E137: Why AAA's $200M Games Keep Failing

Which of the 7 AAA mistakes are you struggling with? Find out here: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/aaa-diagnostic

Game budgets are skyrocketing to $200M+ while hit rates are actively going down.

The games industry is spending more money than ever, on the biggest teams it has ever had, over the longest timelines in history, using a playbook that was out of date a decade ago.

In this episode of Building Better Games, Benjamin Carcich breaks down the systemic flaws currently sinking AAA studios. You'll discover how shifting portfolio math has fundamentally changed the business and why relying on rigid project management over true human leadership is driving massive projects straight off a cliff.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What the exponential shift in game development economics looks like, and why a single mega-hit can no longer easily subsidize a publisher's failures
• Why prioritizing "stuff" (features, systems, and assets) over a cohesive, engaging player experience is wasting time and money
• How to transition your studio from a plan-driven milestone trap to a value-driven culture that handles failure early, accepts uncertainty, and scales safely

If you're a leader in game dev who is tired of hitting every single milestone on paper while feeling like the core game still isn't coming together, this episode is for you.

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Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbettergames

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: [email protected]

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