Deconstructor of Fun 283. How I Went From a 3D Artist to GM of a Billion-Dollar Game - Justin McFarlane
May 12, 2025
Justin McFarlane, General Manager at SciPlay and former 3D artist, shares his inspiring career journey in game development. He discusses navigating remote work challenges and the importance of team cohesion during transitions. McFarlane emphasizes continuous learning and purpose-driven choices, revealing how these elements fueled his growth. He also dives into mastering LiveOps, highlighting strategies for engaging players and optimizing game content. His insights provide a fresh perspective on leadership in the gaming industry.
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Team Split Reduced Engagement
- During COVID, SciPlay expanded to Austin and Tel Aviv, leading to a split team between Cedar Falls and Austin.
- Engagement scores dropped due to communication barriers and lack of team cohesion across locations, impacting product quality.
Avoid Leading Team Conversations
- Avoid asking leading questions to your team to get genuine feedback about work challenges.
- Listen actively and let them express problems to understand real issues and inform decision-making.
Managing Team Relocation
- Transitioning teams to a single location involved onboarding, visits, and tough personnel decisions.
- During transition, leadership roles shifted with executives stepping in to cover gaps and empower relocated team members.
