Insights from a Game Director: Thaddeus Sasser Talks Marvel Rivals and Game Design
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Introduction
Join us for an insightful conversation with Thaddeus Sasser, Game Director at NetEase and the visionary behind Marvel Rivals. With a career that spans industry giants like EA, Ubisoft, and Deep Silver, Thad shares his journey from the early days of Call of Duty and Battlefield to leading one of the most anticipated titles, Marvel Rivals. Whether you’re a game developer, a fan of the Marvel universe, or curious about what it takes to direct a game, this episode offers valuable lessons and behind-the-scenes insights.
What Does a Game Director Do?
Thad kicks off the discussion by explaining the multifaceted role of a game director. Balancing creativity with project management, Thad dives into how he guides the vision of Marvel Rivals while managing the team’s workflow. From setting creative pillars to inspiring and aligning the team, he gives listeners a look into the daily life of a game director. This segment highlights the challenges of balancing the vision of a massive IP like Marvel with the practicalities of game development.
Marvel Rivals—Balancing Fan Expectations and Creative Direction
With Marvel Rivals set for release on December 6th, Thad reflects on the excitement and pressure of revealing the game’s launch date at Gamescom. He shares how the team navigates Marvel’s input while maintaining their creative flair, and the process of crafting a game that stays true to fan expectations without sacrificing innovation. Thad also touches on the challenges of ensuring that each character’s abilities feel true to their origins while remaining balanced for gameplay.
Lessons from Game Development: Fail Fast, Follow the Fun
One of the core philosophies Thad emphasizes is the importance of iteration in game design. He shares stories from his time working on titles like Battlefield Hardline, discussing how rapid iteration helps teams identify what’s fun and refine it. Thad’s mantra—”Fail fast, follow the fun”—is a key takeaway for aspiring game designers, highlighting the need for quick prototyping and continuous player feedback to ensure a game’s success.
The Transition from Game Design to Leadership
Thad opens up about his journey from being hands-on in game design to taking on leadership roles. He talks about the challenge of stepping away from direct design work and the satisfaction he finds in guiding a team to achieve a shared vision. Thad also reflects on the next logical steps for a game director, from becoming a studio design director to potentially leading an entire studio. His insights provide a roadmap for those looking to advance their careers in game development.
Podcast Recap: Key Takeaways
- Role of a Game Director: Thad explains the balancing act of creativity and management, guiding a game’s vision while ensuring the team stays on track.
- Marvel Rivals’ Development: How the team worked with Marvel to align on the game’s direction, maintaining authenticity to the characters while introducing fresh ideas.
- Fail Fast, Follow the Fun: The value of rapid prototyping and iteration in finding what makes a game fun.
- Leadership Challenges: Thad’s experience transitioning from hands-on design work to strategic leadership, and the skills required for success in game direction.
- The Future of Game Directors: Insights on what might come next for those in Thad’s position, including roles like studio design director.
Conclusion
From managing the expectations of a beloved franchise like Marvel to fostering a team’s creativity, Thaddeus Sasser offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a game director. His experiences and stories are a must-listen for anyone interested in game development or looking to understand the complexities of bringing a game like Marvel Rivals to life. Be sure to tune in and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of game direction.
Listen to the Full Episode Here
Catch the entire conversation with Thaddeus Sasser here and explore more episodes of the Player Engage podcast.
