B0-shahar-sorek-83ab299/

🔗 Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1245854/

🔗 Medium: https://medium.com/@shaharsorek

🔗 Media360: https://media360.campaignlive.co.uk/shahar-sorek

🔗 Show Summit: https://www.show-summit.com/shahar-sorek/

🔗Rocket Reach: https://rocketreach.co/shahar-sorek-email_243056931

🔗 Design Rush Feature: https://news.designrush.com/gamers-hate-ads-overwolf-cmo-cracks-the-code-to-changing-this

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #UGC #CreatorEconomy #GamingIndustry #Overwolf #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

If you're making progress but losing the goal, you aren't leading. You're optimizing for stagnation.

In this episode, Ben deconstructs the often-confused synonyms of authority in the games industry. Drawing from a GDC talk he was a part of, he explores why game development is currently "over-managed" and under-led. He provides a clear framework for deconflicting the roles of Leader, Manager, and Boss, while introducing five specific "stances" that allow you to develop your team's capacity and navigate the ever-shifting landscape of player preferences and market trends.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Leader vs Manager vs Boss: change driver, system optimizer, org advocate
Why game dev's "management bias" leads to stagnation
The 5 development stances: Directing, Teaching, Advising, Mentoring, Coaching
How to choose the right stance based on urgency vs growth
Why professional coaching is an underused (and powerful) tool

If you're a leader in game dev who feels like you're constantly "chopping down trees" only to realize you might be in the wrong forest, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #GameDesignManagement #BuildingBetterGames #StudioCulture #LeadershipDevelopment

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is Game Design a Science or Just "Making an Omelet"?

Everyone has a "great idea" for a game, but having an idea is a far cry from the professional discipline of game design. In this episode, Ben sits down with veteran designer Alexander Brazie (World of Warcraft, League of Legends) to explore why being a designer is less about having all the answers and more about the rigorous process of turning ambiguity into action.

We dive into how leaders can diagnose a struggling design process and some helpful analogies that help teams find the deepest fun without drowning in limited resources.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

The difference between a real designer and a person with gameplay opinions
Why great designers ask better questions instead of forcing solutions
How to apply a Player-Centric Framework to every system
How to tell if a designer is stuck or just in the creative process
How to support a designer's mental health beyond work

Learn more & connect with our guest:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-brazie/

🔗 Mastering Game Mechanics Bootcamp: https://gamedesignskills.com/courses/mechanics-bootcamp-scale-depth-alexander-brazie/

🔗 Wowpedia: https://wowpedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alexander_Brazie

🔗 Game Design Skills: https://gamedesignskills.com/author/alexander-brazie/

🔗 Moby Games: https://www.mobygames.com/person/257453/alexander-brazie/

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #GameDesignSkills #AIinGames #StudioManagement #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your "AI First" strategy actually a house of cards waiting to collapse?

While CEOs are busy pumping the hype train, the practical reality of LLMs is looking a lot less rosy. In this episode, Ben explores why the current AI trajectory might be a "subprime crisis" in the making. We move past the Skynet fantasies to look at the four existential and human threats that LLMs pose to the games industry, from the "logarithmic curve of effectiveness" to the dangerous atrophy of our own ability to think deeply.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

What the "subprime AI crisis" is and why the current investment stack might be unsustainable.
Why relying on "generative slop" leads to a generational decline in the value of information.
How to identify when AI is capitalizing on your own cognitive biases and "sycophantic" needs for ego validation.
How to balance using AI as a force-multiplier without atrophying the "slow thinking" required for high-level game production.

Reference Links:

🔗 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aec8352

🔗 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11324722-the-righteous-mind

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p22QeLNHvlc

🔗 https://www.wheresyoured.at/the-subprime-ai-crisis-is-here/

🔗 https://metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/

🔗 https://medium.com/@webteam.ybsvp/when-ai-gets-it-wrong-the-deloitte-scandal-and-the-question-of-reliability-86940bc9017a

🔗 https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/mit-created-duplicate-ai-workers-185644013.html

🔗 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2604.01363

🔗 https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/google-microsoft-meta-amazon-ai-cash.html

🔗 https://www.fastcompany.com/91417492/deloitte-ai-report-australian-government

🔗 https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/24/model-collapse-scientists-warn-against-letting-ai-eat-its-own-tail/

🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDL3Ch7Nz8c

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #ArtificialIntelligence #StudioLeadership #TechBubble #BuildingBetterGames

Thinking, Fast and Slow

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your job being replaced by an LLM, or are you just doing the wrong job?

The claim has been made that AI can handle 85% of management tasks. For game producers, this sounds like a death knell, but only if you believe your value lies in shuffling Jira tickets and taking meeting notes.

In this episode, we break down the fundamental misunderstanding of "productivity" in game dev. We explore why LLMs are masters of the "passing high school grade" and why the most vital, indirect value a producer provides remains entirely out of reach for even the most sophisticated AI.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why "being busy" can actually hurt your career
How to find the invisible value you uniquely bring
The risk of using AI without real expertise
Why producers must evolve beyond task tracking

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameProduction #GameDevAI #ProjectManagement #StudioLeadership #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your corporate strategy killing your "Golden Goose"?

It's the nightmare scenario for every creative leader: You catch the wave, your game is a runaway success, and then—the "adults" enter the room.

In this episode, we react to Jeff Kaplan's candid interview with Lex Fridman, where he reveals the internal fractures that derailed Overwatch, from "miscommunication by PowerPoint" to the soul-crushing moment a CFO leveraged a thousand jobs against a revenue target.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why putting arbitrary dates in an executive deck hurts you
How a money-focused lens creates efficient organizations that forget the player
The danger of "bolting on" a league for monetization
Why one bad decision by a senior executive can lose you twenty years of top-tier talent.
Why leaning into live events and player happiness is often a better ROI than rushing a sequel

You may listen to the full audio podcast:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/493-jeff-kaplan-world-of-warcraft-overwatch-blizzard/id1434243584?i=1000754728791

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44oTEHDZdB7ITCB5dx88mB?si=6d45a2506a794ee8

Lex Fridman's YouTube Channels:

🔗 @lexfridman

🔗 @LexClips

Original Video: https://youtu.be/5imgkwupzAQ?si=cR8_WMo3eNmmks7d

Full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9rF1CSSh-w

If you are a creative leader tired of "walking towards the abyss," a developer who feels their autonomy is being eroded by spreadsheets, or anyone who wants to understand why the most successful games in the world can still fall apart from the inside, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #Overwatch2 #JeffKaplan #GamingIndustry #CreativeAutonomy #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your team busy working, or are they just walking slowly toward the abyss?

It's a nightmare scenario: you're surrounded by world-class talent and burning through a budget in the 10s of millions, yet the game feels further away from shipping than ever . In this episode, Ben reacts to Lex Fridman's interview with Jeff Kaplan (former Overwatch Director) as they break down the "multifaceted failure" of Blizzard's Project Titan . We dive deep into the "hubris" that kills AAA projects, why "anticipatory hiring" is a trap, and the brutal courage it takes to tell your CEO to shut a project down.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why having a "cool idea" is actually waste
How the "we can do no wrong" mentality after a hit like World of Warcraft leads to multifaceted failure
Why overhiring creates "busy work" rather than progress.
How to recognize when to inspire your team to think bigger and when to pull them back to focus on shipping
Why every technical or art failure is, at its root, a failure of leadership

If you're a game developer who has ever felt the soul-crushing weight of "anticipatory hiring" and busy work, or a leader of a game development company who needs the courage to admit when a project has become a "money hole" before it's too late, this episode is for you.

You may listen to the full audio podcast:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/493-jeff-kaplan-world-of-warcraft-overwatch-blizzard/id1434243584?i=1000754728791

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44oTEHDZdB7ITCB5dx88mB?si=6d45a2506a794ee8

Lex Fridman's YouTube Channels:

🔗 @lexfridman

🔗 @LexClips

Original Video Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVaxD8veRIg

Full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9rF1CSSh-w

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #ProjectTitan #Overwatch #GameLeadership #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Are we chasing unicorns into a graveyard, or is the "Black Hole" game the only way to survive 2026?

The math of game development is no longer adding up. As budgets soar into the hundreds of millions, the traditional "hit-driven" model is reaching a breaking point, forcing studios to choose between low-risk IP or the near-impossible gamble of creating the next "forever game."

In this episode, Ben sits down with Andrew Brownell, a veteran Game Director at Netflix with a pedigree spanning Blizzard's Warcraft III, Riot's League of Legends, and massive mobile strategy titles. Andrew pulls back the curtain on the "bleak" reality of modern development costs, the rise of hyper-efficient global competition, and how his own children's gaming habits have completely upended his philosophy on game design.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Why a 4x return on a $200M blockbuster is now considered a dangerous gamble.
How titles like Fortnite and Roblox act as "attention monopolies" that leave only 15% of the market for everyone else.
Why it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify US-based development costs against global talent pools.
How the next generation of gamers—who have never known boredom—is forcing a total rethink of game mastery and strategy.
The reason we are seeing a flood of Marvel and Star Wars games, and why even "hits" like Hogwarts Legacy are changing the investment landscape .

Learn More About Our Guest:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahbrownell/

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahbrownell/

🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/ahbrownell

🔗 ContactOut: https://contactout.com/Andrew-Brownell-3180561

🔗 Netflix LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/netflix/

🔗 Netflix Games YouTube: @NetflixGames

Notable game studios our guest has worked with:

🔗 @riotgames

🔗 @Blizzard

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GamingIndustry #LiveService #IndieDev #VideoGameBusiness

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

What is the hidden pattern behind why world-class AAA studios, with hundreds of millions in budget, suddenly collapse?

In the last 12 months, the industry has watched high-profile projects from Mind's Eye, Ashes of Creation, and High Garden lead to layoffs, shutdowns, and lawsuits. While many blame "the market" or "toxic leadership," the reality is often found in five specific failure patterns that haunt studios of every size. In this episode, we strip away the headlines to look at the structural fragility that kills games and provide five essential questions every leader must ask to keep their project grounded in reality.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

Why projecting confidence can actually blind you to a project's impending failure
How to move past "theater" playtesting and get real signals from players
What game visions should do for your organization
Why treating launch as the finish line instead of a milestone is a $200 million mistake
How to empower your team to prove you wrong before the market does

If you're a leader in game dev who's ever protected the plan instead of facing reality, or felt pressure to project certainty when the game wasn't coming together, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #AAAGaming #GameIndustry #StudioManagement #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

If your day is nothing but back-to-back meetings, you might be busy, but are you really helping your team and game succeed. Senior leaders often grind 10–12 hour days yet still miss the most critical questions, such as: Are we building the right thing? What is the biggest risk we face?

In this episode, Ben breaks down why we treat thinking as a luxury we can't afford, and why that's exactly what's causing misalignment and waste in your studio.

What you'll learn from this episode:

Why "fast thinking" habits are dangerous in a constantly evolving environment like game dev.
The difference between "scraps of thinking" and structured, effortful "slow thinking".
Three practical ways to build thinking back into your week.
A 60-minute challenge to help you think about what matters instead of rushing into another one on one

If you're a senior leader buried in meetings, stuck in reaction mode, and worried your team is moving fast in the wrong direction, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #GameProduction #StudioManagement #ThinkingFastAndSlow #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your "culture fit" interview actually just a trap for hiring clones?

We tackle the paradox of culture in game development. While many studios are abandoning "culture fit" to avoid echo chambers and bias, ignoring it entirely can lead to toxic hires that destroy trust and decision-making.

Ben breaks down the two distinct types of culture—Taste vs. Operating System—so you can hire for high-stakes collaboration without sacrificing diversity of thought.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why hiring "clones" feels good short-term, but creates blind spots that stall real problem-solving
How to separate Taste Culture (optional vibes) from Operating System Culture (non-negotiables that ship work)
How different decision-making and feedback models work, and how to choose the right one for your studio

If you're a lead or founder torn between team diversity and everyone "just getting it," this episode gives you a clear framework to balance both—protecting your team's operating system without creating an echo chamber.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #StudioCulture #GameIndustryHiring #TeamBuilding #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Stop treating your game dev estimates like a prophecy; you aren't a prophet.

If your estimates keep failing, it's not because your team is bad at math; it's because you're using estimation as a fortune-telling machine instead of a decision-making tool.

In this episode, Ben breaks down why "perfect" plans are a trap in the high-uncertainty world of game dev. He introduces a four-level framework—from "Priorities First" to "Relative Sizing"—to help you gain predictability, set external expectations, and find shared understanding across disciplines without killing your team's soul in meetings.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why estimation isn't really about being accurate — and why predictability and velocity are only part of the picture.
Why estimating work without clear priorities can actually slow teams down and lead to worse decisions
How simple throughput tracking can outperform detailed estimates for forecasting — with less friction from the team
When fast "blink" estimates are more useful than detailed sizing, and how they help Design, QA, and Engineering spot risk early
Why the Fibonacci sequence exists in estimation — and how to avoid wasting time debating tiny differences that don't matter
How to recognize when estimation isn't worth the cost, and when time-boxing is the smarter move

If you're a producer or lead tired of watching your team polish a "beautiful plan" while the actual game feels like it's missing the mark, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GameProduction #ProjectManagement #BuildingBetterGames #AgileDevelopment

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

If your team keeps promising that the game will be "fun later," you aren't suffering from a lack of effort—you're suffering from a lack of prioritization.

Shipping a mountain of features means nothing if you haven't validated the experience with real players. In this episode, we break down why hiding behind a massive backlog or a 100-page GDD is a "red flag" that allows teams to avoid reality for months, or even years. We explore the transition from "plan-based task work" to true "knowledge work," where the goal isn't just to finish a list, but to discover what actually makes your game great.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why waiting for a "magical moment" is the fastest way to ship nothing
How the L-V-N Framework (Learning, Value, Neither) helps you cut dead tasks fast
Which game loops matter right now—and how to prioritize proof over polish
How to balance learning in pre-production with delivering value later on
Why a clear game vision is the best defense against team failure

If you're a leader in game dev struggling with prioritization and watching your team build features that don't "click," this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GameDesign #BuildingBetterGames #IndieDev #ProjectManagement

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

The game industry is undergoing a massive shift. Between the rise of "black hole games" that consume all player attention and the skyrocketing costs of AAA development, the old playbooks for leadership are breaking.

In this episode, Ben is joined by Andrew Brownell, a veteran Game Director at Netflix Games. Andrew brings over 20 years of experience from industry titans like Blizzard (Warcraft III) and Riot Games (League of Legends). Together, they unpack why the "unicorn" development model is failing and why the next generation of leaders must master a new set of "soft" skills to build resilient, high-performing teams in a bleak market.

What you'll learn in this episode:

What Aggressive Gratitude really is and how to use it to build trust
How to lead confidently when the direction isn't clear
Why conflict can create clarity when handled one-on-one
Why character often matters more than skill when hiring

If you're a game dev leader trying to level up performance without burning people out, this episode is for you.

Learn More About Our Guest:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahbrownell/

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahbrownell/

🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/ahbrownell

🔗 ContactOut: https://contactout.com/Andrew-Brownell-3180561

🔗 Netflix LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/netflix/

🔗 Netflix Games YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NetflixGames

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #Leadership #GameProduction #GameIndustry2026 #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

When leaders say they're "raising expectations," teams often hear one thing: work more.

That gap between intent and impact is why so many game dev organizations feel terrible to work at—and why "raise the bar" messages often land as threat, not motivation.

In this solo episode, Ben unpacks the tragedy of perspective between senior leaders who believe they're inspiring change and developers who feel cynical, burned out, or unheard. He explains why experienced seniors are the first to push back on buzzwords, how leadership unintentionally passes pressure downward, and what it actually takes to challenge a team without breaking trust.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to earn the right to challenge your organization
What teams really hear when leaders use vague language like "excellence"
Why people matter more than tools, systems, or AI when trust is on the line
How to sanity-check your messaging

If you're a game dev leader trying to level up performance without burning people out, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDevLeadership #StudioCulture #BuildingBetterGames #GameIndustry #WorkplaceTrust

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Stop adding meetings to fix your game.

In this episode, Ben Carcich sits down with Glenn Paul Gray, Production Director at PeopleFun, to dismantle the "more syncs = more alignment" myth. They explore how piling on well-attended meetings often creates overhead rather than clarity and why your work system must adapt to the specific stage of development your team is actually in.

Glenn Paul brings a unique "hardware-to-software" perspective to game production. Starting his career in the Silicon Valley semiconductor industry, he transitioned into gaming in 2017, holding pivotal roles at Wargaming, Wooga, and AppLovin before joining PeopleFun. His background in complex systems engineering informs his pragmatic approach to "de-risking" games through aggressive prototyping and early-funnel testing.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

How to treat meetings as a "cost to align"
What it means to shift from a discipline-centric matrix to a high-agency, general manager-led team structure
Why testing for D1 retention can be inefficient for weeding out bad ideas
How to build a "startup within a studio" environment
Why your work system (from spreadsheets to Jira) must "mode shift" as your project moves from R&D to production

Learn more about Glenn & his company:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennpaulgray/

🔗 PeopleFun Website: https://www.peoplefun.com/

🔗 PeopleFun Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplefungames/?hl=en

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #MobileGaming #GameProduction #BuildingBetterGames #GameLeadership

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

If you disappeared for a week, would your team lose their momentum—or just their note-taker?

Most game producers are stuck in a "checklist trap"—spending their days managing tickets, booking meetings, and taking notes without ever understanding the actual goal.

In this episode, Ben breaks down why production is fundamentally a leadership role based on influence, not just project management software. If you feel like your team is "drifting" despite hitting every milestone, you might be failing at the one thing that actually matters: moving the organization towards a valuable goal.

What You'll Learn:

The importance of shifting from a "task-doer" to a big-picture leader who influences the entire studio
Why specific tools like Jira and sticky notes aren't the "point" of your job
Why shipping a "good enough" game to pass a milestone is a dangerous trap that can break your team
How prioritizing towards the goal outperforms doing what worked last time

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GameProduction #GameLeadership #BuildingBetter Games #ProjectManagement

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

30,000 Layoffs. Solid prototypes can't get funding. Western Game Dev Is Breaking.

In this episode, Rich Vogel explains why Western game development isn't in a downturn, it's in a reset.

Fresh off fundraising conversations in 2025-2026, Rich breaks down why funding for large-budget games has nearly disappeared, why publishers and VCs are pulling back from North American teams, and how leadership decisions, not creativity, are sinking studios.

Rich is a 30-year industry veteran who's founded and led four major studios, including BioWare Austin and Sony Online Entertainment Austin, which have generated over $3B in revenue. As producer on Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic, he's seen every cycle, and knows exactly why this one is different.

We cover:

Why investors see Western studios as high-risk
How salary inflation and entitlement narratives are reshaping where games get made
Why unproven big bets are no longer survivable
How small, shippable wins are the new path to scale

This episode is a wake-up call for studio heads, producers, and game leaders still playing by outdated rules.

Learn more about our guest:

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-vogel-093425/

🔗T-Minus Zero Entertainment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/t-minus-zero-entertainment/

🔗Website: https://www.t-minuszero-relaunch.com/

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Newsletter Signup: The Building Better Games Newsletter

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

#GameDev #GameIndustry #Leadership #VideoGameDevelopment #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

You're doing the work, fighting for your team, but your ideas stall in meetings and people with less context somehow have more influence than you. It can feel like the only way to win is to become the political operator you hate.

In this episode, Ben breaks down the simple, three-part system for influence—the Influence Trifecta—so you can drive change for your team and career without selling your soul. Organizational influence is not just about who's right or what's logical; it's about understanding the social fabric of your organization.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What influence without authority looks like
Why trust is so important to your long-term success
Why being "right but not helpful" stalls careers
What to watch for so you don't become the "political animal"

You're always playing politics. If you choose not to play, you cap your influence and allow others to set the direction. Learn how to deliberately build influence for the benefit of your game, your team, and your own advancement in an ethical way.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDevLeadership #GameStudioPolitics #InfluenceTrifecta #GameDevCareers #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Leadership in game dev is hard, but choosing to ignore the biggest technological shift of our generation is a high-stakes gamble.

In this episode, we talk with Benjamin Chevalier, Chief AI Officer at Mighty Bear Games, who has a uniquely informed perspective as an Art Director turned tech leader who has spent two decades building games for Ubisoft, Disney, LucasArts, and King.

Ben Chevalier outlines his pragmatic, principled approach to embracing AI: using it to cut through market saturation, accelerate team output, and manage risk without compromising creative integrity. From the moral and legal controversies surrounding AI training data to the cultural shifts required for engineers and artists to build their own tools, this conversation reveals the mindset and strategies a leadership team needs to not just survive but thrive in the new AI-accelerated development landscape.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Why AI may be an existential business decision
Why governments won't halt AI development
How "agentic" tools are reshaping studio culture
How game dev leaders can get team buy-in on AI
What others might think of you just for using AI

If you're a game dev leader thinking about how AI might help your team, this episode gives you a pragmatic playbook for adopting AI. Ben Chevalier lays down clear ethical guardrails and shows how AI can speed up prototyping, live ops, and decision-making—so you can level up your leadership and accelerate your team, game, and career.

Connect & learn more about Ben Chevalier:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminchevalier/

Medium: https://medium.com/@benjamin.chevalier

Studio Website: https://www.mightybeargames.com/

GOAT Gaming Platform Website: https://goatgaming.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mightybeargames

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GamingCommunity #GameDevelopment #AI #Leadership #MobileGaming

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Are you leading a team that has plenty of people but can't seem to get moving?

You care deeply about your team and your game, but projects crawl and decisions drag in the. It's almost never just a talent problem. Instead, it's three quiet leadership mistakes that choke momentum.

In this episode, you'll learn what those three mistakes are, how they're showing up in your studio, and what you can do instead so you can move faster and see real progress on your game. We break down the mistakes one by one with simple shifts you can start immediately.

What You'll Learn:

The Velocity Trap: Why any speed you have is "pretend" if your team doesn't share a clear North Star (Vision).
The Cart in the Mud: The four specific foundational elements you must have in place to earn the right to scale , and what to do when you realize you've scaled too fast.
The Crunch Lie: Why overwork and extended crunch quickly make you slower than if you never crunched at all, and how to operate at a sustainable pace.
A Simple Reality Check: How to rate your studio's Vision, Scale, and Workload (1-5) to identify your biggest blocker and immediately focus your leadership energy.

GameDeveloper.com Article: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/addressing-crunch-the-games-industry-s-worst-practice-2

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDevLeadership #GameStudioLife #ProjectManagement #GamedevTips #BuildBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

You can't just test quality into a game at the end. You have to build it in from the start. Ignoring your Quality Assurance team's full value is a fast way to lose millions.

The state of game development is at a challenging inflection point, characterized by high-risk live service ambitions and a brain drain of senior talent. Host Ben Carcich sits down with Nathan Tiras, former Game Dev veteran (Riot Games, Singularity 6), to dissect this instability and dive deep into the discipline seen as an "entry-level" role: Quality Assurance (QA).

Nathan, who worked his way from a QA Analyst at Riot to the Director of QA and Live Service at Singularity 6 (makers of Palia), argues that QA is not just "testing" but a critical quality function that represents the voice of the player. This deep-dive explores how leaders must move beyond the "QA as tester" stereotype to unlock the massive subjective value and risk-prevention only highly skilled, respected QA professionals can provide.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

What "quality" really means in 2025, and why the best QA teams shape player experience
How bringing QA in at pre-production saves time, money, and your launch day sanity
Why bug counts don't define QA's worth
The human edge of judgment, creativity, and tribal knowledge that no tool can replicate
How great leaders build quality teams that protect business continuity and deliver real returns

Learn more about Nathan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-tiras-he-him-8a45754/

Company: https://www.whatnot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathantiras/?hl=en

Board Game Geek: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/95100/nathan-tiras

Check his other YouTube appearances:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2mmERgh19c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyt3bnBgNqk

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDev #GameQA #QualityAssurance #GameLeadership #GameProducer #LiveServiceGames #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Are you inadvertently forcing your team to serve a tool, instead of letting your tools serve your team and game?

In a recent conversation with Clinton Keith, Ben asked how Clint would help all of game development. Clint's response? "Delete Jira" - and Ben laughed to keep from crying.

Jira is a powerful tool, but in the hands of uninformed game development leadership, it often becomes a weapon against the very teams it's meant to help. Ben, who has used Jira and other tools as a producer within large studios, dissects the common, catastrophic misuses of Jira.

While you might be better off deleting the tool, the real work is about fixing the broken cultural and organizational patterns that turn a simple work management system into the "boss" of your game studio. Learn the four cascading failure patterns that are draining your team's effectiveness and how to correct them, making collaboration and player outcomes your true north.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Why senior leaders keep breaking Jira without realizing it
How Jira causes centralization and decision bottlenecks
What Jira DOESN'T tell you, and why that makes it dangerous
How perverse incentives emerge from overreliance on Jira and other tools like it
The reason you end up feeling like a slave to the tool
How to avoid the traps Jira leads you into

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#gamedevleadership #jiraantipatterns #gamedevelopment #agilefailure #buildingbettergames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

How much is your bad code costing you, and how much is your team's suffering just a ritual of amateur theatre?

In this episode, Engineering and Agile expert Tim Ottinger and Ben challenge the core belief systems that plague software development, from the focus on individual productivity to the self-inflicted wounds of long release cycles. They break down the shocking truth about what slows software projects down, the high cost of errors in a complex system, and why doing work when it's easy is the only way to avoid the crushing complexity of doing it when it's hard.

What you'll learn in this episode:

● Why teams might refuse to change and improve the way they work

● The importance of finding problems now, rather than waiting till later

● Why "crunch time" is killing your output, not boosting it

● When to be throwing work away and when to be making things real

Bibliography: https://www.industriallogic.com/blog/faster-and-more-predictable/

Paired Programming Illuminated by Lori Williams and Robert Kessler: The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt

More about our guest:

Tim Ottinger is a legendary figure in software development, having programmed since 1979 and been active in the early days of Extreme Programming and Agile. As a Senior Consultant at Industrial Logic, co-author of Agile In A Flash and a contributor to Clean Code, Tim brings decades of practical experience to dissect what goes wrong in most software development and how you can start doing better.

Accolades and Publications:

● Co-Author: Agile In A Flash (with Jeff Langr).

● Contributor: Clean Code.

● Writing Credits: C++ Report, Object Magazine Online, Pragmatic Bookshelf magazine, Software Quality Connection.

● Recognized for: Compassionate and patient approach to working with individuals, sincerely interested in helping people reach their goals.

Social Media and Websites:

● Website (Blog): https://agileotter.blogspot.com/

● Company Blog: https://www.industriallogic.com/blog/

● Twitter/X: @tottinge.

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agileotter/

● Email: tottinge@gmail.com

● Other: https://randsinrepose.com/welcome-to-rands-leadership-slack/

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#gamedev #SoftwareEngineering #Agile #GameIndustry #Leadership

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

How do you save weeks of thrash when your team is busy and perhaps even crunching, but your key goals aren't moving?

This solo episode with Ben reveals the hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations and the simple, 20-minute fix that can unblock your entire game development team. The problem isn't your process, your backlog, or lack of effort—it's failure to pause and actually talk to each other.

You'll learn:

5 signs you need to stop trying to outwork the problems

Why pushing every problem to standup or retro isn't working

How the right conversation can be worth more than weeks of work

Don't let denial or the fear of one more meeting cost you months of development time. It's time to stop wasting effort and have the one real conversation you need.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDev #GameDevelopment #TeamAlignment #Agile #Productivity #BuildingBetterGames

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

What happens when doing the right thing could get you fired?

Every game dev leader faces this nightmare: being held accountable for results but not empowered to make the decisions needed to achieve them. That tension creates chaos, burns out teams, and kills great games.

In this powerful episode, Ben sits down with Clinton Keith, author of Agile Game Development and one of the pioneers of Agile in the games industry. Clinton shares raw, unfiltered stories from real studio crises, including the moment a CEO threatened his team's lives to force change. This isn't a lecture; it's a candid look at what happens when pressure spikes, trust erodes, and leaders have to choose between survival and integrity.

Together, Ben and Clinton break down the industry's most toxic patterns, from "efficient waste" caused by rapid scaling to the trust issues that cripple creative freedom. They also explore how proven frameworks from the military and medicine, like the OODA Loop, can help game studios move faster, safer, and with more clarity.

👉 Watch this episode for a brutally honest look at what real leadership takes in game development and how to lead when the system itself feels broken.

What you'll learn in this episode:

✅ The Accountability Trap: Why even great leaders get stuck in broken systems (and how to break free)

✅ Scale Creates Waste: The hidden cost of growing your studio too fast

✅ The Trust Fix: Why control kills creativity (and how vulnerability builds real leadership)

✅ Beating Bad Systems: How to call out problems and keep your job

✅ Lessons from the Military & Medicine: Battle-tested frameworks that make your team faster and safer

🎮 About Clinton Keith: Clinton is a Certified Scrum Trainer and coach who has worked with over 150 studios worldwide. With experience ranging from building fighter jets to developing Midtown Madness and Midnight Club, he's helped countless teams reduce crunch, improve collaboration, and build games that truly deliver value.

Learn more about Clint:

🔗Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B003AAP51G

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintonkeith/

🔗Website: https://clintonkeith.com/

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDevLeadership #AgileGameDevelopment #GameIndustry #StudioCulture #GameProduction

Stop leaving reality behind and ship better games! If you’re a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Is your studio living in a delusion that will only end in pain?

Seemingly great teams burn millions of dollars only to shut down because they left reality behind. This episode breaks down the five game dev delusions that kill studios, which I've seen in well-funded, 100+ person teams, unfunded indies, and VC-backed startups.

If you lead a team or want to avoid losing touch with reality, this is for you. We cover five "Ps" of delusional failure: Play, Planning, People, Players, and Purpose AND provide the concrete actions you must take to stay grounded, align your team, and ship a game that makes a difference.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✔ Why chasing “the first fun” is a mistake

✔ How to spot vapor estimates before they sink you

✔ Why “best people” hiring puts the cart before the horse

✔ The “audience size” trap (and what to do instead)

✔ Why more work isn’t getting you over the line

✔ What gives leaders an edge in staying grounded

Connect with us:

🔗Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#gamedevleadership #gamedevelopment #gamedevlife #startups #gameproducer

Ready to take your game development career to the next level? Join the Game Dev Leadership Accelerator: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Do layoffs mean studio leadership is bad?

While the popular answer is often "yes," the truth is more complex. Layoffs can reveal many things, from bad times in the market to failures to manage finances to corporate greed. But if you’re a leader, the real test is how you behave when your company’s survival is on the line.

Trent Kusters, the co-founder and Studio Head of League of Geeks, joins Ben Carcich for a deeply personal and frank discussion about his experience of laying off almost all of his employees and transitioning the studio into hibernation. Trent argues that leaders are often "ignorant and or untrained" in the critical business, legal, and ethical frameworks needed to navigate a shutdown event with compassion and integrity.

In this discussion, you'll learn:

✅ Why financial foresight and business savvy matter

✅ The true costs of a studio shutdown (even hidden ones like clearing out old desks)

✅ How to build a “rip zone” into your balance sheet to protect everyone

✅ Why living your company values—even when it costs hundreds of thousands—builds a true home for talent

✅ A five-point framework for planning, communicating, and managing a human-centric layoff

Trent’s GDC Talk (requires GDC Vault Access) : https://gdcvault.com/play/1035252/Leaders-Working-at-the-Heart

Learn more about Trent Kusters:

🔗League of Geeks Website: https://leagueofgeeks.com/

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentkusters/

🔗X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/trentkusters

Connect with us:

🔗Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameIndustry #GameDevLeadership #StudioLayoffs #FinancialLiteracy #GameProduction

Ready to take your game development career to the next level? Join the Game Dev Leadership Accelerator: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

In this special Q&A episode for Episode 100, we're answering your most pressing questions from the Game Production Community Discord!

Join Ben Carcich as he dives into critical topics that every game development leader faces, from navigating project pivots to building a healthy team culture. We'll explore:

✅ When to scale your team up (or down) ✅ How to prepare for meetings and ensure they are actually valuable ✅ Why "safe" project pivots don't exist and what to do instead ✅ The common gaps in game production and how to fill them ✅ The evolution of the game producer role over the last decade

This episode is packed with Ben's honest, experience-based insights to help you move past conventional wisdom and build better games.

A special thanks to Jan for curating these questions from the GPC Discord, and for Juney who runs it. 👉 Connect with Jan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanoyjl/ 👉 Check out the Game Production Community Discord: https://discord.com/invite/gameproduction

Connect with us: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich 🌐 Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames

If you enjoyed this video and want to see more content on how to build better games, hit Subscribe! Your support helps us create more videos that help you solve the problems that matter.

#GameDev #GameDevelopment #GameProducer #Leadership #GameDesign

Stuck in slow loops and broken systems? The Game Dev Leadership Accelerator can help you make lasting change. Sign up to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6

Why do most teams default to two-week sprints, even when they're wrong?

In this episode, Ben Carcich breaks down a simple model with three dials that you should use to tune your iteration length. He explains why iteration length is a product lever, not a calendar convenience for your leadership, and how choosing the right rhythm for your team can reduce thrash, increase learning speed, and improve value delivery.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

The three dials that shape iteration length
What the “reciprocal commitment” of an iteration is and why it matters
The problem with rolling work from sprint to sprint
How shorter iterations improve focus and learning without adding more meetings
Why shorter beats longer iterations for exposing hidden problems

This episode is for game developers and leaders who want to learn how to:

Set an iteration length you can defend and adjust to reduce thrash.
Avoid becoming a slave to a broken work system that doesn't serve you.
Have more effective meetings and move faster with less effort.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich
Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames

If you enjoyed this video and want to see more content on how to build better games, hit subscribe! Your support helps us create more videos that help you solve the problems that matter.

#GameDev #ProjectManagement #Leadership #Agile #Scrum

Is there a way to predict whether a game will hit or flop? In this episode, Ben is joined by Colan Neese, who has spent a lot of time looking at how audiences relate to products at companies like Twitch and Nielsen. Colan's work at Mind Game Data is focused on "puzzling through the problem of anticipating which games are likely to take off at launch and which seem to be headed nowhere".

The conversation challenges the conventional wisdom about what drives a successful launch, revealing why our data-driven approaches have been too narrow to anticipate success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🎮 Why launching at the wrong time can sink your game

👥 How building a community early can make or break you

🔊 The truth about player attention (it’s not just about genres or loud voices online)

📅 When to move your launch date, despite the cost

🕵️‍♂️ And how to spot if your game is actually gaining traction without outside help

Learn more about Colan Neese:

Connect with Colan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/colanneese/ and subscribe to his newsletters:

Mind Game Patch Notes: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/mindgame-patch-notes-7336099537939255300/
LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7336099537939255300/

The Game Dev Leadership Accelerator is live. A successful game begins with leaders who catalyze success instead of wasting everyone’s time. This conversation is a great example of the mindset we teach at Building Better Games at focusing on what matters, not what distracts. Are you ready to level up your leadership? Book a call with us now!: https://calendly.com/bcarcichcoaching/15-minute-one-on-one

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich
Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames

#GameDev #GameIndustry #DataAnalytics #MarketingStrategy #Leadership

🎮 There are tons of “game dev tools” out there promising to fix your problems… but too often, teams end up serving the tool instead of the tools serving them.

In this video, I’ll break down a simple, practical guide to streamline your process. You’ll learn not just what you need, but why it matters whether you’re running a team, starting a game studio, or pushing an R&D project forward.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

The Power of Vision → Why a clear, shared vision is your best defense against wasted effort. (And how to avoid traps like jargon, prototype obsession, or endless feature lists.)
The Collaborative Space → How a simple whiteboard can become your team’s creative playground — without crushing the fun with overbuilt systems.
The Visual Task Board → Why a lightweight task board beats a complicated system every time — and how to avoid becoming a slave to your own process.

👉 Whether you’re an indie dev, part of a startup, or working on experimental projects, these three tools will help you keep things moving in the right direction.

If you want to start using Favro, my preferred work management system, with a template based on the advice in this episode, sign up here: https://www.favro.com/templates/games/team-function/game-startup

Full Disclaimer: I am a Favro affiliate, because they have been my favorite tool for years. Starts small, scales well, insanely flexible. Check them out!

If you are a leader frustrated with broken systems and feeling like you are endlessly solving the wrong problems, I want to help. I am kicking off a Game Dev Leadership Accelerator where I help leaders and producers level themselves up and solve the problems that matter.

Check the link to be notified once the course is available: https://forms.gle/6HcJi6WChDkRVuF9A

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich
Substack: https://bencarcich.substack.com
Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames

#GameDev #GameDevelopment #ProjectManagement #GameProduction #Leadership

Setting goals is harder than you think.

In this episode, Ben Carcich is joined by Melissa Phillips, founder of Games Leadership, to dive deep into a topic that leaders often approach with little understanding: goal setting. From a professional perspective, goal setting is about helping people find fulfillment in what they are doing. Melissa discusses how goals have evolved from a basic survival need to a more complicated, individualistic pursuit.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why money is a terrible goal
The problem with only having giant goals
The importance of celebrating small wins
A surprisingly effective way to find your true goals
Why communicating goals to others matters
The reality of your changing goals

A successful game begins with better processes. This conversation is a great example of the mindset we teach at Building Better Games.

Learn more about Melissa Phillips (Founder, Games Leadership)

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melphillips1/ 🔗Website: https://www.gamesleadership.com/ 🔗 Games Leadership Blueprint Course (A 12-week program helping leaders craft a sustainable and personalized leadership model.)

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich
Substack: https://bencarcich.substack.com
Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames

#GameDev #Leadership #ProjectManagement #CareerDevelopment #Goals

Are live service games truly dying, or are we just seeing a new era of evolution?

In this episode, we sit down with game designer and product thinker Ryan Scott to unpack the difficult world of live service titles. Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working on major titles, sharing his unique insights on what makes a live service game thrive or fail. We dive deep into the concept of "switching costs," the importance of meeting specific player needs, and the delicate balance between mastery and novelty that defines a game's longevity.

🎮We talk about:

Live service games - dying?
The importance of serving real player needs
Why a “better” game is not enough to win
The elements to balance when updating live service games
The 3 questions to consider before any update
How elegance relates to design and complexity
Who you are building your game for - and who you aren’t building it for
Why every game is not “Esports-ready” even when the hype says they are

Here's the breakdown of the games and companies we talked about in this episode:

The Games:

Apex Legends
Battlefield One
Battlefield Five
Call of Duty (CoD)
Concord
Counterstrike (CS)
Dota 2
Fortnite
Halo
Hearthstone
League of Legends
Marvel Rivals
Overwatch
Path of Exile
Rainbow Six
Smite
Specter Divide
StarCraft II
The Cycle
Valorant
Warframe
World of Tanks
World of Warcraft (WoW)

The Companies & Studios:

Blizzard
Epic
Riot Games
Sony
Valve
343 Industries/Halo Studios

Learn more about Ryan Scott:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-scott-akamorello/

In today's complex and costly industry, planning and estimation matter more than ever but are often destructive rather than helpful. Elevate your studio's decision-making and collaboration by learning how to get more out of estimation in less time. Learn more in our Advanced Estimation Course: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/advanced-estimation-course

Connect with us:

Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/# Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDev #GamingIndustry #GamePublishing #BusinessOfGames #GameMarketing

Do you need game publishing to ship your game successfully? What does a leader in a publishing organization truly do?

Join us for a conversation with Elizabeth Howard, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience across Aspyr, 2K, and Bungie, where she led publishing and production. Elizabeth views game development and publishing as two parts working together to ship games, defining publishing as everything outside of dev. This episode explores the nature of game publishing, the historical dev-pub divide, and the need for greater integration and shared goals in today's complex market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why publishing is about selling the game, not building it
How shared goals between devs and publishers drive success
The mistake most indie devs make
Why every indie game needs a real publishing strategy
What publishers really look for: risk, culture fit, and audience
Why dev and publishing should be seen as one connected system

Learn more about Elizabeth Howard:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhoward

Resources mentioned::

Aspyr: https://www.aspyr.com/
2K Games: https://www.2k.com/
Bungie: https://www.bungie.net/
Digital Bandidos: https://www.digitalbandidos.com/

In today's complex and costly industry, strategic planning and effective estimation can help you succeed. Unfortunately, most studios don’t know how to estimate in a way that makes the time spent worthwhile.

If you want to spend less time and get more value out of estimation, check out our Advanced Estimation Course: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/advanced-estimation-course

Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDev #GamingIndustry #GamePublishing #BusinessOfGames #GameMarketing

How will the game industry adapt? Are we hurtling towards a gig economy?

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Trent Kusters, co-founder and studio head of League of Geeks, to talk about the future of our industry. Trent takes us on a deep, honest exploration of the game industry’s current state, from platform power struggles and algorithmic curation to the erosion of full-time game dev careers.

This vital conversation goes beyond just metrics, delving into the human element, sustainability, and the legacy we're creating for the next generation of talent.

Here's what we'll learn in this episode:

The emergence of a game dev gig economy - Full-time game dev jobs are becoming more rare - How power is consolidating with platform distributors - Indie success is now a scary prospect, with a lot less clarity - Why Leaders need sound financial foresight and tight governance - How algorithm-driven curation misses humanity and judgment - Why it takes 10 years to make a game studio

Resources mentioned:

Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth: https://www.amazon.com/Doughnut-Economics-Seven-21st-Century-Economist/dp/1603586741 Insomniac Games Founder, Ted Price | The AIAS Game Maker's Notebook Podcast: https://youtu.be/5NaHG3T35vs?feature=shared

Creating a Rhythm-Action Game with Hi-Fi Rush Director John Johanas | AIAS Game Maker's Notebook: https://youtu.be/eFtGxFnOwtY?feature=shared

Matthew Ball's Presentation: The State of Video Gaming in 2025: https://www.matthewball.co/all/stateofvideogaming2025

Shams Jorjani's "The Business of Video Games" featuring Xalavier Nelson Jr.: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jyh9a-18333d4

Learn more about Trent Kusters:

League of Geeks Website: https://leagueofgeeks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentkusters/

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/trentkusters

Recommended games to check out!

I Am Your Beast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4RHkNCLtIU&ab_channel=IGN

Town To City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRY-RgWh6hg&ab_channel=IGN

Caves of Qud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c6burNvtsU&ab_channel=KitfoxGames

Want to know when you’ll be done? Master game and software estimation so you can make better decisions sooner. Learn more in our Advanced Estimation Course: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/advanced-estimation-course

Connect with us: Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameDev #GamingIndustry #GameDevelopment #GameStudio #GameIndustryInsights

Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist

What does it truly take to deliver a great game consistently in an industry known for its challenges and complexities? Join us for a conversation with Steve Sargent, Head of Production at Blind Squirrel Games, a veteran with over 35 years of experience in the game industry, including work on iconic titles like BioShock: The Collection and Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Steve dives deep into the art and science of game production, sharing the things to do, and also what to avoid, from his extensive career.

You'll learn:

The core role of production
Why reporting can actually add value - if it’s done right!
The five key behaviors that drive trust and success in game development
Why pursuing "efficiency at all costs" can actually be detrimental to creating a great game
The importance of understanding "the why" behind your processes, rather than just following rituals
How to foster an environment where team members feel empowered to take ownership and solve problems
Why planning is essential for alignment, even when the details change

Whether you're an aspiring producer, an indie developer, or a seasoned leader, Steve's hard-earned wisdom offers actionable takeaways to help you build better games and stronger teams.

Learn more about Steven Sargent: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sargent-00ba59/ * Blind Squirrel Entertainment: https://blindsquirrelentertainment.com/ * MobyGames Profile: https://www.mobygames.com/person/26147/steven-b-sargent/

Resources: * Agile Game Development with Scrum by Clinton Keith: https://www.amazon.com/Agile-Game-Development-Scrum-Clint/dp/0321617415 * Mike Cohn's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Cohn/author/B001JRX4F4

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

Twitter: https://x.com/BBG_Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

#GameProduction #GameDev #AgileDevelopment #TeamLeadership #BlindSquirrelGames

Game production lives and dies on planning—but most teams are still building like it’s 2010.

In this episode, Ben is joined by Jeanne-Marie Owens and Jesse Houston of Critical Path to reveal better ways a studio can function based on decades of experience. From the myth of the “critical path” to the illusion that things will magically come together in the final stretch, they explain why “figure it out later” kills projects, how lack of real commitment cripples teams, and what it actually takes to build a dependable studio culture. Hint: It’s not a short list of “values.”

This is a wake-up call for any studio still relying on outdated ideas about how work gets done, and a practical guide to doing better.

🔍 You’ll Hear: - Why “fix it later” is the most expensive lie in game development - What the critical path really means—and how most studios misuse it - Why real planning requires saying no - The deadly effect of partial commitment on team morale and outcomes - Why you have to be willing to make choices that limit your own options - How senior leaders create or destroy the culture by what they tolerate

If you’re a studio leader, producer, or creative tired of chaos and ready to build games with clarity, intention, and momentum, check it out!

Connect with Critical Path Games: Critical Path Games – https://critpath.com/ 🎮 Join the Building Better Games Community: - BBG Discord – Connect with devs, producers, and leaders building better studios: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ - Level Up Your Production Skills – Take our flagship course: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production - Get Leadership Insights Weekly – Subscribe to the BBG newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter

🌐 Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbg.valarininc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on game dev leadership, production, and culture.

#GameProduction #GameLeadership #CriticalPath #StudioCulture #BuildingBetterGames

Hiring only senior engineers might feel like a smart move, but is it breaking game development?

In this episode, Ben sits down with Carly Taylor (an engineer and data scientist formerly on Call of Duty, now at Databricks) to tackle one of the most pressing and misunderstood issues in game development today: the crumbling pipeline of engineering talent.

They dive deep into the tragedy of the commons happening across studios, where short-term thinking and overreliance on senior talent are putting the future of game engineering at risk. Carly sheds light on the danger of under-investing in junior talent, the mentorship void left behind by remote work, and the role AI is really playing (hint: it's not what vendors are promising).

Whether you're leading a studio, managing engineers, or trying to break into games yourself, this episode is a wake-up call.

You’ll Hear: -Why the next generation of engineers is not being mentored -How studios are draining the senior talent pool -The real technical challenges of using AI in games -Why hiring only senior devs doesn’t produce better games -What juniors bring to the table (and why companies should listen) -How remote work disrupted knowledge transfer and how to rebuild it -Why game dev is still one of the most passionate industries in tech

Connect with Carly Taylor: - Website: https://www.rebeldatascience.com/ - Substack: https://carlytaylor.substack.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-taylor - Databricks: https://www.databricks.com/dataaisummit/speaker/carly-taylor

Join the Building Better Games Community: - BBG Discord: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ - Level Up Your Production Skills: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production - Subscribe to the BBG newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter

Connect with Us: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich - Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbg.valarininc - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on game dev leadership, production, and culture.

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

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

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 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

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👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes focused on building better studios, better games, and better leadership in the game industry.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders

Lean from the Trenches: Managing Large-Scale Projects with Kanban

None

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

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

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

In this episode, Ben sits down with Chris Heintz and Joe Blancato, co-founders of Ignition Facility, to discuss the challenges and strategies in game marketing today. As game industry veterans with deep experience in marketing for top studios like Riot Games, Chris and Joe share insights on why traditional marketing models often fall short in a crowded gaming landscape. They explore how studios can reach players more effectively by building meaningful communities, testing their games early, and engaging influencers long before release. If you're curious about how to adapt to today's fast-changing market, this episode has the answers.

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

Narrative is often overlooked in game dev. We want to explore what you might be missing if you skip writers, storytellers, and worldbuilders, and what to look for when working with them.

We are joined by Matthew Garcia-Dunn, who most recently wrote for Space Marine 2. Enjoy!

Key Discussion Points:

The role of narrative in game development and why it’s essential
How to effectively build worlds that engage players
The balance between creativity and production constraints
The state of the gaming industry in 2024
The art of writing for well-known IPs like Space Marine 2
Building effective narrative teams and creative conflict resolution

If you’re curious about how games like Space Marine 2 or League of Legends come to life from a narrative standpoint, you won’t want to miss this!

👉 Connect with Matthew Garcia-Dunn:

• Matthew Garcia-Dunn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-garcia-dunn-39157812/

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

Welcome to the BBG podcast! In this special episode of Building Better Games, co-host Aaron Smith returns to share his insights on game development, leadership, and the state of the industry. Aaron opens up about the challenges facing AAA studios today, the impact of the pandemic on his career, and his recent decision to step back from the podcast and industry. He also discusses the importance of staying connected to players and why innovation is critical for the future of game development.

Key Takeaways:

State of the Industry: Major studio layoffs and leadership struggles are threatening the future of AAA game development.
Leadership & Innovation: The importance of leaders taking action and creating the right incentives for teams to thrive.
Player Connection: Why developers must rebuild a positive relationship with their audience.
Exciting Future: Access to game-making tools is growing exponentially, empowering smaller teams to build something amazing.

If you’re passionate about game development or leadership, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

Connect with Aaron:

• Aaron Smith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/

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

Welcome to Episode 72 of the Building Better Games Podcast! We’re getting back into flow, this time focusing on players and game design. Kevin Scheepers, the founder of FlowMate and GameWell, will be talking about how you can build flow into your games to improve engagement.

Have you ever felt completely immersed in a game, losing track of time and becoming one with the experience? Or wondered how developers can intentionally craft this feeling for players? Knowing how flow works for players will help you create captivating and seamless gaming experiences that keep players hooked.

Key Points:

Understanding Flow:

Flow is the state where players lose themselves in the game, merging action and awareness.
It involves a loss of self-consciousness and time distortion, creating a deeply immersive experience.

Flow in Game Design:

Developers can foster flow by designing clear goals, balancing challenge and skill, and minimizing distractions.
Personalized experiences tailored to individual player profiles keep the flow state active.

Triggers and Blockers of Flow:

Flow is triggered by the balance between challenge and skill; too much or too little breaks the state.
Distractions or unclear mechanics can block flow, and understanding these factors is key.

Designing for Flow Phases:

There are four phases of flow: struggle, release, flow, and recovery. It’s crucial for games to guide players through these phases for optimal engagement.
Games that understand and incorporate these phases can keep players coming back for more.

Future of Flow in Gaming:

Kevin and I look into the future, discussing adaptive technologies that could personalize flow experiences for each player.
Understanding different player types and motivations will be key to designing games that maintain flow over long periods.

Mastering the concept of flow will give you a step up in crafting games that are not just enjoyable but profoundly engaging. Whether you’re a game developer aiming to create unforgettable experiences or a gamer curious about what makes some games so compelling, this episode is filled with insights you won’t want to miss.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support mean the world to us, and we’re excited to continue bringing you valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about Kevin Scheepers:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-scheepers-96229428/

• FlowMade Website: https://flowmade.org

• GameWell Podcast: https://flowmade.org/gamewell

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

Welcome to the BBG podcast! Today, we venture into the heart of Larian Studios, the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3. John O'Brien and Greg Lidstone unveil the culture and processes behind the game’s cinematic development, offering insights into adapting to an evolving story and nurturing a collaborative environment.

Key Points:

Embracing Fluidity: Baldur's Gate 3's development was a dynamic process, with story elements and cinematic scenes constantly changing. Larian Studios' structure fostered adaptability, allowing teams to react to these changes and seize opportunities.

Collective Decision-Making, Singular Vision: Decision-making at Larian was a collaborative effort involving various team leads and prioritizing player experience above all else, with decisions framed against an aligned vision everyone shared.

Open Communication & Trust: The studio thrives on transparent communication and a deep-seated trust in its team members. This fosters autonomy and allows individuals to take ownership of their creative contributions.

The Human Element: Building a great game isn't just about project management; it's about embracing the human element. Larian encourages its developers to make games they are passionate about, fostering a sense of personal investment and creative fulfillment.

Baldur's Gate 3 stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, trust, and open communication in game development. Larian Studios' approach highlights the importance of embracing change, fostering a culture of collaboration, and empowering individuals to contribute their unique creativity.

Share your thoughts! What are your key takeaways from John and Greg's experiences? How do you navigate the challenges of adaptation and collaboration in your own projects? Let us know in the comments below!

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about Larian Studios:

• Larian Studios Website: https://larian.com/

• Larian Studios LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/larian-studios/

• Baldur’s Gate 3 Website: https://baldursgate3.game/

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

Welcome to the BBG podcast, episode 70! In today’s episode, Ben dives deep into the concept of flow with Kevin Scheepers, founder of FlowMade and GameWell. If you’ve ever wondered how to enhance collaboration in your dev teams or struggled with balancing a chaotic calendar, this episode is for you. Kevin shares his passion for creating high-functioning game studios by focusing on organizational flow.

Key Points:

Understanding Flow:

Flow is an optimal state where individuals perform and feel their best.
Kevin highlights that it’s an active state, merging awareness with the activity.
You won’t ALWAYS be in flow.

Individual vs. Organizational:

Individual flow requires focus and uninterrupted work.
Organizational flow needs team alignment towards a shared goal.

Triggers and Blockers:

Flow is triggered by a balance between challenge and skill.
Blockers include stress and distractions; “eustress” can enhance performance.

Creating an Environment:

Leaders can foster flow by setting clear goals and reducing distractions.
Balancing team and individual needs is crucial for maintaining flow.

Compliment:

Ironically, compliments can disrupt flow by shifting focus to the self.
Kevin suggests praising the work rather than the person to sustain flow.

Leadership:

Leadership is key to nurturing flow, requiring clear communication.
Understanding the organization at both macro and micro levels supports flow.

Kevin Scheepers leaves us with valuable advice on designing game studios that thrive on flow, encouraging leaders to map out their team’s strengths and challenges. By understanding the unique makeup of your team and the processes that drive flow, you can unlock new levels of creativity and productivity in game development.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about Kevin Scheepers:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-scheepers-96229428/

• FlowMade Website: https://flowmade.org

• GameWell Podcast: https://flowmade.org/gamewell

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

Welcome to another episode of Building Better Games! Today, we are thrilled to have John Cutler, a capable and experienced product leader with a background in tech (with some game development and music thrown in). John will share his insights on fostering a healthy product culture, maintaining vision, and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry.

Key Points:

John Cutler's Journey:

Started with a video game studio.
Transitioned from music to software product management.
Writes, consults, and leads product organizations.

Product Thinking:

Importance of product managers alongside talented designers and engineers.
Focus on product viability and market fit.
Balancing craft excellence with overall vision

Diminishing Returns:

Maintain momentum while ensuring quality.
Internal motivation is key for team success.

Role of Product Managers:

Act as partners, not overseers.
Importance of involvement in daily standups and retrospectives.

Leadership and Culture:

Create environments fostering creativity and coherence.
Address issues harming team dynamics and productivity.

Feature Factory Approach:

Avoid treating development as a feature factory.
Focus on sustainable growth and internal culture.

Complex Adaptive Systems:

Balance process-centric and variable approaches.
Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity.

Ideal Prioritization:

Effective prioritization is crucial.
Example of a CTO refocusing by deleting the backlog.

Aspiring Product Managers:

Key traits: curiosity, problem-solving, team orientation.
Gain hands-on experience before diving into product management.

Culture and Leadership:

Leadership behaviors impact performance and creativity.
Address performance asymmetries within teams.

Thanks for joining us! We explored John's journey, highlighting the importance of a healthy product culture and clear vision. John provided advice on the role of product managers, effective prioritization, and fostering creativity within teams.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about John Cutler:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpcutler/

Twitter: https://x.com/johncutlefish

Newsletter: cutlefish.substack.com

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

Graham McAllister Returns! We dive deeper into the challenges of vision alignment in game development, helping you improve vision at your studio. Discover practical advice for game dev leaders, the impact of misaligned visions, and strategies to foster better communication and unity within teams. Whether you're a developer or a publisher, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your game development process.

Key Takeaways:

Advice for Frustrated Game Developers:

To Do: Gather team leads and discuss their interpretations of the game vision.
Focus on the 'why' behind the game, not just the features.

Understanding the Struggle with Vision:

Most developers can articulate what they are making but struggle with why they are making it.
Misalignment often stems from not having a unified understanding of the game's unique experience.

Importance of Experience Design:

Game design is about creating experiences, not just features or mechanics.
Discussing and aligning on the experience is crucial for successful game development.

Challenges in Team Alignment:

Teams often default to discussing tangible features rather than the intangible player experience.
Misunderstandings and misalignments are common due to varied interpretations of the game vision.

Publisher and Developer Relationships:

Trust and clear communication between publishers and developers are vital.
Alignment of vision and expectations can prevent project failures and funding issues.

Thank you for joining us for Part 2 of our discussion on vision in game development with Graham McAllister. We hope these insights help you and your team achieve better alignment and success. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about Dr. McAllister:

https://grahammcallister.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamsync-ltd/

Graham’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahammcallister

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

In this episode, Ben Carcich and Dr. Graham McAllister explore the concept of vision in game development, highlighting the common challenges and misalignments that teams face. They discuss the importance of a unified vision, how it impacts the final product, and the friction that arises when vision is unclear or miscommunicated. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of vision alignment and its crucial role in creating successful games.

Key Takeaways:

Vision in game development can be ambiguous and multifaceted.

It is often used to refer to various aspects of the development process.
This broad usage can lead to confusion and misalignment within teams.

Misalignment of vision among team members can lead to significant challenges and failures.

Different interpretations of the vision can cause teams to work towards conflicting goals.
Lack of a clear, shared vision can result in wasted effort and resources.

Stability in game studios is often undermined by conflicting visions and organizational flux.

Constant changes and shifts in direction can destabilize development efforts.
Without a unified vision, projects are at higher risk of being canceled or shuttered.

Shared mental models are crucial for aligning team vision and improving the development process.

Teams need a common understanding of what they are creating.
A unified vision helps ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.

Practical solutions exist to address vision misalignment and create more cohesive and successful games.

Aligning both the creative and business aspects of the vision is essential.
Implementing structured processes can help achieve better alignment and outcomes.

Thank you for joining us for Part 1 of our discussion on vision in game development with Dr. Graham McAllister. We hope you found the insights valuable and thought-provoking. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will continue to explore solutions and strategies for achieving better vision alignment in game studios. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss any updates. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more content that helps you succeed in your game development journey. See you in the next episode!

To learn more about Dr. McAllister:

https://grahammcallister.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamsync-ltd/

Graham’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahammcallister

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

Welcome to another episode of "Building Better Games." In this episode, Ben sits down with Patric Palm, CEO and co-founder of Favro, to delve into the intricacies of game development and how modern tools and practices can revolutionize the process. Patric shares his vast experience and provides insights on improving game production, enhancing collaboration, and achieving excellence in live operations.

Key Discussion Points:

Transitioning from Startup to Scaling in Game Development - Avoiding the pitfalls of premature scaling and maintaining innovation. - Implementing lightweight processes early to support growth.
Effective Live Operations Management - Importance of short feedback loops and cross-functional team collaboration. - Utilizing modern tools like Favro for streamlined operations and continuous improvement.
Collaborative Estimation Practices - Benefits of involving the entire team in the estimation process. - Using throughput metrics to drive accuracy and capacity planning.
Empowering Teams with the Right Tools - Ensuring tools support rather than hinder team autonomy and collaboration. - Moving away from micromanagement to a more trust-based approach.
The Role of Community and Knowledge Sharing - Leveraging community-driven insights to optimize workflows and practices. - Favro’s initiatives to build a supportive game development community.

For more info about Favro and the “Learning from Leaders” podcast, including a section showing examples of how to use the tools effectively, check out the Learn from Leaders Podcast: https://www.favro.com/learnfromleaders

For more info about Favro, go to http://www.favro.com

And for learn more about Patric, check out his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/patricpalm

Thanks for listening!

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

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: 1. 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.

Economic Pressures and Layoffs:
- The hosts discuss the current state of the industry, highlighting the impact of layoffs and economic constraints on job security and project planning.
- Companies are reacting to financial constriction by attempting to assert more control, which often leads to poorer results.
- 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/

Are you leveraging the full potential of your leadership role in game development?

Or are you stuck in the traditional tech-driven mindset?

In this episode of the Building Better Games podcast, hosts Ben and Aaron dissect the common leadership missteps in game development and offer a fresh perspective on what effective leadership really looks like in the game dev industry.

Key Highlights:

Rethinking Technical Expertise: Ben and Aaron challenge the prevailing notion that deep technical skills are essential for leadership, advocating instead for the power of soft skills and systemic thinking.
Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Discover the systemic issues that can cripple even the most talented game development teams, and learn how effective leadership can overcome these challenges.
Enhancing Team Communication: Explore strategies to foster better communication and collaboration within teams, which can lead to increased creativity and efficiency.
Cultural Evolution in Leadership: Learn about the shift from authoritative to facilitative leadership styles in game development, and how this can transform team dynamics and project outcomes.
The Role of Trust and Empowerment: Understand the critical role of trust in empowering team members and fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive.

Curious to find out how these insights can transform your leadership approach and help you build better games?

Tune in, engage with us in the comments, hit that like button if you find the discussion valuable, and don't forget to subscribe to Building Better Games for more insightful explorations into the nuances of game development.

Join us as we pave the way to a new era of leadership in gaming!

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!

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/

Titles and seniority impact your ability to drive positive change.

It’s worth knowing what promotion looks like so you can have the maximum impact possible.

In this episode of the Building Better Games podcast, join hosts Ben and Aaron as they delve into strategies for climbing the career ladder in game development.

They explore the often overlooked tactics and mindsets essential for professional growth within the world of gaming.

Ben and Aaron dissect the complexities of career progression, from the unspoken rules of getting promoted to navigating the cultural and structural intricacies of game studios. They address the controversial yet effective strategy of job switching for rapid advancement and the role of relationships in securing promotions.

Key Highlights:

Insightful strategies for obtaining promotions within the game development industry.
An exploration of job switching as a double-edged sword for career advancement.
Practical advice on navigating company dynamics and aligning with organizational culture.
The importance of building and leveraging relationships to enhance career trajectories.
Real-world examples of overcoming barriers to promotion and the realpolitik of game studios.

Intrigued by the discussion?

Engage with us in the comments, show your support by hitting that like button, and don't forget to subscribe to Building Better Games for more insightful explorations into the art and science of making games.

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!

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 of the Building Better Games podcast, join hosts Ben and Aaron as they recap GDC 2024, diving deep into the heart of game development, user-generated content (UGC), and the role of AI.

Ben and Aaron dissect the changing dynamics of game creation, pondering the sustainability and success of non-lifestyle games amidst a sea of thousands-hour adventures. They navigate the intricate world of UGC, unpacking its potential to accelerate the creation of diverse and engaging gaming experiences.

The dialogue ventures into the corridors of the Game Development Conference (GDC), unravelling current industry trends, the critical importance of bridging the chasm between developers and marketers, and the future of game production in an AI-infused era.

Key Highlights:

A look at the role and impact of non-lifestyle games, challenging the norms of gaming success.
A deep dive into UGC's power to democratize game development, enabling creators to shape the future landscape.
Revelations from GDC, offering a glimpse into the collective mind of the industry, its trends, and its future direction.
The controversial yet transformative role of AI in gaming, from enhancing content creation to redefining NPC interactions.
Reflections on the industry's tumultuous waves, including layoffs and leadership challenges, and their impact on the creative process.

Fascinated by the discussion?

Make sure to leave a comment, hit that like button to show your support, and subscribe to Building Better Games for a front-row seat to the ongoing evolution of game development.

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!

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/

Is true leadership about wielding power, or is it the art of empowering others?

In this episode, Ben and Aaron tackle the often misunderstood concept of servant leadership within the game development arena.

They dissect the myths surrounding the philosophy, highlighting the difference between being a mere servant to the team and truly leading by serving. Delving into the nuances of engineering as both an art and a science, the duo sheds light on the importance of flexibility in leadership styles.

From the necessity of adapting one's approach to the diverse needs of a team to the critical role of continuous learning and adaptation for leaders, this discussion covers of leadership challenges and strategies in the complex world of game development.

Key Takeaways:

A thorough examination of servant leadership and its misconceptions, emphasizing the balance between serving and leading for effective team management.
Insights into the dual nature of engineering in game development, recognizing the creative and technical skills that engineers bring to their work.
Strategies for leaders to adapt their style and approach, understanding the significance of being a teacher, mentor, coach, or leader as required.
The importance of continuous learning and skill development for leaders to remain effective in the ever-evolving game development industry.
Practical advice on navigating organizational structures, team dynamics, and the ethical responsibilities inherent in leadership roles.

Join Ben and Aaron as they unravel the complexities of leadership in game development, offering valuable lessons on how to lead teams to success while fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

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Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production

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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!

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/

Why are your favorite games getting more expensive to make? In this episode, Ben and Aaron dive into the escalating dynamics of game development costs and the transformative shift towards user-generated content and indie gaming success. They explore the astronomical budgets of AAA games, touching on examples like GTA 6's rumored $2 billion development cost, and contrast these figures with the efficiency and innovation found in platforms like Roblox and games like PUBG and Stardew Valley. The discussion reveals the industry's pressing issues, including the struggle for AAA studios to adapt to soaring budgets and the growing allure of independent game development. Ben and Aaron dissect the implications of these trends for game developers, leaders, and the broader landscape of the industry. Key Takeaways: - An analytical deep dive into the rising costs of AAA game development and its sustainability in the current economic climate. - Exploration of the growing significance of user-generated content and indie games in reshaping industry standards and consumer expectations. - Insight into the challenges and opportunities facing game development staffing, emphasizing the need for talent adaptation and innovation. - The crucial role of leadership in steering the industry through these transformative times, with a focus on fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and flexibility. - Reflections on the morale within the gaming industry, urging a reevaluation of work culture, job satisfaction, and the path forward for game developers and studios. Tune in to unravel the complexities of today's game development ecosystem. Enjoyed the pod? Make sure you like, comment and subscribe for more!

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 navigate the intricate landscape of leadership within the gaming industry. They tackle the dichotomy between mobile and traditional gaming leadership, the economic shocks shaking the foundation of game studios, and the contentious monetization strategies dividing industry veterans.

Delving deeper, the conversation illuminates the pressures of balancing creative innovation with financial realities, and the complex dance between developers, publishers, and venture capitalists.

This episode sheds light on the pivotal challenges and strides forward in the game development arena, offering a nuanced perspective on the forces shaping the future of gaming.

Key Takeaways:

An in-depth examination of contrasting leadership styles in mobile versus traditional gaming and their psychological and cultural implications.
Insights into how economic volatility affects game studios, with a focus on layoffs, strategic adjustments, and survival strategies.
A critical look at monetization models and their impact on the industry, especially in the context of recent global events.
The balance between structured organization and creative freedom, and how financial - pressures influence this dynamic in game development.
The complex interplay between developers, publishers, and venture capitalists, highlighting the potential for conflict and the challenges of adopting traditional game development methods in a mobile context.

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/

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

Personal Kanban: Mapping Work | Navigating Life

None

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

Having opposing views from your team or struggling to communicate with senior leaders and stakeholders are just a couple of common issues game producers have when trying to make changes to improve the game dev process. That’s why it’s crucial for leaders to understand what it takes to drive change in a positive direction, and to make sure everyone is on board.

First up in this episode, senior game dev leader Leslee Sullivant shares her definition of a producer, and how her ideal role lends itself to effective leadership. Then, we discuss the difference between leadership and management, ways to build trust amongst change, and how to lessen roadblocks and distractions for your team.

Leslee also shares the key skills that have helped her drive change at multiple companies, her process for making any team functional, and how she implements change even with different types of resistance. Plus, you’ll hear an example of how she improved a key process while working on Marvel Strike Force.

Tune in to hear our key takeaways for all game dev leaders in this conversation with Leslee!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Where leadership fits into a producer role
Types of resistance and how to deal with them
The skills that have helped Leslee drive change
Lack of agency
How to plan and implement changes
Leslee’s process for driving change on a dysfunctional team
Prioritization and the true goal of a producer

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/

Big welcome to our new content editor, Jonathan Singh!

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com

AI is on the tip of everyone’s tongue right now. You’ve probably seen headlines in the news, on social media, maybe even heard conversations in the workplace. So, what’s the big deal with AI, and how does it affect game dev?

In this episode of Building Better Games, AI expert Bill Frischling defines AI and what it’s currently capable of doing. He also explains the limitations of artificial intelligence, generative AI’s completion model, and offers a ton of tips to get started using AI in your daily life or career.

Plus, what does Bill have to say to those that are nervous or trepidatious about the use of AI now and in the future? Will AI affect the creative process in a positive or negative way? Could humans be replaced by robots in the future?

Tune in to find out his responses to these questions and more!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Defining AI and its role in the world
Misconceptions surrounding AI
The impact on education and laborers
Functional uses for AI and what it’s good for
Tips to use AI and improve its production
Content generation for game dev
AI and NPCs
How AI might improve the game dev process

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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/

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/

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.

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This Episode Was Produced by PodcastBoutique.com

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.

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This Episode Was Produced by PodcastBoutique.com

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.

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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.

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Dreaming of a career in game development? In the gaming industry, relevant skills are more important than experience or even 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 the many myths 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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Every creator of a new video game or founder of a video game startup loves gaming. No one in this industry is unique in that fact. If you’re trying to get VC funding, loving games will not differentiate you from everyone else.

Investors are looking for more from founders. To be taken seriously, there has to be something more, something with clear potential to succeed. You need to figure that out before you decide to bring an investor to the table. VCs see multiple pitches a day, and each one is a great idea. If you are looking for funding, you need to go beyond just having a great idea.

To speak more on what founders and companies should consider when starting a game studio or looking for funding to make a game, we have invited Joakim Achren, an expert in startups, venture capital funding, and game studio leadership, as well as author of ‘The Long Term Game'.

Joakim joins us in today’s episode to walk us through what maximizes your chances of successfully starting a game company.

Tune in for practical advice from a real game dev investor so you know what it takes to found a video game startup and make better games!

Topics discussed in this episode:

The big ingredients of a successful game startup
Can you be part of creating games and also facilitate game making as a founder?
Common mistakes made by early stage founders when constructing a team
What happens when hiring a team with too many similarities
Why Joakim takes a proactive stance instead of a reactive one when advising
How to create vulnerability in board meetings to deal with issues
How the recession is impacting conversations around runway
A leader’s secret to building culture within a company
Why is ambition level important when founding a video game startup?
What VCs care about when you are pitching to them
The optimal way founders and leadership should be looking at product
Joakim’s personal philosophy on learning loops
What are some reasons why startups fail

To learn more from Joakim, check out elitegamedevelopers.com, or check out his podcast at https://elitegamedevelopers.com/podcast/

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.

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It seems intuitive that adding additional people will increase your speed in making a great game. However, staffing up is more nuanced than that. If you add people to a system where there are underlying operational and/or cultural issues all you’re doing is adding weight to a cart that’s already in the mud. So how do you staff video game development efficiently?

Honestly, it’s complicated. A lot of the aspects of whether a person is needed or a good fit are intangible, and can only be felt and understood by paying attention, which is a huge missing piece in most staffing plans and hiring processes.

This podcast will show you how to use your judgment as a leader to identify key data points and make effective decisions around staffing.

Topics discussed in this episode:

The importance of deliberately constructing a team
Why hiring more people does not equate to more productivity
How big should your team be?
Importance of leaders understanding their team’s workflows
How you identify your worst bottlenecks
Management overhead when it comes to staffing
Incentivizing not working on unnecessary aspects of the project
When hiring more people is appropriate
Understanding the human intangibles as being critical to staffing
Summary of four points to keep in mind when thinking of hiring

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.

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“I want to be maximizing value. These tools can create a side game that actually is only vaguely and tangentially related to value, perhaps even in a negative way.”

Why do people hate JIRA so much? There is a whole website dedicated to rants calling JIRA out for its oppressive bureaucratic nature and the evangelistic cult created around its adoption across many industries, including the video game industry. What we want to find out is, is it REALLY that bad, especially since it is one of the most popular management tools used to date, or are people just sour they are being forced to use it? When we pick apart this issue, many things are uncovered, but one constant remains, which is that creating value for players is ultimately the goal of any game dev organization.

It's easy to lose sight of that goal (and the players!) when everyone is fixated on being in the green or moving tickets, which is where most of the team’s energy ends up being spent. This is a massive issue that we need to tackle and we think there are solutions. One solution can be found right here in this episode!

Hosts Ben Carcich and Aaron Smith sit down to discuss how management tools like JIRA get a bad rep, and who’s to blame for it. Theoretically, what would happen if we just eliminated management tools all together? Would the entire organization crumble, or would the value of work actually go up instead? As senior leaders themselves, they know and understand this part of the job, and have a five step solution that could dramatically decrease management overhead. That will leave you with more time for adding quality and value and, ultimately, creating better games.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Why do people hate JIRA so much
The argument for the benefits of JIRA
Who is actually benefiting from using JIRA?
Why do we inflict JIRA on our dev teams?
The frightening amount of time teams spend moving tickets
Is value actually added if a ticket is closed?
What would happen if we eliminated management tools?
Incentivizing delivering on JIRA vs. delivering actual value
What is the solution to the “JIRA Overhead” issue: 5 step process
How to lower the overhead for your team
Something you can measure right now that CAN add value
Advice for leaders
The cultural impact of management systems

For more episodes head to Apple Podcasts.

To join our community, head to Facebook and join our private Building Better Games podcast group!

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Leading any team is a huge responsibility. You have the ability to impact on each individual and the product in significant ways. The job isn’t for everyone, and no matter how great of a leader you are, mistakes will be made along the way. A difference between great and poor leaders is how they learn from their mistakes and come back better. Want to make leadership more difficult? Go from leading a team you are very comfortable with to a brand new team with a different dynamic, for a short period of time, and especially when there is high external expectation and pressure to succeed. The entire operation can get out of sync if you aren’t present and leading for the right reasons. These are just a few lessons host Benjamin Carcich learned during his stint making Champions for League of Legends at Riot Games.

As discussed in this episode, Ben shares how he tried to shift the paradigm from a climbing quality bar when developing a champion, to a more holistic view, focusing instead on maximizing player value over time. He quickly realized that the orientation of the team had to be adjusted, which created a tug and pull within disciplines and team members. Ben discusses how he dealt with these situations and what he learned along the way.

Listen in to hear a story coming from a place of humility with great insight into what it means to be a leader and how to make a bigger and better impact while leading.

Topics discussed in this episode:

What was the motivation for the champion team
What does quality mean when developing a new champion
Importance of game first vs graphical fidelity first
What player value actually is
Impact on delivery when quality is focus
Knowing when to stop improving a game asset
What makes a valued champion
Lessons learned in how to lead
Challenges in moving between two very different teams
Core responsibilities as a leader

For more episodes head to Apple Podcasts.

To join our community, head to Facebook and join our private Building Better Games podcast group!

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Aaron and Ben dive into some common problems they see working with game developers from startups to large scale publishers. You'll learn about some patterns to avoid and how to focus on continually delivering real value.

Jonathan McCaffrey (JMac) is a leader and engineer who has worked to help engineering and production understand each other wherever he worked. He covers working with limited resources at a new startup, the fallacy of being either fast or clean but not both, and what it's like scaling from small to large companies and back again. If you want a better understanding of engineering in game dev, this is worth a listen!

Dominic is a master at navigating the complexity of organizations and embodies everything we believe about modern talent development and HR. We dig in on what's changing in this world, perception vs reality when it comes to corporate HR, and the skills and awareness leaders need today to be successful with their talent in the midst of a revolution.

Randy Tau wanted to talk about ownership, and we were happy to oblige. Randy's career runs from startups to the military to being a director at Amazon. We cover ownership from a ton of angles, and also talk about leading at scale and what it means to level yourself up.

"BigBoss" is the creator of the Flavor Universalis mod, one of the most successful Europa Universalis IV mods out there. He is about to live every modder's dream by going and working for Paradox on the game he used to mod for free. In this podcast, he talks a bit about his process, how he relates to his community, and what it has been like to lead a successful modding project.

Grace Liu is an experienced Art Director and Lead Artist working at Netflix with past experience at Riot Games and Blizzard. She shares her journey into leadership, focusing on what the shift from individual contributor to leader looked like, as well as how her less directive style leads to great results for her people. We talk about art, crunch, and more. Check it out!

In this episode, we bring in Erin Hardman to talk about recruiting in games. Erin has been hiring leaders and developers in the games industry for years and provides a look at some myths in the games industry when it comes to hiring, as well as exploring how finding talent for game dev has changed due to COVID and remote work.

Understanding how people join your team and who they should be is a sacred process. Companies live and die on their ability to hire effectively. Join us as we go through the key (and core) principles of how we approach hiring, what companies get wrong, and discuss practical tools that you can use to set your team and yourself up for success (and finding great people).

Arcane released in 2021 and quickly became the highest rated series on Netflix, recently winning 9 Annie awards. We've seen our share of video game flops in film and TV, so we wanted to get a better understanding of why Arcane succeeded. In this episode, we talk to Alex Yee, one of the show's original creators responsible for writing and producing Arcane. We talk about how the show came to be, leadership, and his creative work in video games and television.

Part 2 of People Management! This time we're talking about accountability and advocacy. With accountability, we look at how you can set expectations within your org as a leader and someone responsible for growing others. With advocacy, we look at a crucial role a manager plays for their employee and the company. Take a listen, and let us know what you think!

Nearly every adult has had a boss. Many people have been a boss. Yet so few people have thought about what it means to be a good boss beyond the superficial. What makes a good boss? What role do they play in the work lives (and lives!) of the people they manage? Ben and Aaron start off the podcast with a debate about what should make bosses tick, then explore two of their people management pillars: Growth and Integrity. If you're looking for some controversial statements, take a listen!

Content pipelines! There's little info about them outside of the game industry, and even within it we tend to view them as some reductionist and step by step repeatable process, a machine you shove artists and writers and designers into to get 'game art stuff' out the other end. In this podcast we talk to @David Klaus, an Agile Coach and former producer who led one of the most profitable teams in the history of game development, to talk about how you lead, serve, and support developers as they make fantastic and useful art.

It's our first episode of Season 2! We've renamed ourselves Building Better Games, and we're going to start by talking about the importance of maintaining a connection between game devs, the game they're making, and the audience. Get ready to talk about playtests, product thinking, and player empathy. Enjoy!

In episode 19, @Ryan Scott joins Ben and Aaron to talk about Game Design. The conversation ranges from what makes a good game designer, to the relationship between product leadership and design, then over to modern trends and a shared skepticism of NFT-oriented games. Hope you enjoy it!

What is 'Holistic Leadership'? In this episode, Aaron and Ben talk about what it means to be a leader and operating at more than just the process layer. They discuss how leadership and management are different, which do we most often see, and what do we need more of in the modern world? Take a listen if you're trying to improve your leadership capability and feeling stuck. Hope you enjoy!

Over and over we run into orgs that want help with 'the process'. Over and over we do a little bit of exploration and discover that the org's issues reside at a deeper 'level'. In this podcast, we walk through the three layers (Culture, Product, and Process) and talk about how so often leaders are focusing all their efforts on the layer where they can have the least long-term positive impact. Check it out, and let us know what you think!

"Product Management" is everywhere in technology. Wherever you're working there is a need to understand what we're trying to do and where we're trying to go. The role is ubiquitous, it is crucial, and it is also undeniably difficult to do well.

In this episode, Aaron and Ben bring Darko Vukovic to the podcast. Darko's an ex-Riot/Google/Oracle PM who has led teams, products, and other product managers in a variety of environments. The discussion ranges from what a product manager is supposed to be doing, how do we get sidetracked, and what younger product managers can do to set themselves apart. There's a lot in this one, enjoy!

We often hear leaders lament a lack of 'accountability' around organizations. It's commonly discussed, usually when something has gone wrong. But what is accountability? Why is it not present when people seem to want it so badly? How do you set it up? In this podcast, Ben and Aaron explore the topic, walking through what accountability is, why we get it wrong, and how to set it up for yourself and those you lead. Hope you enjoy!

For this episode we got to sit down with an old friend - Andrew Brownell. He's spent years as a designer and product lead in AAA studios like Riot, Red 5, and Boundless. Included are crucial lessons on getting yourself unstuck, the social nature of design, and incorporating learning into your development approach. Brilliant guy and we had a blast.

Feedback: People don't even know what we mean when we use the term. We're talking direct, constructive, and growth-oriented - focused on the person and how they behave. We tend to focus on the work and avoid confrontation, but if you ask anyone you know its likely they have at least one "earth-shattering" story of when someone told them the hard thing and it changed their life. Why do we struggle with this? This is a key function of a trust-based and growth focused organization. To demonstrate our trust and investment in each other, we have to learn to say the hard things (and hear them too).

In this podcast we discuss and breakdown the major changes that occur as you grow into higher levels of leadership, and how our industry hasn't trained us to be effective when we get into them. Here we'll provide key focus areas for leaders at various levels and how the journey transforms what tools you'll need to be successful.

In Part 1, we talked about the framework and approach we'd recommend for a leader joining a new team.

In Part 2 (this episode), we cover what bad looks like, some of the challenges you can encounter, and some real-life stories of how Ben and Aaron approached joining teams and organizations in the past. Hope you find something useful that you can apply.

As leaders, we are occasionally asked to join new teams. It could be part of a promotion or expansion of responsibility, it could be that they need help and you've 'finally' arrived to provide it. Whatever the reason, you are launched into a new and uncertain world. In this episode of the Valarin Perspective, Aaron and Ben discuss what a healthy orientation and approach looks like, and also cover a lot of common missteps, such as assuming you know what the team needs, or trying to turn the organization into something similar to what you've worked with in the past. Hope you enjoy it, let us know what you think!

So many organizations are constantly focused on solving problems and firefighting. In this reactive position we lose a level of deliberateness: Are we actually moving toward our vision? There will always be another problem to solve, and it feels very rewarding to solve them. What does it look like if we focus on abundance, and pursue opportunities instead?

For this episode we've brought on one of our esteemed mentors lovingly referred to as "Dr Agile" ( his super-duper favorite nickname). Ahmed is a legend in the software development and Agile space, bringing to bear the truth that this was always about sparking a mindset revolution, as opposed to just process and tools. He's founder of the ICAgile organization, a PhD, and a thought leader across the board in our industry. We discuss what we're missing, why organizations are struggling, and why we all got into Agility in the first place. How in the end, this is all about transitioning our entire worldview from one of optimization, throughput, and raw tactical effeciency toward people, adaptiveness, and learning in a changing world.

Continuing our talk on Incentives, we dive into some examples and pragmatic ideas that can help you take advantage of the behaviors you encourage and discourage in your team or organization. Ask us questions, give us a piece of your mind, or start a discussion using the hashtag #ValarinPerspective Find us at www.valarinconsulting.com, or at @ValarinInc on Twitter and IG.

Leadership. That always present topic that helps us realize that just talking about something doesn’t make it any better. We take a look at what is so often missed when we think about any leader’s role in an organization, and the consequences to feedback, autonomy, and work. This isn’t a question of process, it’s a question of approach. Ask us questions, give us a piece of your mind, or start a discussion using the hashtag #ValarinPerspective Find us at www.valarinconsulting.com, or at @ValarinInc on Twitter and IG.

Why, oh why are there so many meetings all the time. Meetings. MEETINGS. It’s all we do anymore. With remote work it’s even worse. It’s mind-numbing. We hate it. Why do we keep doing it to ourselves? Let’s get into it. (Yes we realize the irony of you spending another hour listening about meetings) Ask us questions, give us a piece of your mind, or start a discussion using the hashtag #ValarinPerspective Find us at www.valarinconsulting.com, or at @ValarinInc on Twitter and IG.

The first podcast we ever recorded. Starts slow, but gets rolling about halfway through. We’ve always loved product management. And we’ve always known it was hard. Now you get to watch us fumble, grow, and learn our way through managing our own mini-product building the Valarin logo. Fun ensues, enjoy the Orc music! Ask us questions, give us a piece of your mind, or start a discussion using the hashtag #ValarinPerspective Find us at www.valarinconsulting.com, or at @ValarinInc on Twitter and IG.

We're missing something in our approach when it comes to Agility and process. "I'm executing the steps right and it just isn't working." We hear a lot of talk about the difference between "being" and "doing" Agile. Join us as we dig into real world examples that show how behavior and principle are key to guide us to the right results. Ask us questions, give us a piece of your mind, or start a discussion using the hashtag #ValarinPerspective Find us at www.valarinconsulting.com, or at @ValarinInc on Twitter and IG.

What’s at the bottom of why we do the things we do? Sure, there’s mastery, autonomy, and purpose, but let’s take a deeper look at what so many are trying to solve for. Go far enough, and you can often see the counter-intuitive motivations behind your leaders (and your own) choices. Ask us questions, give us a piece of your mind, or start a discussion using the hashtag #ValarinPerspective Find us at www.valarinconsulting.com, or at @ValarinInc on Twitter and IG.

Aaron takes us on his journey through a year spent at Barnes & Noble, walking through the differences in culture, some system shocks, and the Riot hangover. Ask us questions, give us a piece of your mind, or start a discussion using the hashtag #ValarinPerspective Find us at www.valarinconsulting.com, or at @ValarinInc on Twitter and IG.

Why are we doing this? What's the point of it all? Start here as we dig into the "why" behind Building Better Games. Spoiler: Great games come from great leaders.