So EALA has been trying to recruit me while I've been trying to sell them consulting, and I've got to say I'm impressed with the "New Improved" EALA - it's like they read my mind about how a game development team should be run and are putting it into practice in ways I could never quite get going at Treyarch - the model described in this article seems like it's becoming SOP over there.
They seem to be borrowing some stuff from agile/scrumm and they're raising the bar on new hires, as well. I signed an NDA and I'm not sure what's covered by it, but since agile methods and good hiring practices are already part of the world's management literature it doesn't seem like that could be too confidential...
It'll be very interesting to watch over the next several years and see if they stay true to the mission and if it actually works. Something Jake Simpson pointed out, defending EA's historically monolithic approach, is that the "small elite teams" model of development doesn't scale well.
Still, Infinity Ward and Gearbox may have to look out - MoH, currently the third place WWII shooter (if Jack Welch was in charge of EA they'd get out of the WWII market) just might become a contender again.
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November 03, 2005
EALA is Talking the Talk
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The Games
3D swinging and parkour! Crowd-funding campaign starting soon.
Got a minute? The first 3d chrome native client game. You might dismiss it as just another 'twin-stick' shooter, but I think you'll find if you play to win it causes your brain to secrete copious amounts of dopamine and epinephrine. (And that's a good thing.)
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As a former Treyarchian and now an employee of EA, I can attest to some of the things you wrote about. I had to go through a lot of testing before being hired here. It was an intense interview process. When all was said and done, I really felt like I earned my spot here.
The management system described in the article is as close to perfect as you can get for now. I recommend people read it, especially if you're having to manage large groups. It has proven to me to be much better than anything Treyarch or Activision ever had, that's for sure. Sorry, not trying to bag on Treyarch (some of the best still work there), but I do realize now why EA is so far ahead of Actvision in so many things.
Glad to hear your EALA impression was favorable and that you saw some turnaround. EALA is "Talking the Talk." Now, who's listening?
Posted by: Obi Busta Nobi | November 03, 2005 at 10:16 AM
Jesus, you ladies are gonna get kicked off the cheerleading squad.
m.
Posted by: M to the Vizzah | November 04, 2005 at 09:47 AM