In 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.
Key Takeaways:
Check out https://coldironstudios.com/ for careers
Resources:
The Checklist Manifesto (Book)
Anything by Brene Brown around Vulnerability
Simon Sinek for leadership
Books on leadership
Crucial Conversations
Connect with Josh Thaler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-thaler/
Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production
Sign up for the Building Better Games Newsletter for bi-weekly tips to help you lead game teams! https://buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter/
Check out our website: https://buildingbettergames.gg/
If you think we could help your studio or company build better games, email us at info@valarinconsulting.com to set up a free 90-minute call!
For more episodes, head to the Building Better Games Podlink https://www.pod.link/1559448378
Connect with us:
Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/
Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doublearon00/
BBG LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/
BBG Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@building_better_games
BBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building_better_games/
Content Editor: Jonathan Singh
EP61: How to Get Promoted in Game Dev
EP60: Breaking Down GDC 2024 - Upcoming Trends, Triumphs, and Tribulations
EP59: Should You Be a Servant Leader in Game Development?
EP58 Why Your Favorite Games Are Getting More Expensive to Make
EP57 Addressing the Real Issues of Today's Games Industry
E56 Solving Despair and Burnout in Game Development with Greg Street
E55 How to fix the Friction Between Creative Directors & Producers
E54 How to Design for Live Service Games w/ Head of League of Legends Andrei Van Roon
E52 How to do User Research in Game Dev with Steve Bromley
E51 How to Spot a Great Product Manager with Paul Gebel
E50 How to Launch a Live Service Game with Serge Knystautas
E49 How to Solve Communication Problems at Your Game Studio
E48 Why Agility in Game Dev Is Failing Your Team
E47 The 3 Skills You Need to be a World-Class Game Producer
E46 The 3 Ways Game Producers Fail and How YOU can Avoid Them
E45 How to Become an S-Tier Manager in Games
E44 How to Build Your Game Better in a Live Service World
E43 Why You're Struggling with Collaboration with Jim Benson
E42 Why You Should (And Shouldn't) Use Unreal, Unity, or Something Else for Game Dev with Jean-Eric Khalife
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