Code Wizards Group
Code Wizards Group business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
The five golden rules of external development
Code Wizards, an external development partner with 24 years of experience, outlines five golden rules for successful collaboration in game development. These include building trust from day one, maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving game designs, prioritizing clear and over-communication, understanding and openly discussing team strengths and weaknesses, and prioritizing the well-being and happiness of people, as happy teams create better games.
Jobs roundup: October | Playstack CEO Harvey Elliott voted chair of UKIE
Several key appointments have been made across the UK games industry. Harvey Elliott, CEO of Playstack, has been voted chair of UKIE, succeeding Maria Sayans. Murray Pannell joins Steel City Interactive as head of publishing, while Dean Anderson leads MV&P's APAC partnerships. Catherine Bygrave is the new head of commercial at Code Wizards Group, and Michał Platkow-Gilewski has been promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red.
Jobs roundup: October | Code Wizards Group appoints Catherine Bygrave as head of commercial
Several key figures have moved into new roles within the games industry. Michał Platkow-Gilewski was promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red, while Catherine Bygrave was appointed head of commercial at Code Wizards Group. Other notable appointments include Daniel Smith as executive producer at Playground Games, Gero Micciché as lead producer at 2K and Hangar 13 Games, and Tymon Smektala as executive producer at Bloober Team's Broken Mirror Games.
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article explores whether external development studios should also work on their own original games alongside client projects. While some studios like Redcatpig and Lab42 see internal projects as crucial for team motivation, skill development, and creative outlets, others like Code Wizards and Airship prioritize their service-based business model to avoid resource drain and client competition. The consensus suggests that while internal projects can offer significant benefits, careful management and clear focus are essential to balance them with external work.
What lessons have developers learned from external development?
External development studios emphasize the critical importance of trust and clear communication with clients, often valuing these over raw talent. Key lessons learned include aligning visions, being adaptable to client workflows, adding value beyond basic tasks, specializing in core competencies, and continuously updating technology and processes. Careful scaling and scope discipline are also vital for long-term success in the external development sector.
What does the future of external development look like?
Industry leaders discuss the evolving landscape of external development in the gaming industry, predicting a shift towards more strategic, integrated partnerships rather than simple outsourcing. Factors like AI, increasing game complexity, and publisher budget pressures are driving this change, leading to a more specialized and collaborative approach.
New TIGA Board reinforces commitment to championing the UK games industry
TIGA, the UK video games industry's trade association, has appointed new members to its Board of Directors, including Gemma Brown, Ben Gunstone, Dan Hett, Greg Howson, Marco A. Minoli, Stuart Muckley, Tim Repa-Davies, Sitara Shefta, and John Tearle. These appointments aim to strengthen TIGA's advocacy for games businesses across the country, focusing on growth, skills development, and policy initiatives. The new board members bring diverse expertise from various studios and specialisms within the UK games sector.
TIGA appoints nine industry veterans to board of directors
The UK video games trade body TIGA has appointed nine new industry veterans to its board of directors, including leaders from Dovetail Games, Stainless Games, and Supermassive Games. These appointments aim to strengthen TIGA's advocacy for UK games companies. Elaine Green of Nellyvision was previously appointed chair.
New TIGA Board Reinforces Commitment to Championing the UK Games Industry
TIGA, the trade association for the UK video games industry, has appointed new members to its Board of Directors, reinforcing its commitment to advocating for and supporting games businesses. The new board members bring diverse expertise from across the sector, aiming to strengthen policies that foster growth, attract investment, and develop talent within the UK games industry.