Why small teams might hold the secret to superior game design
In short: Jeff Kaplan, the legendary designer behind World of Warcraft and Overwatch, discusses the structural dynamics of game development. This conversation explores how team size influences creative output and why smaller studios often possess a unique advantage in crafting great experiences.
The discussion centers on the tension between large-scale production and intimate design. Kaplan shares insights from his career at Blizzard and his transition to founding Kintsugiyama, where he is currently developing The Legend of California. By examining these different scales, the conversation highlights how organizational structure dictates a game's creative DNA.
The dialogue serves as a masterclass in leadership and the evolution of the industry. It matters because it challenges the assumption that bigger budgets and larger workforces automatically equate to better design, suggesting instead that agility and focused vision are paramount.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Small teams vs Big teams: The secret to great video game design | Jeff Kaplan and Lex Fridman
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