Anomaly Warzone Earth producer Stan Just from 11 bit Studios spoke at GDC about popular types of game studio management, as well as which one works best.
1. “Implementation” approach: the manager sets the most specific task for the employee, and then constantly monitors its implementation.
Positive: you are in full control of the development, such a scheme of work is most clear to both the manager and the performer.
Cons: the scheme demotivates employees, leads to low creativity.
2. “Collaborative” approach: the team makes all decisions together, the leader is part of the team.
Positive: high creativity, as a rule, the high quality of the game itself.
Cons: making quick decisions on critical issues in such a framework can be impossible.
3. “Delegated” approach: the manager sets tasks for the team and occasionally monitors their implementation.
Positive: this gives a lot of freedom to the team.
Cons: very high risks, which increase several times if the developer is inexperienced.
According to Stan, there is no perfect solution. In the case of working with an experienced team, it is best to delegate authority, and if the team is very “green”, it is necessary to use an “implementation” approach. You can make decisions together only if your company is small in size.
A source: gamasutra.com