Producing Games

C H A P T E R

THREE

Producing at a Developer

Just as a developer needs a producer, so does the publisher. The publishing producer is someone who not only knows the development process, but the business, politics, branding, and trend side of the industry as well. This producer must be thorough and attentive to not just the developer’s needs, but those of operations, business development, legal, marketing, PR, sales, licensors, legal, and corporate investors. External producers aren’t simply shepherds of the project to see it onto store shelves; they are an important part of the gameplay, creative, and branding sides. They need to be a strong partner, shielding the internal producer from the political storm that can damage the game and the team. ...