Lessons from the Journey: Keynote Highlights from 2024 Griffith Games Conference
At the Griffith Experimental Game Design Conference, our team had the privilege of presenting a keynote, where we shared the journey of Actuator Digital. The talk focused on the lessons learned while building a studio, creating games, and navigating the challenges of running a business in the gaming industry. Here’s a recap of the key points from our presentation.
The Presentation
From Student to Studio Founder
Our journey started where many of you might be today—at university. For me, the pivotal moment came during a capstone project. Working with a passionate team on a shared vision helped me discover a love for creating games. That project not only taught me teamwork and problem-solving but also set the stage for my career.
Lesson: If you’re a student, take your capstone or portfolio projects seriously. Employers often value what you’ve built and finished over your academic grades.
Early Career Lessons
After university, I joined The Binary Mill, a studio known for achieving remarkable results with small, talented teams. This experience taught me the value of talent density, where every team member’s expertise elevates the group’s capabilities. Working on the edge of what seemed possible was challenging but immensely rewarding.
Lesson: Early in your career, prioritize learning over earning. Find a team where you can push your boundaries and grow.
Starting Actuator Digital
Actuator Digital began with a clear vision: to create software that was both functional and beautiful—inside and out. Initially, we balanced game development with industrial projects in mining and construction to ensure financial stability. However, as our ambitions grew, we decided to focus more deliberately on games.
This shift was challenging but rewarding, allowing us to pursue creative projects and grow our team. We’ve learned that starting and running a studio isn’t just about making games—it’s about mastering business fundamentals, building relationships, and staying financially disciplined.
Lesson: Define your “why” before starting a studio. It will serve as your guiding star through tough decisions and challenges.
The Highs and Lows of Game Development
Our flagship game, On Point, was born from a desire to bring something unique to the VR space. Early Access has brought valuable feedback, but also hard lessons about market realities and the difficulty of breaking through in a crowded industry. Despite falling short of initial sales goals, the opportunities and connections gained have been invaluable.
Lesson: Launching your first game is less about instant success and more about opening doors. Fail fast, learn quickly, and use each project as a stepping stone.
Building a Team and Culture
A studio’s success hinges on its people. At Actuator, we’ve prioritized hiring exceptional individuals who share our values. Talent density matters, but so does cultural fit. Even the most talented individual can undermine team productivity if their attitude isn’t aligned with the team’s goals.
Lesson: Focus on building a culture where feedback is valued, responsibilities are clear, and everyone is aligned behind a shared purpose.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Studio Founders
- Start Small: Keep your scope manageable. It’s better to release something polished and complete than to aim too high and fall short.
- Plan Rigorously: Maintain a backlog, estimate tasks accurately, and track your team’s velocity to manage scope effectively.
- Build Financial Discipline: Cash flow is king. Understand your runway and plan for fluctuations.
- Learn to Lead: Leadership means taking responsibility, being transparent, and fostering a supportive environment.
- Stay Resilient: The journey will test you. Success comes from perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure.
Final Thoughts
The gaming industry is tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding spaces to work in. At Actuator, we’ve learned that success isn’t just about making great games—it’s about building a sustainable, purpose-driven studio. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and excited for what’s to come.
Thanks to Griffith for the opportunity to share our story. We hope it inspires others to pursue their own paths in this incredible industry.