E9 Creating Successful Mods: Flavor Universalis with PDXBigBoss

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