Producer

A Producer of video games is a key figure responsible for overseeing the development of a game from start to finish. They act as the driving force in game creation, coordinating and managing various teams and resources involved in the process. The role of the Producer involves making critical decisions, setting project goals and ensuring that the game aligns with the studio’s or publisher’s vision and objectives. In larger studios, a Producer may have a specialized role, such as Creative Producer or Executive Producer, and thus have a greater influence on the creative direction of the game. They may closely collaborate with Game Designers and Artists to shape the game concept, provide feedback and make key creative decisions.

 

A Producer collaborates with development team members to establish timelines, budgets and milestones. They provide guidance and support to the team, facilitate communication and collaboration, and are responsible for resolving conflicts and challenges that may arise during game development while ensuring that the game meets quality standards and is delivered on time. A Producer acts as a project manager and visionary leader, managing the complex game development process to bring its creative vision to life.

Tools

Trello

Microsoft Excel

Slack

Unreal Engine

Bugzilla

Git

Google Analytics

Perforce

SharePoint

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER TEAMS:

A Producer closely collaborates with various other positions in the gaming industry. Firstly, through collaboration with Game Designers, they seek to understand the creative vision and mechanics of the game. They provide feedback on them, offer suggestions and ensure that the game design aligns with the overall project goals. Additionally, they work with Programmers to determine technical requirements and, based on them, coordinate timelines and address any challenges or obstacles that may arise during the game development process. Furthermore, they collaborate with Artists to ensure that the visual style, animations and graphics meet desired standards and enhance the overall player experience. They also communicate with QA Testers to gather feedback and address errors or issues that may affect the game.

 

A Producer has a strong connection with Marketing and Business Development teams. They collaborate to develop effective marketing strategies, plan the game’s launch and identify the target audience. A Producer also closely collaborates with publishers, negotiates contracts, manages budgets and oversees game distribution. They often work with Audio Engineers, Composers and Voice Actors to create impressive soundscapes and narratives that enhance the player experience.

Skills

Depending on seniority, this position is expected to be able to master, do and deliver the following:

Hard skills

  • Project management
    • Creates project plans, sets realistic timelines and milestones, effectively allocates resources and manages budgets.
  • Communication and collaboration
    • Conveys ideas, provides clear instructions and facilitates open and productive discussions.
  • Industry knowledge
    • Is familiar with current market trends, player preferences and industry standards, staying updated with new technologies.

Soft skills

  • Leadership
    • Drives creativity, cultivates collaboration, guides decisively, resolves conflicts and maintains team focus and motivation.
  • Adaptability
    • Is flexible in approach, willing to embrace changes and capable of adjusting project plans as needed.
  • Problem-solving
    • Identifies and analyzes emerging issues, thinks critically and finds effective solutions, being proactive in problem-solving.

Seniority

Depending on seniority, this position is expected to be able to master, do and deliver the following:

Junior

  • Conducts research, gathers information and contributes to developing project plans and schedules, is familiar with project management tools and methodologies.
  • Facilitates clear and efficient communication among team members, organizes and documents meetings, distributes agendas and meeting minutes.
  • Assists in coordinating and monitoring resource allocation, ensures proper resource utilization and helps identify and address any challenges.
  • Identifies and tracks errors, issues and risks during the game development process, collaborates with the QA team to ensure effective testing processes are managed.

Medior

  • Takes leadership over project plans, schedules and milestones, understands project management principles, efficiently allocates resources and monitors progress.
  • Provides guidelines and supports juniors, helps develop their skills and knowledge, fosters a collaborative and productive environment, resolves conflicts and motivates.
  • Effectively communicates project updates, milestones and risks to stakeholders, builds and maintains positive relationships with them, manages expectations.
  • Tracks project costs and ensures the project stays within budgetary constraints, collaborates with the Finance and Accounting tea

Senior

  • Has a strategic mindset and the ability to develop a clear vision for the game project, aligning project goals with the overall objectives of the studio or publisher.
  • Possesses excellent presentation and negotiation skills used to advance the project, acquire necessary resources and support, and align expectations.
  • Develops and manages project budgets, negotiates contracts and optimizes resource allocation to ensure project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Leads and supports career development, assists in enhancing skills and knowledge of others, fosters positive and collaborative work culture and resolves conflicts.
PRODUCER // GAME PRODUCTION //
PRODUCER // GAME PRODUCTION //

EDUCATION:

If you are interested in a career in production within the gaming industry, consider earning a degree or taking a course in game development, project management, or business administration with a focus on the entertainment or media industry. Programs covering project management methodologies, video game production pipelines, as well as agile development practices and project budgeting will be of particular value to you. An understanding of the technical aspects of game development, including game engines, game art and design processes, and software development cycles, will provide you with a good foundation for overseeing game production.

 

In addition to formal education, gaining hands-on experience through an internship or entry-level position in video game development or project management can be critical to your preparation for a role in production. Participate in projects to gain insight into the challenges and workflows that are part of game creation. Developing organizational skills, problem-solving abilities and effective communication are essential for success in production roles. Networking with industry professionals, attending events and staying informed about trends and technologies will further improve your prospects for starting a career in this field.

Resources

Books

  • “The Game Producer’s Handbook” – Dan Irish
  • “Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager” – Kory Kogon, Suzette Blakemore, James Wood
  • “Agile Game Development with Scrum” – Clinton Keith
  • “The Lean Startup” – Eric Ries
  • “Managing the Game Development Process” – Charles River Media

Individuals

  • Cliff Bleszinski (@therealcliffyb)
  • Amy Hennig (@amy_hennig)
  • Tim Schafer (@TimOfLegend)
  • Gabe Newell (@GabeNewellBellevue)
  • Hideo Kojima (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) consequat

What does the interview for this position look like?​

News

Shift2Games is now available in English, Macedonian, Albanian and a "universal" language for the region!
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PRODUCER // GAME PRODUCTION //
PRODUCER // GAME PRODUCTION //