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Stop treating your game dev estimates like a prophecy; you aren't a prophet.

If your estimates keep failing, it's not because your team is bad at math; it's because you're using estimation as a fortune-telling machine instead of a decision-making tool.

In this episode, Ben breaks down why "perfect" plans are a trap in the high-uncertainty world of game dev. He introduces a four-level framework—from "Priorities First" to "Relative Sizing"—to help you gain predictability, set external expectations, and find shared understanding across disciplines without killing your team's soul in meetings.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why estimation isn't really about being accurate — and why predictability and velocity are only part of the picture.
Why estimating work without clear priorities can actually slow teams down and lead to worse decisions
How simple throughput tracking can outperform detailed estimates for forecasting — with less friction from the team
When fast "blink" estimates are more useful than detailed sizing, and how they help Design, QA, and Engineering spot risk early
Why the Fibonacci sequence exists in estimation — and how to avoid wasting time debating tiny differences that don't matter
How to recognize when estimation isn't worth the cost, and when time-boxing is the smarter move

If you're a producer or lead tired of watching your team polish a "beautiful plan" while the actual game feels like it's missing the mark, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

🔗Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carcich/

🔗BBG's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-better-games/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingbettergames/#

🔗Website: https://www.buildingbettergames.gg

🔗YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpMT-dUwQR-R4Mb4uub6Sw

If you want me to help producers or studios build better games through effective systems and leadership, you can reach me at: info@valarinconsulting.com

#GameDev #GameProduction #ProjectManagement #BuildingBetterGames #AgileDevelopment

E117: The Real Reason Estimates Fail In Game Dev