Start simple and allow complexity to evolve

In game development, it’s tempting to believe that familiar problems deserve familiar solutions. Many of us have faced similar process challenges across different teams and projects, and it’s natural to reach for what worked before. But context matters. Every team and every game has unique dynamics, and the solutions that seem proven often didn’t begin in their current form—they evolved over time.

When we drop a fully formed solution into a new environment, we risk over-engineering. What worked elsewhere may carry unnecessary complexity or assumptions that don’t fit our current reality. Instead of solving the problem, we may create waste: extra processes, added friction, and overhead that stifles creativity.

The better path is to start simple. Identify the biggest pain points your team faces right now, and implement the minimum solution needed to address them. This creates a foundation that moves the team forward without unnecessary baggage. As new challenges emerge, you can incrementally evolve the solution—layering in complexity only when it’s truly needed.

This approach keeps waste low, ensures solutions fit the unique context of the project, and maintains adaptability as the game and team grow. By starting with simplicity and allowing complexity to emerge naturally, we set our teams up for sustainable, effective problem-solving.

Let’s go build a great game!