Powerpoint created for presentation to class at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Seattle, in April 2016. Initially began as a discussion of what a game producer appreciates from the teams s/he works with. Grew to include information directly addressing questions from the class provided ahead of the presentation. EDIT: Added a list of Project Management software by request of the AIE students. Thanks for asking!

1. Let’s Talk About Game
Production
Or: Why I chose a career my parents will never
understand.
Daniel A. Myers
April 2016

2. Who is Dan Myers?
Professional
• Production and Community Relations Professional
• Producer at Sony Online Entertainment Seattle for 6 years
• Currently Program Manager for MSN Games
Personal
• In the games industry for 15 years
• Just turned 45
• Got married in October 2015
• Generally not someone who talks about himself in 3rd person

3. What is a Producer? Part I
Question:
What does a game producer do?
Answer:
Depends…

4. Let’s Get Meta for a Moment
The Four T’s:
1. Team: Know Thy Company
2. Title: Know Thy Project
3. Tools: Know Thy Implements
4. Talent: Know Thyself

5. 1. Team: Know Thy Company
• What defines the company and team culture?
• Who are the individuals you work directly with?
• What are the management dynamics?

6. 2. Title: Know Thy Project
• What is the project goal?
• How big or small is the project scope?
• What things limit the boundaries of your project?

7. 3. Tools: Know Thy Implements
• What programs do people in your discipline use?
• What are the tools used to track the project?
• How does your work make it into the end product?

8. 4. Talent: Know Thyself
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your short- and long-term goals?
• What do and don’t you like doing?

9. What is a Producer? Part II
Production teams are usually responsible for:
• Scheduling
• Scoping
• Budgeting
• Reporting
Production teams are sometimes responsible for:
• Team Management
• Special Projects
• Filling In Talent Gaps
• Feed and Care of Team Members

10. Role Comparisons
• Film Production vs. Game Production
• Director vs. Producer
• Team Lead vs. Producer
• Designer vs. Producer

11. Key Job-Description Phrases
• “Knack for Organization”
• “Cross-Team Collaboration/Communication”
• “Process Oriented”
• “Sees the Big Picture”

12. Where Producers Come From
• Nature vs. Nurture
• Producers can come from almost any discipline
• Art
• Design
• Programming
• Community Management
• Quality Assurance
• Office Management

13. My Career Path
College
• BA in English (Technical Writing)
Pre-Games
• Logistics (Project Management)
• Technical Writing (Project Management)
Games
• Editing and Technical Writing
• Website Production and Community Management
• Community Management and Production
• Production
• Release Management
• Program Management

14. Why I’m a Producer
I became a producer to have more input in development
direction
I have a production career because I enjoy helping teams work
better together making awesome stuff

15. How to get Started
• Show Interest
• Take Opportunities
• Learn the Tools
• Build a Portfolio

16. Q & A

17. Appendix A: PM Software
This is a list of project-management tools I have experience with,
have heard a lot about, or am asked directly about when talking
with hiring managers.
• Excel
• Jira
• Microsoft Project
• Team Foundation Server
• Trello
• Basecamp
• Pivotal Tracker