Start / Building Better Games / E46 the 3 ways game producers fail and how you can avoid them

E46 The 3 Ways Game Producers Fail and How YOU can Avoid Them

43 min • 26 september 2023

In this episode, Ben and Aaron delve into the critical role of game production and shed light on common misconceptions and pitfalls often encountered by producers. The discussion uncovers three distinct categories of production traps: suboptimizers, unskilled supporters, and the actively dangerous. Ben and Aaron underscore the importance of steering clear of these pitfalls and emphasize the significance of effective leadership in driving both team and project success. They explore how leadership in game production diverges from traditional management roles and underscore the producer's need to prioritize value and the project's overarching objectives, rather than becoming entangled in processes, tools, or excessive planning.

Key Takeaways:

Effective game production requires leadership, not just management.
Suboptimization, focusing too much on process, tools, or planning, can hinder the success of the project.
Unskilled supporters who take on tasks without providing true leadership can create friction within the team.
The actively dangerous, such as those who always have an answer or act as authoritarian taskmasters, can harm team dynamics and hinder progress.
Producers should focus on the overall goal and value creation, rather than getting caught up in specific tasks or processes.