Building Better Games Benjamin Carcich & Aaron Smith

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 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 “Learn 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 to 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: Challenges of Estimation:
Estimation is a universal pain point in game development, often leading to frustration and cynicism. The misconception that precise estimates can accurately predict future outcomes is widespread and problematic. The Importance of Flexibility:
Effective estimation requires flexibility in scope, time, resources, and priorities. Establishing clear levers that can be pulled to adjust plans as needed is crucial for successful project management. Relative Estimation and Calibration:
Estimations should focus on accuracy rather than precision, using confidence intervals to provide a more realistic view of project timelines. Techniques like throughput and relative estimation help teams make faster and more reliable predictions. Prioritization and Learning:
Estimations are valuable for prioritizing tasks and understanding the relative importance of different features. Tracking past performance and learning from previous estimates can improve future predictions and planning. Balancing Creativity and Control:
Overly rigid plans can stifle creativity and lead to subpar games. Creating systems that allow developers to exercise their judgment and creativity is essential for producing high-quality games. Trust and Communication:
Building trust between managers and teams is vital for effective estimation and planning. Clear communication about the realities of project timelines and the inherent uncertainties in game development is necessary. Tools and Techniques:
Various estimation techniques, including ideal days, story points, and throughput, offer different benefits and can be tailored to specific project needs. The hosts emphasize the importance of choosing the right method for the context and being willing to adapt as new information emerges. By addressing these points, Ben and Aaron provide valuable insights into how to navigate the complexities of estimation and planning in game development, ultimately helping studios ship better games with less stress and frustration.
 
Our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ




 
And if you're interested in more of our content, links below.
"Succeeding in Game Production: What You Aren't Taught" online course for game producers: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production 
Newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter 
Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/
Aaron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames
 
 

Episode 63: People, Products, Playtests (Republish of E1 of BBG)

Welcome to Building Better Games!

Due to Ben's recent knee surgery, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes from season two. In this episode, originally titled "People, Products, Playtests," we dive deep into the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the games we create.

By the way, our discord community is live! Join here to engage with leaders and producers in game dev looking to make our industry a better place that makes better games: https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ 

Key Topics:

1. Playtesting and Engagement: We discuss how regular playtesting can prevent teams from getting lost in the technical aspects and keep the focus on creating an engaging player experience.

2. Internal Playtests: We explore different company cultures around playtesting and how frequent testing can lead to better team behaviors and more successful products.

3. Gamer First, Developer Second: We talk through the impact to our own careers of being a gamer before a developer and how this perspective can lead to better game design and development.

4. Approach to Playtests: Aaron shares insights on the mindset and cultural aspects of playtesting, emphasizing the importance of playing the game from a player's perspective rather than just a developer's.

Join us for this episode on how to build better games through effective playtesting while maintaining a meaningful connection with both the product and the audience.

Don't forget to check out our new Discord server for game development leaders and producers to continue the conversation and solve the right problems together.

Enjoy the episode!

And if you're interested in more of our content, links below.

"Succeeding in Game Production: What You Aren't Taught" online course for game producers: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production 

Newsletter: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter 

Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/
Aaron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/ 

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/