Shows
Building Better GamesE111: Why Western Game Dev Is Breaking — What Leaders Do NextIf 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...
2026-01-061h 08
Building Better GamesE110: The Truth About Game Studio Politics (And How to Win Without Becoming a Monster)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...
2025-12-1645 min
Building Better GamesE109: Is Ethical AI in Game Dev Even Possible?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...
2025-12-021h 43
Building Better GamesE108: 3 Leadership Mistakes Quietly Crippling Your Game StudioIf 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...
2025-11-1831 min
Building Better GamesE107: Stop Hiring "Testers." Start Doing QA.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...
2025-11-111h 01
Building Better GamesE106: Why Jira Hurts Game StudiosIf 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...
2025-11-0433 min
Building Better GamesE105: Your "2-Day" Task Takes 2 Months. Here's the Fix.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...
2025-10-281h 04
Building Better GamesE104: Game Dev Leaders: Save Weeks of Thrash in 20 MinutesIf 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...
2025-10-2116 min
Building Better GamesE103: Leadership Under Fire: Surviving a $100M Game Studio CrisisIf 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. ...
2025-10-1457 min
Building Better GamesE102: 5 Game Dev Delusions That Kill StudiosStop 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...
2025-10-0728 min
Building Better GamesE101: How Layoffs Go Wrong—and the Right Way to Do ThemReady 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 f...
2025-09-301h 28
Building Better GamesE100: Don't Hire Until You See These 3 SignsReady 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...
2025-09-231h 09
Building Better GamesE99: Stop Using 2-Week Sprints - Here's Why They're Failing YouStuck 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 d...
2025-09-1638 min
Building Better GamesE98: Why Most Game Launches Flop (And How to Avoid It)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.
2025-09-091h 41
Building Better GamesE97: The 3 Tools Your Team Needs To Deliver Great Games🎮 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 av...
2025-09-0231 min
Building Better GamesE96: Setting Goals: It's Not Just About Shipping A Game, with Melissa PhillipsSetting 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 w...
2025-08-2659 min
Building Better GamesE94: Why You Should Think About Publishing More In Game Dev with Elizabeth HowardDo 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...
2025-07-291h 09
Building Better GamesE93: The Collapse of the Games Industry with Trent KustersHow 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...
2025-07-151h 35
Building Better GamesE91: How to Stop Compromising and Make the Studio You Actually Want with Critical Path GamesGame 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 "va...
2025-06-171h 42
Building Better GamesE90: The Engineering Talent Pipeline is Broken: Juniors, AI & the Future of Game Dev w/ Carly TaylorHiring 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...
2025-06-031h 18
Building Better GamesE88: The 3 Levers to Make Games Travel East ↔ WestWhat 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 form...
2025-05-061h 16
Building Better GamesE83: 3 Steps To Leading Well In Game DevelopmentWhat 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 cru...
2025-02-2542 min
Building Better GamesE82: The Most Expensive Mistake In Game DevWhat 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 inten...
2025-02-111h 21
Building Better GamesE81: Bad Playtests Break Teams—Here's the FixIs 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 t...
2025-01-2836 min
Building Better GamesE80: Stop Betting Everything on One Game — Start Shipping 10 on UEFNWhy 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 e...
2025-01-1457 min
Building Better GamesE78: How to Lead Game Dev in Uncertain Times, with Omar KendallThere'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 i...
2024-12-1853 min
Building Better GamesE78: How to Lead Game Dev in Uncertain Times, with Omar KendallThere’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. Lea...
2024-12-1753 min
Building Better GamesE77: How You Know Which Game To Make, with Omar KendallFiguring 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...
2024-12-0355 min
Building Better GamesE76: How to Market Your Game with Chris and Joe from Ignition FacilityMarketing 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 w...
2024-11-1937 min
Building Better GamesE75: Why It's So Hard To Get Players To Play Your Game, with Joe and Chris from Ignition FacilityIn 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.
2024-11-0551 min
Building Better GamesE74: How To Write Compelling NPCs For Space Marine 2 with Matthew Garcia-DunnNarrative 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...
2024-10-2251 min
Building Better GamesE73: The Challenges Game Studios Face And Saying Goodbye with Aaron SmithWelcome 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...
2024-10-0835 min
Learn from Leaders Podcast#61 - Benjamin Carcich: Founder mode done rightIn this episode of Learn from Leaders, Patric Palm & Benjamin Carcich discuss the concept of leadership balance, focusing on the distinction between "Founder Mode" and "Manager Mode." They dive into the misconceptions surrounding these modes, often oversimplified as micromanagement versus hands-off leadership. Using examples from companies like Larian Studios (Baldur's Gate 3), they emphasize that leadership is about aligning teams with a shared vision and strategically deciding where to engage.(00:00) | Intro (00:43) | Founder Mode and Manager Mode Patric and Benjamin discuss the buzz surrounding "Founder Mode" and "Manager Mode," debunking common misconceptions that...
2024-10-0725 min
Learn from Leaders Podcast#60 - Benjamin Carcich: Accountability done right – Individuals & TeamsIn this episode of the Learn from Leaders podcast, Patric Palm and Benjamin Carcich discuss practical models for fostering accountability, balancing individual roles with team objectives, and how positive consequences can break fear-based cycles. (00:00) | Intro(00:45) | The Importance of Accountability The episode begins with a discussion on why accountability is crucial for both individuals and teams. It explores how clear accountability drives collaboration, quality, and satisfaction in the workplace.(12:37) | Setting and Negotiating Expectations This section delves into the first step of accountability—setting clear ex...
2024-10-061h 14
Learn from Leaders Podcast#59 - Benjamin Carcich: State of Agile, Estimation and Throughput Based PlanningIn this episode, Patric Palm and his guest discuss the misapplication and challenges of implementing Agile practices in the game development industry. They also touch on how modern techniques like measuring throughput instead of granular estimates can improve production efficiency and outcomes.(00:00) | Intro(00:44) | State of Agile development in the games industryBenjamin explains why Agile in game development feels outdated, lagging behind other industries by 10-15 years. They discuss how early methods, like waterfall, have constrained creativity and innovation in game production.(08:42) | Cynisism towards agile...
2024-10-0642 min
Learn from Leaders Podcast#58 - Benjamin Carcich: Live service done rightIn this episode, of the Learn from Leaders podcast, Patric Palm & Benjamin Carcich delve into the challenges and evolution of the gaming industry, with a focus on the shift towards live service games. The discussion covers how player expectations are driving developers to adopt continuous updates, which has transformed both game development and business strategies.(00:00) | Intro(00:44) | Live service, the future of the games industry?The conversation kicks off with the shift towards live service games. Benjamin explains why this model is becoming the norm, driven by player expectations and technological advancements...
2024-10-0631 min
Learn from Leaders Podcast #57 - Benjamin Carcich: Production challenges, Efficiency vs Effectiveness, Incentives, ToolsIn this episode, the Patric Palm & Benjamin Carcich dive into the challenges of game production, discussing leadership struggles, inefficiencies, and the need for better management practices that balance creativity with process. (00:00) | Intro(00:44) | Challenges within Games Production TodayThe conversation moves to the broader challenges in game production, including leadership struggles, inefficiencies, and the need for better management practices that balance creativity with process.(07:04) | Efficiency vs EffectivenessBen highlights the industry's tendency to prioritize efficiency over effectiveness, explaining that while efficiency is measurable, true...
2024-10-0433 min
Learn from Leaders Podcast#56 - Benjamin Carcich: Strategic Decision Making, Articulating the VisionIn this episode, Patric and Benjamin discuss the key challenges and lessons in game development leadership, focusing on the role of producers in driving both creativity and efficiency. The conversation covers:(00:00) | Intro(00:00) | Being Thrown Through the Wall of Your Own NaivetéBenjamin reflects on a pivotal moment in his career where political realities in a company led to his departure. This experience taught him the importance of maintaining self-worth independently of external validation.(11:47) | The Importance of Focus and Strategic Decision-MakingBenjamin emphasizes the v...
2024-10-0335 min
Building Better GamesE72: How to Engage Players and Improve Retention through Flow with Kevin ScheepersWelcome 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...
2024-09-2433 min
Building Better GamesE71: How Baldur's Gate 3's Story And Cinematics Were Built with John O'brien and Greg LidstoneWelcome 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...
2024-09-1040 min
Building Better GamesE70: How to Move Faster With Flow in Game Dev with Kevin ScheepersWelcome 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 w...
2024-08-2739 min
Building Better GamesE69: How Product Thinking Can Help Your Game with John CutlerWelcome 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...
2024-08-1343 min
Building Better GamesE68: How to Create an Effective Game Vision with Graham McAllisterGraham 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, n...
2024-07-3042 min
Building Better GamesE67: The #1 Reason Game Dev Fails with Graham McAllisterIn 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 o...
2024-07-1642 min
Building Better GamesE66: How to Optimize Game Development with Patric Palm, Founder of FavroWelcome 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...
2024-07-0236 min
Building Better GamesE65: How To Do Game Design During Ideation with Greg StreetIn 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...
2024-06-1842 min
Building Better GamesE64: Why Estimation In Game Dev Is So HardIn 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 a...
2024-06-0444 min
Building Better GamesE63: People, Products, And Playtests: Staying Connected To Your Players (Republish of Episode 1)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 Ke...
2024-05-211h 00
Building Better GamesE62: What Leadership Skills Matter Most in Game Development?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 sys...
2024-05-0747 min
Building Better GamesEP61: How to Get Promoted in Game DevTitles 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 i...
2024-04-2348 min
Building Better GamesEP60: Breaking Down GDC 2024 - Upcoming Trends, Triumphs, and TribulationsIn 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 cr...
2024-04-0944 min
Building Better GamesEP59: Should You Be a Servant Leader in Game Development?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...
2024-03-2647 min
Building Better GamesEP58 Why Your Favorite Games Are Getting More Expensive to MakeWhy 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...
2024-03-1242 min
Building Better GamesEP57 Addressing the Real Issues of Today's Games IndustryIn 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....
2024-02-2742 min
Building Better GamesE56 Solving Despair and Burnout in Game Development with Greg StreetDespair 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...
2024-02-1346 min
Building Better GamesE55 How to fix the Friction Between Creative Directors & ProducersIn 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 cr...
2024-02-0653 min
Building Better GamesE54 How to Design for Live Service Games w/ Head of League of Legends Andrei Van RoonIn 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...
2024-01-1644 min
Building Better GamesE53 How Often Should You Release in Game Dev with Josh ThalerIn 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.
2024-01-0244 min
Building Better GamesE52 How to do User Research in Game Dev with Steve BromleySteve 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...
2023-12-1944 min
Building Better GamesE51 How to Spot a Great Product Manager with Paul GebelPaul 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...
2023-12-0544 min
Building Better GamesE50 How to Launch a Live Service Game with Serge KnystautasJoin 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. K...
2023-11-2140 min
Building Better GamesE49 How to Solve Communication Problems at Your Game StudioCommunication 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...
2023-11-0742 min
Building Better GamesE48 Why Agility in Game Dev Is Failing Your TeamIn 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 t...
2023-10-2442 min
Building Better GamesE47 The 3 Skills You Need to be a World-Class Game ProducerIn 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 l...
2023-10-1041 min
Building Better GamesE46 The 3 Ways Game Producers Fail and How YOU can Avoid ThemIn 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...
2023-09-2643 min
Building Better GamesE45 How to Become an S-Tier Manager in GamesAaron 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 b...
2023-09-1245 min
Building Better GamesE44 How to Build Your Game Better in a Live Service WorldBen 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 t...
2023-08-2940 min
Building Better GamesE34 Why You Need to Be Aware That Games Are Big Business (and What Can Go Wrong) with Susan Cummings and Ryan Scott"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 su...
2023-04-1138 min
Building Better GamesE33 How to be a Master of Web3 Gaming Debates: Susan Cummings & Ryan Scott Share Key InsightsWeb3 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. ...
2023-03-2834 min
Building Better GamesE32 How to Convince The Leaders Above You to Support Your ChangeWhat 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, va...
2023-03-1437 min
Building Better GamesE31 How to Keep an Open Mind During Difficult Times with Joseph KimChoose 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.
2023-02-2840 min
Building Better GamesE30 How to Estimate Accurately Without Burning Trust or Your TeamGame 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 pr...
2023-02-1439 min
Building Better GamesE29 Ideation, Pre-production, and Production: How to Lead During the Different Phases of Game DevelopmentIf 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 an...
2023-01-3145 min
Building Better GamesE28 How to Lead and Collaborate in a Remote WorldRemote 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 ke...
2023-01-1040 min
Building Better GamesE27 Remote Work Exposed: A Deep Dive into the Pros, Cons, and ControversiesIf 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 cont...
2023-01-0337 min
Building Better GamesE26 How to Build Trust as a Leader with Zach BlitzDoes 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 g...
2022-12-1344 min
Building Better GamesE25 How to Build a Games Studio That Delivers the Promise of the "Dream Job" with Josiah Kiehl"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...
2022-12-0643 min
Building Better GamesE24 How to Get a Job in Game DevelopmentDreaming of a career in game development? In the gaming industry, relevant skills and real experience delivering outcomes matter more than a college degree. If you're highly creative and technical, and can work well on a team, you'll do well in this industry, but keep in mind that working in game dev is not all fun and games. On today's episode, Building Better Games is addressing some of the myths and struggles of the industry, such as the pressure and time crunch many people in game dev are faced with. With a higher su...
2022-11-2246 min
Building Better GamesE23 How to Handle Layoffs as a Leader with Sophie Vo Part 2: The BreakdownDuring 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. Yo...
2022-11-0843 min
Building Better GamesE22 How to Handle Layoffs as a Leader with Sophie Vo Part 1: The StoryIf 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 indu...
2022-10-2541 min
Building Better GamesE21 How not to Lose Your Game Vision on the Altar of "Getting Shit Done"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 yo...
2022-10-1147 min
Building Better GamesE20 How to Get People on Board with Your Ideas: with Jeff HackertKnowing 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 mo...
2022-09-2744 min
Building Better GamesE19 BBG Extras: Tabletop RPGs vs Video Games with Tyler Kamstra of RPGBOT.netFar 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.
2022-09-2031 min
Building Better GamesE18 How to be a AAA Art Director in Game Dev with Tomáš JechThe 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 st...
2022-09-1346 min
Building Better GamesE17 Should You Create a Video Game Startup? What Founders Need To Know with Joakim AchrenEvery 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 id...
2022-08-3038 min
Building Better GamesE16 How to Staff Up For A Successful GameIt 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, wh...
2022-08-1647 min
Building Better GamesE15 How to Save Your Developers Time: Avoiding Death by JIRA"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 da...
2022-08-0247 min
Building Better GamesE14 How to Make Amazing Content While Avoiding the "Infinite" Quality BarLeading 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...
2022-07-1945 min
Building Better GamesE13 How to Reduce Risk & Ship Your Game: Battling Organizational FallaciesAaron 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.
2022-07-0646 min
Building Better GamesE12 Building an Adaptable Engineering Org for Your Game with Jonathan McCaffreyJonathan 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!
2022-06-211h 08
Building Better GamesE11 Why You Should Embrace HR at Your Game Studio with Dominic SaintfortDominic 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.
2022-06-071h 12
Building Better GamesE10 BONUS EPISODE: How to Develop Ownership on Your Team with Randy TauRandy 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.
2022-05-3055 min
Building Better GamesE9 Creating Successful Mods: Flavor Universalis with PDXBigBoss"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.
2022-05-231h 34
Building Better GamesE8 How to Lead as an introvert in Games with Grace LiuGrace 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!
2022-05-101h 04
Building Better GamesE7 Hiring Part 2: How to Find Talent In Game Dev with Erin HardmanIn 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.
2022-04-261h 18
Building Better GamesE6 Hiring Part 1: How to Hire the Right People for YOUR OrgUnderstanding 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).
2022-04-071h 13
Building Better GamesE5 How to Turn a Video Game into a Successful Show: Arcane with Alex YeeArcane 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.
2022-03-291h 26
Building Better GamesE4 Managing Others Pt 2: How to Create Accountability and Be an AdvocatePart 2 of Managing Others! 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!
2022-03-151h 21
Building Better GamesE3 Managing Others Pt 1: How to be a Good BossNearly 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!
2022-03-011h 10
Building Better GamesE2 How You Lead Creative Content Teams with David KlausContent 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.
2022-02-151h 16