Exploring Collaborative Practices in Video Game Development: An Ethnographic Study

The study investigates interdisciplinary collaborative practices within medium-sized video game development studios, aiming to identify different visions of collaboration, associated challenges and opportunities, and their impact on development processes and team dynamics. The research focuses on how multidisciplinary practices, involving roles like game design, art, and programming, evolve into interdisciplinary collaborations.

An ethnographic methodology was employed, involving direct observations, audio/video recordings, and semi-structured interviews over several months. The study was conducted in three medium-sized independent game development studios in Canada, each with approximately 20 team members, some working remotely. The studios developed games for various platforms and maintained publishing relationships with larger companies.

Three primary models of collaboration were identified: Object-Centered, Process-Centered, and Actor-Centered. Object-Centered collaboration prioritizes the quality of the end product, with designers often leading the vision, which can create tension for artists seeking more creative freedom. Process-Centered collaboration is driven by task organization and project management, with project managers coordinating meetings and workflows. This approach can lead to bottlenecks if key decisions depend on a single individual. Actor-Centered collaboration emphasizes the competence of individuals, often utilizing "strike teams" or "cells" where specialists from different disciplines work together. This fosters interdisciplinary exchange but can lead to validation and power circulation issues.

The findings indicate that studios may shift between these collaborative models depending on project phases, team composition, or leadership changes, which can redistribute power and redefine collaborative dynamics. No single model is inherently superior; suitability depends on the studio's context, project nature, and team composition. The study also highlights that collaboration in game studios reflects varying priorities, from economic efficiency and hierarchical structures to team fulfillment and a motivating work environment, ultimately impacting workers' lives.