Good Producers Have an Investigative Mindset

Uncover how game producers wield analytical thinking to master complexity and unpredictability.

• Exploring the crucial role of an investigative mindset in game production, highlighting its importance in managing complexity and unpredictability.

• Unveiling key traits such as curiosity, critical thinking, and persistence that define an investigative mindset, essential for overcoming game development challenges.

• Discussing strategies for leveraging an investigative mindset to enhance game development workflows, team dynamics, and ethical decision-making.

In the game industry, where creativity meets complex technology, a game producer manages timelines and budgets and navigates the unpredictable seas of development with a keen, investigative mindset. Today, I’m diving deep into how this mindset isn’t just beneficial but essential for good producers in our field.

At the heart of game development lies a web of creativity, technical challenges, and ever-evolving project requirements. It’s an arena where unforeseen hurdles often obscure the finish line, be it the quest for the fun factor, the integration of new technologies, or the inevitable tech debt accumulating as projects evolve. This unpredictability demands more than just traditional management skills; it requires a producer to embody the role of a detective, constantly searching for clues, asking the right questions, and piecing together the puzzle of how to steer the project to success.

What is an investigative mindset?

An investigative mindset is a curious, analytical way of thinking focused on uncovering the truth. It’s characterised by a keen eye for detail, a questioning nature, and a systematic approach to gathering and evaluating information. People with an investigative mindset are unsatisfied with superficial explanations; they dig deeper to find underlying causes, connections, and motivations. This mindset is essential in game production, where understanding complex issues or solving problems is crucial.

Key traits of an investigative mindset include:

• Curiosity and Inquisitiveness: A natural desire to know more, ask questions, and explore unknown areas.

• Critical Thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understand the logical connection between ideas, and not take information at face value without analysing it.

• Attention to Detail: Noticing and paying close attention to various pieces of information that might seem insignificant to others but could be crucial pieces of a puzzle.

• Persistence: The determination to keep looking for answers, even when the process is challenging or initial leads are dead ends.

• Scepticism: A healthy dose of scepticism towards information received, always looking for evidence and validation before accepting claims as accurate.

• Analytical Skills: The ability to break down complex information into simpler parts for better understanding and to see patterns or connections that are not immediately obvious.

Cultivating an investigative mindset involves continuous learning, practising critical thinking skills, being open-minded yet sceptical, and always asking “why” or “how” to get to the bottom of a matter. It’s about proactively seeking new information and not passively accepting what is presented.

Smart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for non-smart reasons. — Michael Shermer

Why is an investigative mindset beneficial?

An investigative mindset is beneficial because it fosters a curious, analytical way of thinking focused on uncovering the truth.

Research indicates that our information processing is biased, often focusing solely on details affirming our perceptions of individuals, situations, or events. Additionally, evidence suggests a tendency to assign greater significance to information encountered early on (known as the Primacy Effect). Further investigations reinforce that humans are predisposed to identify patterns or relationships, even where none truly exist.

Such selective understanding, confirmation bias, the impact of primacy, and the inclination to perceive connections can significantly impede a producer’s ability to assess information, potentially without their conscious realisation objectively.

How can producers leverage an investigative mindset?

The investigative mindset of a producer characterises an insatiable curiosity and a relentless pursuit of truth and efficiency. This mindset thrives on critical thinking, constantly questioning the status quo and seeking ways to optimise workflows, enhance collaboration, and drive the project forward. It’s about looking beyond the surface, digging into the data, and understanding the intricacies of every aspect of game development, from concept to release.

One of the most telling examples of this investigative approach in action is the application of Agile methodologies. These methods don’t just manage tasks; they reveal insights into the work process itself, highlighting bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. By visualising the flow of work, producers can identify patterns, predict issues before they become critical, and make informed decisions that keep the project on track and within budget.

“People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for.”

– Harper Lee's ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

This approach aligns perfectly with the complexities of game development, where flexibility and adaptability are key. Great producers are able to pivot, reassess priorities based on new information, and optimise resources around evolving project needs. It’s about embracing the inherent unpredictability of game development and using it as a strength, not a weakness.

Moreover, the investigative mindset extends to understanding the human element of game development and recognising the psychological and behavioural patterns that can impact productivity and project outcomes. Whether it’s addressing Parkinson’s Law, where work expands to fill the time allocated, or the Student Syndrome of procrastinating until the deadline looms, a good producer uses these insights to implement strategies that keep the team focused, motivated, and productive.

Leveraging the investigative mindset for ethical decision-making in game development is a nuanced application that often goes unnoticed. As the industry grapples with issues like crunch time, loot boxes, and the portrayal of gender and diversity, producers with an investigative mindset can lead the charge in ethical game design and business practices. This involves scrutinising the implications of confident development choices, not just from a legal standpoint but also considering the broader social and psychological impact on players. Such an approach requires a deep dive into ethical theories, player psychology, and societal trends, positioning the producer as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of responsible gaming.

Adopt an investigative mindset

• Assume nothing

• Believe nothing

• Challenge and check everything

Resisting our innate tendencies to make automatic assumptions and seeking closure can be challenging. Thus, constantly question what you know and what remains unknown to you. Keep in mind that correlation does not equate to causation. In your quest for the truth, endeavour to refute your conclusions.

An investigative mindset is a tool and a lens through which successful game producers view the world. It enables them to confidently and precisely navigate game development’s chaotic, unpredictable nature. By adopting this mindset, producers can unlock new levels of efficiency, creativity, and team synergy, ultimately leading to successful delivery. So, to my fellow producers out there, I say: embrace your inner detective, and let’s make some games!

Note: A LinkedIn post by Gregory Charles inspired this