Building Better Games

Marketing 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 with Influencers: Why building genuine relationships with content creators can lead to better game visibility.
• Community Building as Core Strategy: Ignition Facility’s approach to embedding within game communities to foster authentic engagement.
• Avoiding Costly Missteps: Tips on testing marketing strategies before fully investing in campaigns.

👉 Connect with Chris Heintz & Joe Blancato

• Chris Heintz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heintzer/

• Joe Blancato LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jblancato/

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

Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm

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

Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm

In 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.

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 with Influencers: Why building genuine relationships with content creators can lead to better game visibility.
• Community Building as Core Strategy: Ignition Facility’s approach to embedding within game communities to foster authentic engagement.
• Avoiding Costly Missteps: Tips on testing marketing strategies before fully investing in campaigns.

👉 Connect with Chris Heintz & Joe Blancato:

• Chris Heintz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heintzer/

• Joe Blancato LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jblancato/

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

Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm

Narrative 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 narrative teams and creative conflict resolution

If you’re curious about how games like Space Marine 2 or League of Legends come to life from a narrative standpoint, you won’t want to miss this!

👉 Connect with Matthew Garcia-Dunn:

• Matthew Garcia-Dunn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-garcia-dunn-39157812/

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

Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm

Welcome 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 the future of AAA game development.
• Leadership & Innovation: The importance of leaders taking action and creating the right incentives for teams to thrive.
• Player Connection: Why developers must rebuild a positive relationship with their audience.
• Exciting Future: Access to game-making tools is growing exponentially, empowering smaller teams to build something amazing.

If you’re passionate about game development or leadership, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

Connect with Aaron:

• Aaron Smith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/

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

Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QD5yIbFdJXvccO8Z5aXpm

Welcome 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 Points:

Understanding Flow:

• Flow is the state where players lose themselves in the game, merging action and awareness.
• It involves a loss of self-consciousness and time distortion, creating a deeply immersive experience.

Flow in Game Design:

• Developers can foster flow by designing clear goals, balancing challenge and skill, and minimizing distractions.
• Personalized experiences tailored to individual player profiles keep the flow state active.

Triggers and Blockers of Flow:

• Flow is triggered by the balance between challenge and skill; too much or too little breaks the state.
• Distractions or unclear mechanics can block flow, and understanding these factors is key.

Designing for Flow Phases:

• There are four phases of flow: struggle, release, flow, and recovery. It’s crucial for games to guide players through these phases for optimal engagement.
• Games that understand and incorporate these phases can keep players coming back for more.

Future of Flow in Gaming:

• Kevin and I look into the future, discussing adaptive technologies that could personalize flow experiences for each player.
• Understanding different player types and motivations will be key to designing games that maintain flow over long periods.

Mastering the concept of flow will give you a step up in crafting games that are not just enjoyable but profoundly engaging. Whether you’re a game developer aiming to create unforgettable experiences or a gamer curious about what makes some games so compelling, this episode is filled with insights you won’t want to miss.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support mean the world to us, and we’re excited to continue bringing you valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about Kevin Scheepers:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-scheepers-96229428/

• FlowMade Website: https://flowmade.org

• GameWell Podcast: https://flowmade.org/gamewell

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 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 was a collaborative effort involving various team leads and prioritizing player experience above all else, with decisions framed against an aligned vision everyone shared.

Open Communication & Trust: The studio thrives on transparent communication and a deep-seated trust in its team members. This fosters autonomy and allows individuals to take ownership of their creative contributions.

The Human Element: Building a great game isn't just about project management; it's about embracing the human element. Larian encourages its developers to make games they are passionate about, fostering a sense of personal investment and creative fulfillment.

Baldur's Gate 3 stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, trust, and open communication in game development. Larian Studios' approach highlights the importance of embracing change, fostering a culture of collaboration, and empowering individuals to contribute their unique creativity.

Share your thoughts! What are your key takeaways from John and Greg's experiences? How do you navigate the challenges of adaptation and collaboration in your own projects? Let us know in the comments below!

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about Larian Studios:

• Larian Studios Website: https://larian.com/

• Larian Studios LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/larian-studios/

• Baldur’s Gate 3 Website: https://baldursgate3.game/ 

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 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 won’t ALWAYS be in flow.

Individual vs. Organizational:

• Individual flow requires focus and uninterrupted work.
• Organizational flow needs team alignment towards a shared goal.

Triggers and Blockers:

• Flow is triggered by a balance between challenge and skill.
• Blockers include stress and distractions; “eustress” can enhance performance.

Creating an Environment:

• Leaders can foster flow by setting clear goals and reducing distractions.
• Balancing team and individual needs is crucial for maintaining flow.

Compliment:

• Ironically, compliments can disrupt flow by shifting focus to the self.
• Kevin suggests praising the work rather than the person to sustain flow.

Leadership:

• Leadership is key to nurturing flow, requiring clear communication.
• Understanding the organization at both macro and micro levels supports flow.

Kevin Scheepers leaves us with valuable advice on designing game studios that thrive on flow, encouraging leaders to map out their team’s strengths and challenges. By understanding the unique makeup of your team and the processes that drive flow, you can unlock new levels of creativity and productivity in game development.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about Kevin Scheepers:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-scheepers-96229428/

• FlowMade Website: https://flowmade.org

• GameWell Podcast: https://flowmade.org/gamewell

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! 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 product viability and market fit.
• Balancing craft excellence with overall vision

Diminishing Returns:

• Maintain momentum while ensuring quality.
• Internal motivation is key for team success.

Role of Product Managers:

• Act as partners, not overseers.
• Importance of involvement in daily standups and retrospectives.

Leadership and Culture:

• Create environments fostering creativity and coherence.
• Address issues harming team dynamics and productivity.

Feature Factory Approach:

• Avoid treating development as a feature factory.
• Focus on sustainable growth and internal culture.

Complex Adaptive Systems:

• Balance process-centric and variable approaches.
• Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity.

Ideal Prioritization:

• Effective prioritization is crucial.
• Example of a CTO refocusing by deleting the backlog.

Aspiring Product Managers:

• Key traits: curiosity, problem-solving, team orientation.
• Gain hands-on experience before diving into product management.

Culture and Leadership:

• Leadership behaviors impact performance and creativity.
• Address performance asymmetries within teams.

Thanks for joining us! We explored John's journey, highlighting the importance of a healthy product culture and clear vision. John provided advice on the role of product managers, effective prioritization, and fostering creativity within teams.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

To learn more about John Cutler:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpcutler/

Twitter: https://x.com/johncutlefish

Newsletter: cutlefish.substack.com

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

Graham 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, not just the features.

Understanding the Struggle with Vision:

• Most developers can articulate what they are making but struggle with why they are making it.
• Misalignment often stems from not having a unified understanding of the game's unique experience.

Importance of Experience Design:

• Game design is about creating experiences, not just features or mechanics.
• Discussing and aligning on the experience is crucial for successful game development.

 Challenges in Team Alignment:

• Teams often default to discussing tangible features rather than the intangible player experience.
• Misunderstandings and misalignments are common due to varied interpretations of the game vision.

Publisher and Developer Relationships:

• Trust and clear communication between publishers and developers are vital.
• Alignment of vision and expectations can prevent project failures and funding issues.

Thank you for joining us for Part 2 of our discussion on vision in game development with Graham McAllister. We hope these insights help you and your team achieve better alignment and success. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable content. See you next time!

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

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