Five years ago, we interviewed Aaryn Flynn, the former general manager of Bioware, as his new development studio in Edmonton was announced in partnership with the cloud computing startup Improbable.
Since then, the studio has rebranded as Inflexion and launched its first game, Nightingale, into Early Access this week. We caught up with Flynn to discuss the journey of leading a new studio to this point and the lessons learned along the way.
Reflecting on his experience, Flynn emphasizes the importance of preserving and nurturing a strong studio culture. He draws from lessons learned during his time at Bioware, particularly when the studio was independent, highlighting the significance of values and approaches in shaping the studio’s identity.
One key lesson Flynn shares is the value of prioritizing game quality over strict deadlines. He recalls Bioware’s practice of delaying games when necessary to ensure the best possible outcome, a mindset that contrasts with the pressure to adhere to timelines often experienced under larger publishers like Electronic Arts.
Flynn also underscores the importance of wearing multiple hats within the studio environment. While specialization is common in AAA studios, Flynn appreciates the versatility and empathy that come from developers having a broad understanding of various aspects of game development.
Regarding the partnership with Tencent and the shift away from Improbable’s cloud technology, Flynn expresses gratitude for the support and alignment with their vision. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of the partnership and the shared goal of creating a successful game without succumbing to external pressures.
Reflecting on the initial vision for Nightingale as an MMO powered by Improbable’s technology, Flynn acknowledges the pivot towards a survival crafting game and the lessons learned from adapting to unforeseen challenges.
Looking to the future, Flynn discusses the potential of emerging technologies like generative AI in game development. He emphasizes the importance of technology serving fundamental human desires for interactivity and emotional connection in gaming experiences.
Flynn’s insights highlight the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to quality in navigating the challenges of game development.