Emerging Through the Noise: Communication Modes, Leadership, and Cultural Hierarchies in Agile Game Development

This pilot study explores how communication modes, cultural hierarchies (power distance), and emergent leadership influence team performance within small Agile game development teams in a hybrid work environment post-COVID-19. Using surveys across six development milestones among 12 student teams at SMU Guildhall, significant findings revealed that teams utilizing fewer communication modes performed better, and low power distance was associated with increased emergent leadership. Cultural diversity demonstrated a significant, yet directionally inconclusive, association with leadership emergence. These findings underscore practical implications for optimizing communication practices and leadership development in Agile game development settings.