E48 Why Agility in Game Dev Is Failing Your Team

In this episode, Aaron and Ben address the prevailing frustration and cynicism within the game development industry concerning Agile methodologies. They stress the importance of acknowledging the evolving landscape, characterized by a shift from defined to empirical work methods. To facilitate this transition, they introduce the concept of the Six Parameters: Innovation Needed, Uncertainty, Rate of Change, Cost of Change, Controllability, and Impact of Failure. These parameters serve as invaluable tools for assessing the work environment and selecting the most suitable approach.   As practical instruments, the Six Parameters foster thoughtful discussions among leaders and their teams, promoting adaptive processes tailored to the unique requirements of each project. The ultimate objective is to align teams and steer the focus toward value and collaboration, emphasizing flexibility over rigid adherence to traditional Agile practices.   Key Takeaways: Frustration and resentment can arise in the game development industry due to the perception of bureaucratic Agile practices. The contemporary work landscape is characterized by complexity and uncertainty, necessitating a shift in mindset and management strategies. The defined-empirical spectrum empowers teams to evaluate their environment and determine the optimal approach for their projects. Collaboration emerges as a crucial asset for navigating uncertainty and harnessing human creativity. Assessing the cost of change and the impact of failure is pivotal when selecting a management approach. Effective leaders prioritize a comprehensive understanding of their projects and teams, rather than blindly adhering to traditional Agile practices.   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 [email protected] 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