Muốn “học” thì phải “trải”

Key Concepts:

• Experimentation as the primary learning method for Vietnamese gaming studios.
• Importance of on-the-job experience and data analysis.
• Curiosity and pushing limits as drivers of innovation.

Considerations for Vietnamese Gaming Studios' Future: Experimentation and Learning

The core message emphasizes that Vietnamese gaming studios, despite their youth and capability, must prioritize experimentation to prepare for the future. The speaker asserts that practical, hands-on experimentation is the only effective way to learn and grow in the gaming industry.

The Experimentation Process:

The speaker outlines a simple yet crucial process:

1. Run Experiments: Actively test different approaches and strategies. The speaker repeats "experiment, experiment, experiment" for emphasis.
2. Observe Outcomes: Carefully monitor the results of each experiment.
3. Analyze Data: Scrutinize the data generated by the experiments to understand the "why" behind the results. For example, "why this number went up."
4. Iterate and Refine: Use the insights gained from data analysis to refine future experiments and strategies.

The Importance of On-the-Job Learning:

The speaker explicitly states that formal education (university courses) cannot provide the necessary knowledge and skills. The gaming industry is too dynamic and nuanced for theoretical learning to be sufficient. Real-world experience, gained through active participation and experimentation, is paramount. "There is no university, there is no course that you can learn these things. The only way for you to learn is actually on the job doing things and running experiments and looking at the data yourself."

Curiosity and Pushing Limits:

The speaker highlights the importance of curiosity and a willingness to push boundaries. Studios should "be curious, test a lot, and try to push limits." This proactive approach to exploration is essential for discovering innovative solutions and staying ahead of the competition.

Finding Balance Through Experiment Volume:

The speaker acknowledges the need to find a balance in the volume of experiments conducted. While experimentation is crucial, it's also important to be strategic and efficient. The optimal number of experiments will vary depending on the studio's resources and goals. The key is to run enough experiments to gather meaningful data and identify patterns. "How much volume of experiments needs to be run to find a balance."

Conclusion:

The main takeaway is that Vietnamese gaming studios must embrace a culture of continuous experimentation and learning. By actively testing new ideas, analyzing data, and pushing limits, these studios can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive gaming landscape. The emphasis is on practical experience and data-driven decision-making, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.