Rob Sandberg
@gameproductionalchemist.substack.com
Welcome to the laboratory of the Game Production Alchemist! Prepare to encounter unconventional perspectives on game production and leadership.
https://gameproductionalchemist.substack.com/
https://gameproductionalchemist.substack.com/
What if crunch isn’t toxic… just misunderstood? Why Crunch is a Game Producer’s Best Friend.
- Urgency over velocity
- Bonding through burnout
- Tooling for “structured chaos”
- Fake deadlines, real results
#GameDev #LiveOps
- Urgency over velocity
- Bonding through burnout
- Tooling for “structured chaos”
- Fake deadlines, real results
#GameDev #LiveOps
Why Crunch is a Game Producer’s Best Friend
Be brave enough to say what we’re all thinking.
open.substack.com
April 1, 2025 at 7:05 AM
RACI: Outdated or Underrated? It’s not about the doc—it’s about conversations. I’ve seen teams spend 90 minutes debating a few lines. That friction matters. If RACI sparks tension, the problem isn’t the table—it’s the team. #GameDev buff.ly/3kE2Kb7
How Clear are the Roles and Responsibilities on Your Team?
RACI framework enhances studio efficiency and innovation.
buff.ly
March 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM
RACI: Outdated or Underrated? It’s not about the doc—it’s about conversations. I’ve seen teams spend 90 minutes debating a few lines. That friction matters. If RACI sparks tension, the problem isn’t the table—it’s the team. #GameDev buff.ly/3kE2Kb7
Adopting Agile? First, fix systemic flaws in game studios. Tackle rigid hierarchies, silos, and resistance to change. Structural and cultural reforms are key to unlocking Agile's full potential. #GameDev
buff.ly/yHcHNG9
buff.ly/yHcHNG9
Rethinking Failure: It's Not Your People, It's Your Systems
Assess and rectify the broader system in which your teams operate to harness the benefits of an Agile transformation fully.
buff.ly
March 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Adopting Agile? First, fix systemic flaws in game studios. Tackle rigid hierarchies, silos, and resistance to change. Structural and cultural reforms are key to unlocking Agile's full potential. #GameDev
buff.ly/yHcHNG9
buff.ly/yHcHNG9
Most game teams waste time debating estimates when they could be forecasting. Flow metrics—Work in Progress, Throughput, and Cycle Time—replace gut feelings with data-driven decisions. Make every Scrum ceremony more effective with real insights, not guesswork. https://buff.ly/4hSUdaR #gamedev
Flow Metrics in Scrum Ceremonies: A Data-Driven Approach for Game Development
Using flow metrics empowers Scrum teams to move beyond estimations, embrace data-driven decision-making, and improve continuously by focusing on the flow of value.
buff.ly
February 17, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Most game teams waste time debating estimates when they could be forecasting. Flow metrics—Work in Progress, Throughput, and Cycle Time—replace gut feelings with data-driven decisions. Make every Scrum ceremony more effective with real insights, not guesswork. https://buff.ly/4hSUdaR #gamedev
Probabilistic thinking reshapes game dev forecasting. Instead of fixed dates, use probabilities to assess risks and model outcomes. This mindset prepares teams for uncertainty and builds confidence in delivery timelines. Embrace flexibility for more intelligent decisions. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
February 10, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Probabilistic thinking reshapes game dev forecasting. Instead of fixed dates, use probabilities to assess risks and model outcomes. This mindset prepares teams for uncertainty and builds confidence in delivery timelines. Embrace flexibility for more intelligent decisions. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
Monte Carlo simulations are never perfect, but their value lies in uncovering why. Comparing forecasts to reality refines your models, improves accuracy, and builds confidence. For LiveOps, it’s about using data to guide smarter decisions and deliver better results. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
February 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Stop managing people—start managing work. Focus on flow, not blame. Fix bottlenecks, not workers. Want faster delivery and better predictability? Let’s talk. Read more here: https://buff.ly/40KZvOz #GameDev #LiveOps
February 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Stop managing people—start managing work. Focus on flow, not blame. Fix bottlenecks, not workers. Want faster delivery and better predictability? Let’s talk. Read more here: https://buff.ly/40KZvOz #GameDev #LiveOps
Level up your LiveOps with data-driven workflows. Use real-time metrics to forecast delivery, reduce risks, and improve team harmony. Prioritising psychological safety and value realisation boosts predictability and ensures consistent results for players. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
February 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Delays in delivering new features can frustrate players and hurt engagement. Use clear metrics to track progress and identify bottlenecks—forecast timelines with recent performance data to stay proactive. Optimised workflows mean faster updates and happier players. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
February 3, 2025 at 11:40 AM
A great product roadmap isn’t just a feature list—it’s a dynamic tool that aligns teams, drives decisions, and balances execution with long-term vision. 🔹 Read more: https://buff.ly/3CxH48g #GameDev #LiveOps
Production 101 – #10 Producers' Impact On Product Roadmaps – Part 1
An overview of how producers shape this strategic tool to effectively align teams, drive decision-making, and track progress.
buff.ly
January 31, 2025 at 12:15 PM
A great product roadmap isn’t just a feature list—it’s a dynamic tool that aligns teams, drives decisions, and balances execution with long-term vision. 🔹 Read more: https://buff.ly/3CxH48g #GameDev #LiveOps
Probabilistic thinking reshapes LiveOps forecasting. Instead of fixed dates, use probabilities to assess risks and model outcomes. This mindset prepares teams for uncertainty and builds confidence in delivery timelines. Embrace flexibility for more intelligent decisions. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
January 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Measuring team speed is insufficient; focus on how quickly business value reaches players. Use delivery metrics to uncover delays, align priorities, and optimise flow. In LiveOps, faster value delivery strengthens engagement and player satisfaction. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
January 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Pull systems optimise LiveOps by reducing waste and preventing bottlenecks. Work starts only when there’s capacity, keeping workflows smooth and flexible. Focus on just-in-time prioritisation and manageable batches to maximise value delivery without overloading teams. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
January 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Wearing my innie shirt in anticipation of tonight's season primer. #severance #innie
January 17, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Wearing my innie shirt in anticipation of tonight's season primer. #severance #innie
Status reports don’t have to be a chore. When done right, they’re your secret weapon for smoother projects, clearer communication, and smarter decisions. Learn how to make them quick, purposeful, and effective with my proven tips and a simple, no-fluff template. https://buff.ly/4jcYFCZ #gamedev
January 17, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Status reports don’t have to be a chore. When done right, they’re your secret weapon for smoother projects, clearer communication, and smarter decisions. Learn how to make them quick, purposeful, and effective with my proven tips and a simple, no-fluff template. https://buff.ly/4jcYFCZ #gamedev
While intuition has its place, empirical data drives consistent results. Empower your teams with actionable insights from real-world metrics to refine workflows and make better decisions. In LiveOps, data-backed choices mean faster delivery and more substantial outcomes. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
January 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Agile Is a Mindset, Not a Method. open.substack.com/pub/gameprod...
Agile Is a Mindset, Not a Method
A way of thinking that values adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning over rigid adherence to tools or processes.
open.substack.com
January 15, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Agile Is a Mindset, Not a Method. open.substack.com/pub/gameprod...
Making work visible is a game changer for LiveOps. Map workflows, set WIP limits, and track progress to reveal bottlenecks and align priorities. Use tools like Kanban to focus on flow and transparency. Improved visibility means faster, smoother delivery for players. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
January 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM
How well do you know the agreements producers handle daily? Contracts aren’t flashy, but they’re critical. Missteps can mean delays, penalties, or chaos. Learn the key legal docs every producer should know to minimise risks, track milestones & manage expectations. https://buff.ly/4ja9q8U#gamedev
January 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
How well do you know the agreements producers handle daily? Contracts aren’t flashy, but they’re critical. Missteps can mean delays, penalties, or chaos. Learn the key legal docs every producer should know to minimise risks, track milestones & manage expectations. https://buff.ly/4ja9q8U#gamedev
How do you maintain focus on the “why” behind every decision? Impact mapping connects goals, actions, and deliverables to ensure alignment, avoid wasted effort, and prioritise what truly matters. Elevate your live service game strategy. https://buff.ly/4gM7UYZ #GameDev
January 8, 2025 at 9:35 AM
How do you maintain focus on the “why” behind every decision? Impact mapping connects goals, actions, and deliverables to ensure alignment, avoid wasted effort, and prioritise what truly matters. Elevate your live service game strategy. https://buff.ly/4gM7UYZ #GameDev
Limiting WIP isn’t just about doing less—it’s about finishing more. By reducing multitasking and managing item age, teams boost predictability, complete work faster, and improve collaboration. In LiveOps, this means delivering value sooner without burnout. #LiveOps #gamedev #indiedev
January 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Is your Live Ops team leaking value? Scaling from a small team to managing live services at scale brings challenges—approval layers, more coordination, and unplanned work. Learn how to plug these leaks: https://bit.ly/3PmO4rq #gamedev #liveops
January 3, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Is your Live Ops team leaking value? Scaling from a small team to managing live services at scale brings challenges—approval layers, more coordination, and unplanned work. Learn how to plug these leaks: https://bit.ly/3PmO4rq #gamedev #liveops