Honours Project
Understanding Leadership in Game Production
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Overview
This project explores how games industry professionals within the UK understand the producer role in practice. Through qualitative interviews with experienced producers and studio leaders, the findings were synthesised into a practical resource for those entering leadership roles within the games industry.
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Project Scope​
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7 Industry Interviews
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Qualitative Research
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70,000+ Words Analysed
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Reflexive Thematic Analysis
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Key Topics
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Production Leadership
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Communication
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Team Culture
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Trust and Influence
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Supporting Development Teams
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Decision-Making
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Project Outcomes
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Digital Resource Booklet
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Industry-Informed Insights
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Practical Producer Guidance
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Qualitative Findings Synthesis
 Project ObjectivesÂ
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Explore how leadership operates within game development teams
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Support aspiring producers in understanding the realities of the role in practice
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Develop an accessible project booklet informed by industry perspectives
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Gather industry and student feedback to inform future development of the resource
Methods
Stage 1: Semi-Structured Interviews
7 one-hour qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced games industry professionals to discuss their experiences leading game development teams.
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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.
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Stage 3: Project Booklet
The findings were organised and presented within a digital project booklet aimed at people who are looking to move into leadership roles within game production.
Updates
May 2026
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Invited by Abertay University staff to deliver a talk on the project during the Abertay Digital Graduate Show 2026.
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Shortlisted for the Hyper Luminal Production Award at ADGS 2026
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New booklet version released following industry and public feedbackÂ
Future Plans
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Expanding the project through additional interviews and perspectives from producers and developers across different studio environments.
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Gathering direct feedback from aspiring producers to improve future iterations of the booklet and its usefulness as a practical resource.
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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.Â
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Contact: lucinda-shale@outlook.com