Key Takeaways from the GI Sprint Series

Over the past three weeks, GamesIndustry.biz has delved into the world of game development, exploring innovative strategies and technologies that can help studios create games more quickly, cheaply, and effectively. The GI Sprint series has covered a wide range of topics, including the role of AI, cloud computing, remote working, and team management in game development. In this article, we will summarize the key takeaways from the series, providing a concise overview of the expert advice and insights shared by industry professionals. The series kicked off with an in-depth discussion on the unsustainable costs of game development, particularly in the AAA space, and how to reduce these costs without compromising on quality. One of the primary suggestions was to design fewer levels and create shorter games, as most players do not complete the entire game. Another crucial point was the importance of evaluating the return on investment for technological advancements, as many players may not even notice them. The use of AI and automation was also emphasized, as these can significantly streamline the development process and reduce the workload on human developers. Additionally, the need for discipline and strict planning was highlighted, as well as the importance of not spending too much time on ideas that are not working. Other key takeaways from the series included the benefits of developing more focused and frequent releases, the importance of maintaining a simple scope to speed up development, and the need to re-evaluate success metrics, particularly for smaller, lower-budget games. The series also explored the potential of cloud computing and AI in game development, including their ability to assist with coding, story creation, live service management, and community management. However, it was also noted that these technologies cannot replace human game developers. Furthermore, the series discussed the role of AI in making games faster, better, and cheaper, with experts advising developers to explore open-source tooling, automate monotonous tasks, and retain a human touch in their games. The importance of playtesting and the use of AI-powered playtesting bots was also highlighted, as these can significantly reduce the number of manual tweaks required and speed up the development process. Other topics covered in the series included the advantages of running one's own tech, the need to iterate faster and test game ideas, and the importance of reducing rework and automating tasks where possible. The series also touched on the need to know when to kill a game idea and the importance of creating a desirable workplace culture to prioritize people over profits. Finally, the benefits of remote working and the need for clear communication, vision alignment, and efficiency in remote teams were discussed. By implementing these strategies and technologies, game developers can create high-quality games more efficiently, effectively, and affordably, ultimately leading to greater success in the gaming industry.