The shift from expert to async leader isn’t just about doing less—it’s about creating the space for others to do more. In this article, I break down the first phase of my leadership system: learning to react not to tasks, but to information. It’s how I stay connected without becoming a bottleneck, and how I help my team thrive without needing me in every conversation.

In game development, being indispensable feels rewarding—until it isn’t. Constantly stepping in to solve crises or push through crunch times can become addictive, fueling our sense of value but creating hidden risks. True leadership isn’t about how critical you are in a crisis; it’s about enabling your team to succeed independently. The art of making yourself obsolete isn’t about removing your value—it’s about embedding it into processes, culture, and people. This is async leadership: creating teams that thrive without needing your constant presence.

The traditional 9-to-5, in-office routine feels increasingly outdated, particularly as automation continues to replace conveyor-belt tasks in game development. While studios still ship successful games following conventional models, teams embracing remote and asynchronous workflows hold a distinct advantage. Async work empowers individuals with greater flexibility and autonomy, aligning tasks with their natural rhythms, ultimately driving higher efficiency and creativity. Since co-founding a studio during the early months of COVID, I've become convinced of the immense potential and benefits of async leadership in remote teams—it's a win for everyone involved.

Over the years, I’ve helped aspiring game developers tackle challenges, refine their skills, and build a foundation for their careers. Through coaching and YouTube tutorials, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable personalized guidance can be, especially when navigating the specific and nuanced obstacles that come with game development. That’s why I’m launching 1-on-1 coaching sessions: to bridge the gap between broad tutorials and the tailored support that developers truly need.

Turn your side project into something extraordinary! Whether it’s a game idea, plugin, or art piece, discover how clear goals, structured planning, and consistent effort can help your passion project evolve into success. Learn from professional workflows and take actionable steps to unlock your project's full potential. Your next big achievement might just be waiting for the right approach.

Thoughts about how finding the fun in game development sometimes feels like luck rather than a skill

I had a meeting a while back with a VC talking about "product market fit" for my game. Its something that I hadn't considered very formally in the past as a game developer. I just thought that the better the game is, the more units it will sell... easy!