Game First, Without breaking the team

The purpose of any game development team or studio is simple at its core: to make a great game. It’s the shared goal that unites us, the reason we come together, and the measure by which our success is ultimately judged. To achieve this, we must prioritize what is best for the game—even above ourselves.

Yet, the game cannot make itself. Its creation depends entirely on the strength of the team building it. A team suffering from burnout, churn, indecisive leadership, or relentless crunch will not be able to sustain the creativity and productivity that great games demand. Without a healthy and motivated team, even the most promising game will falter.

That’s why we must hold two truths together: the game comes first, but not at the expense of the team. Putting the game first means setting aside ego, personal agendas, and individual ambitions when they conflict with what the project truly needs. But it does not mean sacrificing well-being or eroding trust.

Finding this balance is not easy. It requires thoughtful leadership, honest communication, and the discipline to protect both the integrity of the game and the health of the people making it. When we succeed in striking that balance, we create not just a great game, but also a great place to make games—one capable of sustaining creativity and excellence over the long term.

Let’s go make a great game!