22 Lessons Learned from Working on Billion-Dollar Games

22 Lessons Learned from Working on Billion-Dollar Games


1. Team + Passion + Data = Success
↳ A great product alone won’t guarantee success—it’s about leveraging data and a passionate team.

2. No One Knows the Secret Sauce
↳ Even the biggest companies can’t predict what will work; it’s always a risk filled with trial and error.

3. Quality Over Quantity
↳ One high-quality feature can make a huge impact, while many mediocre ones add little value.

4. Focus Is Everything
↳ Don’t spread your resources too thin. Focused efforts lead to better results.

5. Small Teams, Big Results
↳ Agile, smaller teams are more efficient than large, slow-moving ones.

6. If You’re Small, Innovate. If You’re Big, Imitate
↳ Big companies often stick to what’s proven, while smaller teams take the risks.

7. Company Culture Is More Than Perks
↳ Creativity and empowerment come from culture, not just free snacks and perks.

8. Great Developers Are Avid Gamers
↳ The best way to understand what works? Play lots of games.

9. Many Opinions, No Absolute Truths
↳ In game development, there’s rarely a single “right” answer.

10. Bureaucracy Kills Creativity
↳ Overcomplicating the approval process stifles innovation.

11. Generosity Encourages Spending
↳ Successful games offer plenty for free, which makes players more likely to spend.

12. Player Feedback Is Gold
↳ Your community will reveal insights that internal testing might miss.

13. Failure Is Part of the Process
↳ Not every idea will work, and that’s okay. Learn and adapt.

14. Simplicity Wins
↳ Simple and intuitive designs often appeal to the widest audience.

15. Protect Your Talent
↳ Your team is your most valuable asset—invest in their growth and well-being.

16. First-Time User Experience (FTUE) Is Crucial
↳ A smooth onboarding process is key to retaining new players.

17. A/B Testing Is Your Best Friend
↳ Testing different versions of your game can help you optimize based on real user data.

18. Technical Debt Accumulates Quickly
↳ Neglecting code quality will slow development and create long-term problems.

19. Localization Is More Than Translation
↳ Adapting content to different cultures is crucial for global success.

20. Retention Beats Acquisition
↳ Keeping your current players engaged is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones.

21. Player Trust Is Fragile
↳ Once you lose trust, it’s incredibly hard to regain.

22. Narrative Is a Powerful Tool
↳ Even a simple, well-told story can keep players emotionally invested.

Which of these lessons resonates with you the most?