E91: How to Stop Compromising and Make the Studio You Actually Want with Critical Path Games

Game production lives and dies on planning—but most teams are still building like it’s 2010. In this episode, Ben is joined by Jeanne-Marie Owens and Jesse Houston of Critical Path to reveal better ways a studio can function based on decades of experience. From the myth of the “critical path” to the illusion that things will magically come together in the final stretch, they explain why “figure it out later” kills projects, how lack of real commitment cripples teams, and what it actually takes to build a dependable studio culture. Hint: It’s not a short list of “values.” This is a wake-up call for any studio still relying on outdated ideas about how work gets done, and a practical guide to doing better. 🔍 You’ll Hear: - Why “fix it later” is the most expensive lie in game development - What the critical path really means—and how most studios misuse it - Why real planning requires saying no - The deadly effect of partial commitment on team morale and outcomes - Why you have to be willing to make choices that limit your own options - How senior leaders create or destroy the culture by what they tolerate If you’re a studio leader, producer, or creative tired of chaos and ready to build games with clarity, intention, and momentum, check it out! Connect with Critical Path Games: Critical Path Games – https://critpath.com/ 🎮 Join the Building Better Games Community: - BBG Discord – Connect with devs, producers, and leaders building better studios:  https://discord.gg/ySCPS5aMcQ - Level Up Your Production Skills – Take our flagship course:  https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production - Get Leadership Insights Weekly – Subscribe to the BBG newsletter:  https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/newsletter 🌐 Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbg.valarininc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingBetterGames 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on game dev leadership, production, and culture. #GameProduction #GameLeadership #CriticalPath #StudioCulture #BuildingBetterGames