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