Game Development in a Distributed EnvironmentÓlafur Andri RagnarssonBetware, Reykjavik University, Icelandic Gaming Industry

Revenues

Betware DKBröndbyDenmarkHead Quarters Betware ReykjavíkBetware Sp. z o.o.WarsawPolandCertusOdenseDenmarkBetware Solutions CAKamloops, BCBetware MadridSpainBetware currently has 101 employees worldwide

1995 Internet disruption

8Lottery SalesLottery Sales % Change Year on Year 2003-2008

The traditional products are decliningPhoto by: OlsenWeb http://www.flickr.com/photos/olsenweb/

For new games, New Media is mainstream

Key ObservationPeople will have more computing poweron their person whereever they go

Key ObservationPeople will have constantconnectivity

Key ObservationPrice is ready for mass-adoption

Key ObservationPeople will use multiple devices

Technology AdaptionEarly AdaptorsMass MarketLaggardsSuper Smart PhonesInternet TV stationsE-book ReadersNetbooks

The Three Screens StrategyBig ScreenTV, Video GamesMany PersonsLocalEntertainmentPersonal ScreenDesktop, Laptop, Single PersonSome PortabilityWorkSmall ScreenPhones, Netbooks, eReadersSingle PersonEasy portabilityMobility

What do Consumers Want?

What do Consumers Want?

What do Consumers Want?

EntertainmentSocial

In 2006 Betware decided to introduce Agile development methodsImage from: http://flatlands.ecclectica.ca/team.htm

Today there are 12 teamsin our 6 locations

Question: How do you mange distributed teams?Answer: Don’t distribute your teams

All the tools needed: IP phone system, Office Communicator, TeamViewer, Confluence Wiki, JIRA, GreenHopper…

“Pubs and Planes”

Project Silos – Component TeamsScrum-of-scrums

“Any piece of software reflects the organizational structure that produced it”Conway’s Law