Creating Small Teams that Kick A$$ and take names

by Chip Pedersen | at MinneBar 10

This is and interactive talk NOT a lecture. Tired of working at a big company? Want to start your own small team, studio or startup? Managing smaller teams, budgets and timelines are much different than when you had levels of management or a large company behind you. You will need to take a completely different approach when creating your own team. you need to be be prepared to manage communicate and interact with your studio team.

  • Seal Team 6 vs the Fab 5
  • Right people, Right role
  • Who’s in charge?
  • Who is your cheerleader?
  • We don’t need a stinking producer (Yes you do)
  • Communication is even more important for a smaller team
  • You will need a better firing policy than hiring policy
  • Onsite/Offsite?

This talk is NOT about how to get funding. This is after you have the funds and starting to build the team. Find a lawyer, an accountant and a benefit person for other items you will need. This is about building and managing a successful team.

Intended audience & prerequisites: Anyone who is starting a new small team or would like to improve how the team interacts.

Session takeaways: Attendees will have a better understanding how to build a small team, manage them, communicate with them and create your own norms.

All levels

Chip Pedersen

With over 35 years in the tech industry, including 21 years in gaming, Chip Pedersen is a seasoned veteran and innovator in interactive entertainment. He has held senior leadership roles at Microsoft Game Studios, Activision/Blizzard, ZeroLight, and his own game studio. Chip played a pivotal role in the launch of the original Xbox and has contributed to the release of over 100 titles across nearly every gaming platform.

Chip’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: The game always comes first. Known for his hands on approach, he has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure authenticity and immersion in his projects—from strapping on motion capture goalie gear for NHL Rivals to spending days in the desert mastering battle tactics for Soldier of Fortune: Payback and venturing into the wilderness to research fishing techniques for Bass Pro Shops: The Strike.

A true developer at heart, Chip doesn’t just create games—he lives and breathes them. His unique blend of expertise, creativity, and dedication makes him a compelling voice in the gaming industry and beyond.