20 Years of Industry Insights

In celebration of GamesIndustry.biz's 20th anniversary, we gathered insights from prominent developers, indies, and industry professionals on the most important lessons they've learned over the past two decades. The discussion, which took place at the Develop:Brighton conference, highlighted key takeaways from experienced professionals in the field. Dinga Bakaba, studio and co-creative director at Arkane Lyon, emphasized the importance of learning from colleagues, regardless of their level of experience. He encouraged developers to engage in open discussions, listen to each other's perspectives, and be open to new ideas. Warren Spector, chief creative officer at OtherSide Entertainment, stressed the value of building a strong team with a clear vision and well-defined success criteria. He advised leaders to empower their teams, provide the necessary resources, and step back to allow them to create and innovate. Brenda Romero, CEO and game director at Romero Games, discussed the importance of having a secondary checklist when evaluating potential hires or partnerships. She emphasized the need to consider whether a person or company aligns with the studio's values and culture, rather than just checking boxes on a list. Sam Barlow, game director and owner of Half Mermaid, highlighted the intimate relationship between a game and its player. He encouraged developers to create games that reflect their own passions and interests, as this will increase the chances of resonating with their audience. Caroline Marchal, CEO and creative director at Interior Night, shared her experience of transitioning into a leadership role and the importance of empowering creatives to take charge of their studios and games. She emphasized the value of stability, clarity, and having a talented team behind her. Aaryn Flynn, CEO at Inflexion Games, discussed the concept of 'easier done than said,' where developers often overthink and overanalyze problems. He encouraged the use of playable prototypes to gather information and make informed decisions. Rami Ismail, indie developer, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the industry. He encouraged developers to prioritize the well-being and retention of talented individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Ian Livingstone, industry veteran, focused on three key areas: intellectual property, embracing failure, and partnership arrangements. He advised developers to protect their IP, learn from failures, and establish equal partnerships that balance creative and business aspects. Allan Cudicio, founder and creative director at Twin Drums, shared his personal experience of facing discrimination in the industry and the importance of protecting team members from toxic behavior. He encouraged leaders to prioritize their team's well-being and take swift action when necessary. Chella Ramanan, co-founder and writer at 3-Fold Games, highlighted the importance of passion, people, and persistence in the gaming industry. She encouraged developers to find their passion, surround themselves with supportive and challenging individuals, and persevere through difficult times. Gina Jackson, founder of GameDev Bootcamps, emphasized the need for the industry to find and celebrate its cultural ambassadors. She encouraged developers to share their stories, showcase their work, and promote a positive image of the gaming industry. Shahid Ahmad, director at Crescent Code, encouraged developers to follow their passion and create games that reflect their unique vision. He advised against seeking permission or waiting for others to validate their ideas, and instead, focus on bringing their creative projects to life. Aj Grand-Scrutton, CEO at Dlala Studios, stressed the importance of hiring the right people and building a strong team. He encouraged leaders to prioritize finding complementary skillsets and personalities, rather than just filling gaps quickly. Stephane D'Astous, previously founder of Eidos Montreal, advised against taking shortcuts and emphasized the value of doing one's homework. He encouraged developers to be courageous, ask tough questions, and anticipate potential risks and challenges. Cinzia Musio, diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, highlighted the importance of empathy in the gaming industry. She encouraged developers to work on building their empathy skills, listen to others' stories, and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Sitara Shefta, head of studio at No Brakes Games, encouraged developers to think creatively about their processes and best practices. She shared her experience of adopting a hybrid approach to game development, which helped improve quality, momentum, and team morale. Noirin Carmody, commercial director at Revolution Software, emphasized the importance of respecting and engaging with the audience. She shared her experience of listening to feedback from Kickstarter backers and making changes to the game, which resulted in a positive response and a stronger connection with the community.