About This Resource

This is an original Games Leadership® framework, covering five key foundational areas to consider when starting up a studio - and return to when you need some focus.

We debuted this resource at Norwich Games Festival 2025, during Director Melissa Phillips’ talk ‘What to Expect in Your First Year of Running a Studio’.

The audience response and feedback to the framework was wonderful, so we decided to make it available to all. Feel free to study, utilise and share it (with credit!)

If you…

Recently started up your own Studio
Are well into your Start-Up journey and need to refocus
Are simply wondering what’s involved

… This resource is for you!

We’ll dive into 5 key foundational areas:

Vision

Money

Team

Legal

You (The Leader)

Where you’re trying to go, and how you plan to get there. Vision isn’t just about what you’re making - it’s why you’re making it, who you’re making it for, and what kind of business and working environment you want to create along the way.

Key questions to ask yourself:

❔What are we making?

❔Why are we making it?

❔What does success look like for you?

❔How does Game Vision meet Studio Vision?

2.

What does this thing actually cost to run? It’s something a lot of early studios leave 'for later'. Save yourself time and pain (and money!) by figuring out your numbers early. Track your hours and expenses using proper systems. Future you will thank you, as it becomes much harder to unravel further down the line.

Key questions to ask yourself:

❔What does it really cost to make the game and run the studio?

❔What’s your ‘skimmed’, ‘semi-skimmed’, and ‘full-fat’ budget?

❔How are you tracking money?

3.

It’s not just about who is doing what. It's about the culture you want to build, and how you go about building it. Communication is key here; establishing how your team interacts early sets the tone for everything that follows. Making room for different needs, different working styles, and different perspectives is essential to ensure a team can come together to do their best work. As is building psychological safety, efficient workflows and proper funnels. These are all considerations for now - not 'later'.

Key questions to ask yourself:

❔Who are you working with, and why?

❔Do people have clear roles and responsibilities?

❔What kind of team environment are you creating?

❔Are you making room for different needs, different working styles, and different perspectives?

❔Are you creating an environment where people feel safe to ask questions?

4.

We get it - this one can feel big, scary, and pretty dry. But getting ahead on it early will save you pain later. Some core essentials to be thinking about are contracts, IP, and ownership. Even (or especially) if you are friends. So - write things down early. Even if it feels awkward, or you feel you trust each other completely. Clarity is key here, so that everyone knows where they stand.

Key questions to ask yourself:

❔Who owns what in your studio?

❔Have you written down what matters?

❔Are you protected if something changes?

Please note that this does not constitute legal advice. Consult a dedicated professional for matters that require legal expertise.

5.

Yes, you’re building a studio, and you’re making a game. You’re also carrying a huge amount on your shoulders. In start-ups, often the person doing the leading is also doing the ‘everything else’. We understand passion, but try not to give too much of yourself. Instead, use your first year to explore the presence you want to bring - when things go right and wrong. Leadership isn't one-size-fits-all, so use this time to figure out what's right for you and your values, and what helps to keep things moving without losing yourself.

Key questions to ask yourself:

❔What kind of Leader do you want to be?

❔What does your studio need from you right now?

❔How are you looking after yourself while you lead?