Establishing a Game Development Studio: Lessons from the Pizza Industry

The gaming industry is filled with ambitious individuals, but the reality is that many of these dreams are crushed, including some of my own. People often view the gaming industry as a cool, enjoyable, and lucrative business opportunity – and they're mostly right. I've encountered numerous individuals drawn to the idea of working in or funding their own gaming company, particularly during periods of industry growth. However, the market has become increasingly competitive. What are the crucial aspects that both newcomers and veterans should be aware of when building their studio? I decided to make this article more relatable by using the metaphor of running a restaurant, specifically a pizza parlor. Why pizza? Because almost everyone loves pizza, and many people assume it's a simple business. Restaurants are creative businesses, and making a great pizza is more complex than it seems – much like running a game development studio. To create a great pizzeria, you need to have tried many different pizzas and understand what makes a great pizza truly exceptional. The gaming industry is rapidly evolving, so even if you're a veteran with extensive knowledge, it's essential to remain humble and ask questions. Some of these questions include: What makes a particular game successful? Is it the genre, execution, or innovative features? Can your team deliver a similar level of quality? If not, what do they need to improve, and is it feasible for your business? Just as pizza recipes have changed over time, players' tastes have also evolved. What do players want now, and how has their preferences shifted over the years? When considering a location for your pizza parlor, you need to think about whether the area is already saturated with similar businesses. Similarly, how many games are being developed in your desired genre, and how many have succeeded or failed? Is there room for innovation, or can you offer something unique? The process of making pizza is more complex than just throwing ingredients together. It requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the craft. Game development is no different, requiring a thorough understanding of the technology, pipeline, and personnel involved. This list of considerations could go on, but the key takeaway is that establishing a successful game development studio requires a deep understanding of the industry. It's not impossible to learn as you go, but it's crucial to be aware of the challenges and have a plan in place. Understanding the market will also help minimize tensions between you and your team, allowing for better investment of time, money, and effort. For newcomers, it's essential to ask: Am I truly aware of the industry, or do I have someone on my team who is? For veterans, it's crucial to ask: Do I really understand what makes recent games successful, and can I offer something unique? The reality is that most indie studios release only one game, and the chances of success are statistically low. Instead of investing everything in one big project, it might be wiser to develop multiple smaller games and learn from each experience. This approach will allow you to gain valuable publishing experience, expand your portfolio, and give your team the opportunity to grow and learn. It's also essential to have a strong, well-balanced core team in place. If you're struggling to find the perfect team, it may be necessary to scale down your expectations and production. Sometimes, it's better to start small and focus on creating something exceptional rather than trying to create a massive, complex project that may not succeed. As a studio owner, you need to set the right mood and values for your team. Making money is important, but it can't be the only driving force. Games are a form of art, and great games require heart and passion. You need to inspire your team, show them that you care about their work, and treat them with kindness and professionalism. Ultimately, establishing a game development studio is a challenging but rewarding experience. While this list is not exhaustive, it's hoped that the lessons and mindset provided will help navigate the challenges of the gaming industry.