Game Republic Affiliate Game Studio Training’s Andy Coley has just written a book about leadership. It’s out at midnight today, so we interviewed him about the new book and his views on leadership and he kindly gave us a link to download a Kindle version for 99p too.
Why did you decide to write the book “Leadership Is a Skill”?
The games industry is an exciting, fast-paced world where creativity meets technology, and yet leading within it comes with unique challenges. Whether you’re an emerging leader stepping into your first management role or an experienced studio head navigating team dynamics and industry pressures, strong leadership skills are essential.
That’s why I wrote Leadership Is a Skill, to provide actionable strategies that help leaders in the games industry to thrive. And I’m pleased to say that the book is finally released on the 24th February 2025!
What is your own experience of leadership and the games industry
My passion for leadership stems from years of working within tech and with games companies, helping leaders navigate the unique challenges of these fast-moving industries. Through my work at Game Studio Training, I have coached and mentored studio heads, projects leads, producers, and creative teams, equipping them with the skills needed to build sustainable, high-performing teams.
Having been deeply involved in the gaming industry, I understand the nuances of leading in a creative environment. Game development isn’t just about writing code or designing assets – it’s about bringing people together to turn an ultra-ambitious vision into reality.
However, many leaders in the industry find themselves in leadership roles without formal training, which can lead to communication breakdowns, burnout, and inefficiencies. My goal has always been to bridge that gap by providing the right tools and strategies to help leaders succeed.
You are not alone by the way, only 18% of all leaders/managers have had any kind of formal training, one of the many reasons why I’m passionate about improving that figure through my book, workshops and training programmes.
Why does leadership matter in games?
Game development is a team effort. From business development to design, dev teams to producers and marketing teams through to community liaison. Everyone plays a crucial role in bringing a vision to life. Leadership isn’t just about managing projects and deadlines – it’s about creating collaboration, building psychological safety, maintaining motivation and creating an environment where creativity can flourish.
I’ve seen firsthand how leadership challenges can impact teams. Burnout, communication breakdowns, and imposter syndrome are all common struggles. In my new book Leadership Is a Skill, I address these challenges with practical tools that can make a real difference.
What are the key takeaways for games industry leaders reading the book?
One of the key messages in my book is that leadership isn’t an innate talent-it’s a skill that can be developed.
Here are some key insights that readers might find particularly valuable:
- Leading creative teams – Managing highly creative individuals requires a different approach than traditional corporate environments. I discuss how to foster a culture where innovation thrives while keeping projects on track.
- Navigating high-pressure environments – The games industry often involves tight deadlines and high expectations. The book offers strategies to manage stress, stay resilient, and support your team through crunch periods without sacrificing well-being.
- Effective communication – Whether it’s providing feedback, resolving conflicts, or presenting ideas, communication is at the heart of leadership. I cover techniques to ensure clarity, alignment, and trust within teams.
- Developing leadership confidence – Many game developers find themselves in leadership roles without formal training. My book provides a roadmap to build confidence and effectiveness as a leader, no matter your background.
How are you planning on supporting the future of leadership in games?
I’ve seen how the right leadership approach can transform a studio’s culture, enhance collaboration, and ultimately lead to better games. So If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills, Leadership Is a Skill is designed to be your go-to guide. I want to build a future where great leadership is at the heart of the games industry.
To learn more about the book and how it can help you, visit https://leadershipisaskill.com/book
I can also bring this topic to the team through workshops, courses and leadership programmes.
And of course, if you bring a copy of my book to a Game Republic event, I’ll happily sign it for you!
Remember Leadership is a Skill, NOT a position!
