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Step 2: Plan for Checks and Balances

It is important to note that the producer is probably not the final decision-maker within his organization. Therefore, you should view him as the guardian for all that relates to his projects. Many larger companies have a series of checks and balances in place. The producer must work within this system in order for his projects to run smoothly. These checks and balances typically include:

Technical directors. These individuals will help ensure that a developer is technically able to undertake a specific project.
Sales and marketing. This team will evaluate whether a product is marketable. Although, it goes without saying that a game must look great and play well, there are a host of other factors that sales and marketing must consider when evaluating the marketability of a game. Some of these factors include market condition, competition, and timing to market.
The Executive staff. This group will make sure the product is consistent with the overall goals and guidelines of the company.
Legal/business affairs. This organization will check to see that the deal meets corporate standards, and approve any contracts prior to signing them or beginning work.

Step 3: Know Your Producer

A producer is typically someone who likes to get involved in all aspects of the game development process. Recent information from Melanie Cambron (a.k.a. Game Recruiting Goddess) shows that 87% of all producers in the United States are male (Figure 1.5.1a). There are numerous debates as to why there are not more female producers in the business; however, please note that this article is written by one of those few women who have chosen game production as a career.

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Figure 1.5.1a: Percentage of male and female producers.

As you can see in Figure 1.5.1b, the average, experienced California-based producer earns nearly $100,000 a year. To put this in perspective, this compensation is about equal to what an entry-level attorney would make in the same region.

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Figure 1.5.1b: Producer compensation.

The Production Hierarchy

Understanding the hierarchy of the various production roles will help you decide where to invest your efforts in terms of networking, relationship building, making product pitches, and such. It will do you no good to invest time and effort in building a business relationship with someone who cannot influence decisions. It is important to keep in mind that the roles of a producer vary greatly by publisher. In some organizations, the producer is entrusted with a great deal of power and authority. In other companies, that level of power might only be available to the executive producer or vice president of development. Typically, the level of responsibility is directly related to the salary the producer earns. Do not let the title fool you, as each game company uses the "producer" title differently. Examples might be seen in a smaller game company where the title of executive producer is assigned. Those individuals might have responsibilities matching that of a producer at a larger publisher. Regardless of title, the producer is ultimately the person responsible for a title coming in on time and on budget. He will receive either the blame or credit for these accomplishments.

The organization chart shown in Figure 1.5.2 is an example of a typical production hierarchy. Expect this to vary by publisher.

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Figure 1.5.2: Production hierarchy.