Honours Project

Understanding Leadership in Game Production

Overview
This project explores how games industry professionals within the UK understand the producer role in practice. Through qualitative interviews with experienced developers and studio leaders, the findings were synthesised into a practical resource for aspiring producers entering the industry.

Project Scope

7 Industry Interviews
Qualitative Research
70,000+ Words Analysed
Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Key Topics

Production Leadership
Communication
Team Culture
Trust and Influence
Supporting Development Teams
Decision-Making

Project Outcomes

Industry-Informed Insights
Practical Producer Guidance
Digital Resource Booklet
Qualitative Findings Synthesis

Project Objectives

Explore how leadership operates within game development teams
Support aspiring producers in understanding the realities of the role in practice
Develop an accessible project booklet informed by industry perspectives
Gather industry and student feedback to inform future development of the resource

Approach

Stage 1: Semi-Structured Interviews

7 one-hour qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced games industry professionals to discuss their experiences with leadership within game production.

Stage 2: Coding and Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Thorough coding (labelling) of 70,000 words of interview transcripts was conducted, followed by extensive thematic analysis to identify and interpret patterns within interview participants’ experiences and perspectives.

Stage 3: Project Booklet

The findings were organised and presented within a project booklet for aspiring producers, designed as a starting point for understanding leadership within game production.

Updates

May 2026

Invited by Abertay University staff to deliver a talk on the project during the Abertay Digital Graduate Show 2026.
Shortlisted for the Hyper Luminal Production Award at ADGS 2026
New booklet version released following industry and public feedback

Future Plans

Expanding the project through additional interviews and perspectives from producers and developers across different studio environments.
Gathering direct feedback from aspiring producers to improve future iterations of the booklet and its usefulness as a practical resource.
Exploring opportunities to present and discuss the project through talks, workshops, mentoring, and future industry collaboration.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this project or would like to contribute a perspective towards future versions.

Contact: lucindamakesgames@outlook.com