The Five Types of Producers

Producers can be categorized into five distinct personality types. You can expect some overlap; however, these generalizations should help you in choosing the best way to deal with producers.

The five types of producers are the micro manager, the macro manager, the team leader, the creative producer, and the game designer.

The Micro Manager

You will find this producer to have excellent project management skills. He is very detail-oriented and has a keen understanding of the processes involved in game production. The micro manager is sometimes better at identifying problems than at solving them, but given the proper authority and pre-production time, he will typically plan for contingencies and properly assess risk, thus saving you from unexpected problems later on.

To make the most of your relationship with this producer you must use his passion for organization by involving him early in the planning stages. This producer is the master of follow-up and follow-through. He will read, digest, question, and reread every document you submit to him, especially schedules and plans. Therefore, have him provide templates and additional assistance in preparing these documents throughout the production process.

The Macro Manager

This individual is all about the big picture. He is a visionary, a franchise builder who might begin planning for a sequel long before the first title is completed, and is typically quite adept at problem-solving. This is because he constantly has his eye on the prize.

The macro manager has a solid understanding of all aspects of the videogame business and will be a valuable asset in navigating the publisher's organization. In working with this producer, you will obtain the best results by keeping your own focus on the details and letting him take care of the long-term plans. Remember that you must make that first game a hit before anything else matters.

The Team Leader

This producer typically gains the trust and respect of the development team by rolling up his sleeves and providing value wherever he is capable. He chooses to lead by example and strives to be liked by everyone on the team. The team producer can be easily spotted, as he can be found testing code for programmers at midnight, having coffee with the execs at 8 a.m. in an attempt to gain more budget money, and taking the art team to lunch. All of this is, of course, in addition to his regular producer job.

In working with the team producer, remember that it is important for him to constantly feel as if he is providing "added value." Therefore, take advantage of his desire to help and use his (often considerable) expertise wherever appropriate.

The Creative Producer

The title says it all. This individual comes from a creative background. He quite likely has very strong game design or graphic design skills. He thrives on the creative aspects of game production and does his job because of his love for games.

You will find that the creative producer provides invaluable contributions in terms of driving the vision of the product. Harness this energy early and you can have a solid foundation for building a winning product.

The Extreme Producer

Sadly, almost everyone has encountered this producer type, and his presence at a potential publishing partner can have long-lasting effects on your business.

Everyone knows how to spot the extreme producer, by the trail of battered and abused developers with nothing to show but cancelled games. Unfortunately, you might not have a choice about working with this producer. If you do encounter the extreme producer, you can get the best results by using an approach of consistency, respect, and thorough documentation.