Game Studio Management – How to Survive, Rebuild, and Lead a Game Studio:
Running a game studio is no easy feat. From handling the challenges of self-publishing to managing a team through tough financial situations, studio heads face a constant balancing act. Frederick Brassard, the Studio Head at Nesting Games, shared his insights on surviving, rebuilding, and leading a game studio in a conversation with Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®. Their discussion covered a variety of topics, from effective team management to the trials of self-publishing, providing valuable lessons for anyone looking to run a successful indie studio.
Frederick Brassard’s Journey – From AAA to Indie:
Frederick’s career journey began in the AAA game industry, where he worked with prominent companies like Ubisoft. As a studio head at Nesting Games, he transitioned from large corporate environments to running a smaller indie studio. This move brought about a huge shift in the way he approached management, recruitment, and game development.
A key lesson Frederick learned from his time at AAA studios was the importance of discipline and clear communication within teams. Unlike the large, highly structured AAA studios, indie studios are more agile but also require a different approach to maintain efficiency and productivity. Through his experiences, he has refined a management style that ensures the studio’s operations remain smooth and aligned with their goals, even in the face of uncertainty.
Building a Team – The Importance of Recruitment:
One of the most critical aspects of leading a game studio is recruitment. Frederick emphasizes that the recruitment process is not just about filling positions; it’s about finding individuals who are a good fit for the studio’s culture. Many developers come from AAA backgrounds, and while their resumes are impressive, they often lack hands-on experience with the full production process. This discrepancy can lead to problems in small studios, where everyone needs to be involved in every aspect of development.
Frederick’s recruitment philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of each candidate’s practical experience, especially their technical skills. During interviews, he and his team ask candidates specific questions about their experience with tools like Unreal Engine to assess their actual expertise, not just their job titles. It’s not enough to have a stellar resume; candidates must demonstrate that they’re willing to roll up their sleeves and contribute to all stages of production.
Self-Publishing, The Challenges and Rewards:
While many indie studios opt to work with publishers, Nesting Games chose to self-publish its game, a decision that came with its own set of challenges and rewards. Frederick believes that self-publishing is an incredible learning opportunity, offering the team the chance to develop skills in areas such as community management, marketing, and financial planning.
Frederick’s team has made a point of staying close to their community, particularly on platforms like Steam. The direct connection with players allows them to gather real-time feedback, which is invaluable in shaping the game’s direction. He also notes that staying hands-on with the community helps build a deeper connection with the players, as they feel like they are communicating with the developers themselves, rather than through layers of social media managers.
Despite the positives, self-publishing is no easy task. It involves a constant grind, as the team has to handle everything from marketing to customer support. For Frederick, the key to managing this workload is discipline—starting every day at 6:30 a.m. and keeping a strict schedule. He also credits his business partner and team for staying highly involved, ensuring that all areas of the game’s development and promotion are covered.
Handling the Challenges of Financial Management:
Self-publishing also means handling the financial aspects of the studio. Frederick stresses that financial planning is essential to surviving in the current climate. In particular, he emphasizes the importance of having a clear and realistic financial plan, including a detailed profit and loss (P&L) statement.
One of the most common mistakes Frederick sees in the industry is failing to clearly define the budget. When pitching to publishers or seeking external funding, it’s critical to provide specific financial projections. Vague answers about the game’s budget can quickly turn off potential investors or publishers, so it’s essential to have a detailed and realistic financial plan in place.
Frederick also notes that studios must be lean in their operations, especially in difficult times. For Nesting Games, staying lean meant making tough decisions, including reducing the team size during challenging periods. He openly admits that laying off employees was one of the hardest decisions he’s had to make, but he underscores the importance of maintaining a lean operation to ensure the long-term survival of the studio.
The Importance of Ego Management and Team Dynamics:
Frederick emphasizes that managing egos within the studio is crucial, particularly when transitioning from larger studios to a smaller indie setup. In big companies, people often get used to managerial roles and may lose touch with the actual production work. This “superstar syndrome” can be toxic in smaller studios, where everyone needs to be hands-on and involved in the entire process.
As a studio head, Frederick works hard to maintain a balanced, ego-free environment where everyone is expected to contribute directly to the production. This includes challenging former AAA professionals who may have grown accustomed to a more detached role. It’s about creating an atmosphere of teamwork, where every member is actively contributing to the game’s success, no matter their title.
Additionally, Frederick believes in empowering junior developers, giving them the freedom to experiment and learn without fear of failure. He encourages a culture where it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as there’s room for growth and learning. Some of the studio’s best performers are junior team members who are hungry to prove themselves, and Frederick finds that empowering them often leads to surprising results.
Navigating Industry Struggles – Advice for Indie Studios:
The game industry is currently facing numerous challenges, from financial instability to increased competition for publisher attention. For smaller studios like Nesting Games, these challenges are even more pronounced. Frederick’s advice to other indie developers is simple: stay focused and keep pushing forward. Even when faced with financial uncertainty or setbacks, it’s crucial to maintain momentum and focus on completing the game.
Frederick acknowledges that the industry can be ruthless, but he stresses the importance of perseverance. He compares running an indie studio to a “war zone,” where every day brings new challenges. Despite these hurdles, he remains optimistic and believes that staying focused on the end goal—the completion of the game—helps keep the team motivated and moving forward.
The Importance of Community and Collaboration:
Another key lesson Frederick shares is the importance of community and collaboration within the indie game space. He encourages developers to connect with one another, share resources, and collaborate on projects. By working together, studios can help each other succeed, even in a competitive market.
Frederick also points out that success in the indie space is not about competing with other studios but rather about building relationships within the industry. Whether it’s sharing tips, cross-promoting games, or offering support, the indie game community thrives when developers collaborate and help each other.
Anecdotes and Reflections:
Running a game studio is a tough but rewarding journey. Frederick Brassard’s experience at Nesting Games demonstrates the importance of strong leadership, clear communication, and financial discipline. From managing team dynamics to making the tough decisions about self-publishing, Frederick’s insights offer valuable lessons for any indie studio head.
As the game industry continues to evolve, indie studios must adapt to new challenges while staying true to their passion for creating great games. By fostering a positive and productive work environment, staying financially lean, and collaborating with others, indie studios can not only survive but thrive in this competitive market. Frederick’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and leadership in the face of adversity.
This blog post is inspired by the podcast discussion between Frederick Brassard and Jay Powell on the topic “How to Survive, Rebuild, and Lead a Game Studio“.
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