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Welcome to the laboratory of the Game Production Alchemist! Prepare to encounter unconventional perspectives on game production, LiveOps and leadership.
A lot of people are interested in finding out what makes game studios successful and sustainable in the long run. This blog is designed for professionals in game production who want to improve their skills, team leaders who want to enhance their leadership abilities, newcomers who are considering a career in game production, and anyone who is intrigued by the alchemy of game development.
What to expect
Here, we delve into game production, project management, and leadership to inform and transmute your approach and perspective. Prepare to encounter unconventional perspectives on game production and studio leadership that defy the norm and relentlessly pursue excellence in every facet of successful game development. This is where boundaries are pushed, and traditional views are challenged, paving the way for innovation and success in the dynamic realm of game creation.
“The secrets of alchemy exist to transform mortals from a state of suffering and ignorance to a state of enlightenment and bliss.” ― Deepak Chopra
What is Production Alchemy?
Here are a few examples of applied Production Alchemy:
Game teams surpass key milestones with flying colours, achieving remarkable feats without the need for crunch.
Delighted players, so captivated by the allure of a new weekend event in their beloved game, eagerly reshaping their weekend itineraries to immerse themselves in this fresh experience they have been waiting for.
Studio leadership shines like beacons of success in their quarterly business reviews as they report to the C-suite the fruition of revenue-generating features launched precisely on the forecasted dates set nine months earlier.
The three examples share a common denominator: great production strategy, detailed planning, and precision execution, necessary iteration and delivery of expected outcomes.
Who is this so-called Game Production Alchemist?
My name is Rob Sandberg, and I am the Game Production Alchemist! I started developing video games on my Apple II as a teenager in the 80s and have since been professionally making games and building game services for over thirty years. As a producer, I have shipped dozens of games from concept to live operations on mobile, console, PC, VR and web.
I am credited for award-winning AAA titles, top-grossing apps that have earned billions (yes, billions with a B) in revenue, games with big licensed brands, budget Walmat shovel-ware, some of the lowest-ranking games of all time, and so many cancelled games I have lost count. The good, the bad and the ugly, but every game was a learning experience. I wear my scars with pride. See my LinkedIn bio or Alchemy Society credentials below for more details. Here are many of the games that I had the privilege of being a part of.
I reside in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, in the shadow of the Chiltern Hills, writing in my secret laboratory in an undisclosed location. In the latter part of August each year, I can be found at the 10/7 Bar located at the Tokyo Ranger Outpost in Black Rock City, Nevada.
How can you support my writing?
If you enjoy my work, please like, comment, and share! You can download the Substack app to join the conversation and follow me on LinkedIn.
Learn more about the field of Game Production
Production 101
Welcome to the Production 101 series, where we dive deep into game production. This series is about uncovering this professional discipline's mysteries, providing a platform for newcomers and seasoned professionals. Unlike the other long-winded tomes of the Game Production Alchemist, this series is quick to the point and under a 5-minute read each.
Lead into Gold
Here are ideas that will transmute the way you think about game production.
What an AWESOME welcome page!! You really lead the reader through all the things they might ask as a visitor to your page. 👏