Great games aren’t just about brilliant ideas or cutting-edge technology—they’re built by great teams. This was the key theme at the GameUp Africa March Meetup, where Marco Colombo, Client Programmer and Cell Founder at Supercell, shared valuable insights on building strong, effective teams in game development.

With over 12 years in the industry, working across nine studios and four countries, Marco has experienced the highs and lows of team dynamics. His talk explored what makes a great team, how to foster a healthy team culture, and why communication and self-awareness are crucial for success.

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Building a Team vs. Making a Game

Many developers focus on building the game, but forming a great team is even harder. Marco emphasized that game development isn’t a solo mission—it’s a collaborative process that requires the right people, shared goals, and strong communication.

Key Takeaways:

•  Don’t rush culture – Finding the right people takes time.
• Team > Games – A strong team will always make better games.
• Be ambitious – Push boundaries but stay mindful of your team’s well-being.
• Notice when someone needs support – Team success relies on mutual awareness and care.

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💡 Supercell’s Approach:
Did you know Supercell operates in small, autonomous teams called “cells”? These teams have full creative control, which fosters rapid innovation, ownership, and accountability.

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Communication: The Superpower of Great Teams

Clear, honest communication is one of the most powerful tricks in team building.

Key Lessons from Marco:

• No one can read minds – If something is unclear, speak up.
• It’s kind to be candid – Honest feedback, given the right way, helps teams grow.
• Strive for shared language – Standardize terminology and processes to avoid confusion.
• Be honest about strengths & weaknesses – Vulnerability builds trust.

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From Developer to Team Player

Being part of a great team isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about self-awareness, collaboration, and adaptability.

How to Level Up Your Team Mindset:

• Self-reflection is key – Regularly assess your contributions.
• Park your ego – Game development is a team effort.
• Lead by example – Set the standard for communication and collaboration.
• Be open-minded & kind – To your team and yourself.

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💡 “The best teams make the best games.” – Marco Colombo

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📚 Recommended Reads from Marco

Want to dig deeper? Marco shared a list of must-read books on leadership and teamwork:

• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
• Crucial Conversations – Kerry Patterson
• Atomic Habits – James Clear
• Radical Candor – Kim Scott
• The Lean Startup – Eric Ries

If you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, work better in teams, or understand game studio culture, these books are a great place to start!

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Watch the Meetup Again! Did you miss the session or want to revisit key insights? The live stream is available to rewatch on Maliyo Games’ YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to stay updated on future meetups and leave a comment on what stood out to you!

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🎮 Project Showcase: Kingdom Chronicles by Timothy Masiko

In addition to Marco’s session, we also had a special project showcase by Timothy Masiko, featuring Kingdom Chronicles—a Christian-themed multiplayer game designed to make learning scripture engaging and interactive.

Key Features:

• Scripture Sprint & Bible Charades – Fun mini-games based on biblical teachings.
• Rewarding Gameplay Loop – Players earn points, unlock challenges, and progress.
• Team-Based Learning – Fosters collaboration, teamwork, and friendly competition.

This project is a great example of how games can be fun while promoting learning and positive values!

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Final Thoughts: Teams Matter More Than You Think

As game developers, our biggest strength isn’t just coding, design, or storytelling—it’s the people we work with. Whether you’re a solo dev, indie team, or part of a big studio, investing in your team culture, communication, and leadership skills will always lead to better games.

Stay tuned for our next meetup in April and don’t forget to follow us on social media on @gameupafrica_ and GameUp Africa’s LinkedIn page. More insights, and more learning ahead! 🚀