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Beans

Games Industry Business Development Support

Beans is the non-exclusive business development support offer from Hub and Spoke Games.
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Beans

by Hub and Spoke Games.
Beans is where business development is fixed properly.For many companies, this follows Breakpoint, where we identify what is not working first.
Beans is our non-exclusive, written-first business development support service designed to help companies across the games ecosystem build consistent outreach and commercial momentum. Built for teams that already have BD or sales in place but want clearer positioning, sharper focus, and more consistent commercial momentum.
Delivered through a simple monthly cadence, with working-hours written access for timely advice, second views, and practical support when timing matters. Beans is designed for companies that already know something isn’t working and want to fix it properly.
"Most service providers in the games industry know they need business development, but struggle with consistency, focus, and follow-through.
Beans exists to fix that."
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Need full representation instead? Explore The BD Guys.
The BD Guys: Click here
Beans is also used as a strategic foundation before companies move into exclusive representation through The BD Guys, typically through a short two to three week process focused on positioning and targeting.
Beans

Who, what, where?

Who is it for?

Service providers working across the games ecosystem, including external development, co-development and engineering support, art, animation, VFX, QA, UI/UX, mocap, tools, middleware, audio, localisation, marketing, PR, and related support services.
This also includes technical service providers such as porting, optimisation, networking, and build systems.
Beans is designed for businesses already operating in or selling into the games industry, or looking for a way into the industry.

Works best when...

  • You already have someone responsible for BD or sales.
  • You want clearer positioning and better prioritisation.
  • You value written guidance and structure over meetings.
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What is it?

Beans provides access to senior-level commercial guidance, similar to having a very experienced sales leader available when needed. Each month, you receive clear written direction, practical assets you can use immediately, and a short summary your team can share internally.
Support is written-first, with live working-hours access within your own communications channel, when timing matters or a second view is needed.
Most communication happens via email and a dedicated client channel. Calls are only used when a real-time discussion helps unblock a decision. Beans is delivered remotely, with partners added to their own dedicated service communication channel.

How it works.

  • Written-first, to reduce noise and increase clarity.
  • Structured, but flexible where it matters.
  • Non-exclusive and non-disruptive to existing teams.
  • Focused on momentum, not hype.

Written-first...

...means we prioritise clear written guidance over meetings. Communication happens through a dedicated client channel, so questions, direction, and decisions are captured in writing and easy to share internally. It reduces noise, avoids misalignment, and means teams can move forward without needing constant calls. We jump on calls when it genuinely helps, writing is the default because it scales better and creates clarity for everyone.
Beans

Onboarding & discovery - Let's go...

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Week 0:

As the monthly cadence begins, together we run a short written onboarding to get everything aligned.
Are you working on unannounced things, secret tech or just super secretive about your practices? Do we need an NDA? What we set up: Agreement signed and start date confirmed. Dedicated private communication channel created. Client folder created for briefs and assets. Confidentiality in place for everything shared. What we ask for (written, not a call): Primary service line (or focus area) for Beans. Ideal buyer profile and regions. Current website, deck, and case studies (if available). A short view of current pipeline or priorities. Top challenges or friction points right now. This does not need to be perfect - Direction is enough. How we work: Written-first delivery. Exclusive Slack channel for working-hours (PST: 9:30am to 5pm) questions. Monthly cadence with clear outputs. Calls only when needed to unblock progress. Once onboarding is complete, we move straight into the repeating monthly delivery cycle.
Beans

How it works each month

Week 1:
Directional Note
  • A written strategic diagnosis based on your current position, priorities, and commercial reality.

  • This sets the direction for the month and identifies where focus should go first.
  • We’re aligned early
Week 2:
Positioning & Target Refinement
We refine positioning, clarify ICP, review what needs sharpening, and help shape the target universe. This is where the commercial focus gets tighter and more useful. Guidance when needed
Week 3:
BD Execution Assets
We deliver practical written assets aligned to the month’s priorities. This may include outreach message improvements, LinkedIn opener redesign, follow-up message redesign, conference message improvements, and email introduction templates. Support in motion
Week 4:
Beans Monthly Brief
A short forwardable summary covering what was worked on, what was refined, and what the focus should be next. This helps maintain internal alignment and momentum. Clarity moving forward

Always on, throughout the month

Beans provides access to senior-level commercial guidance, similar to having a very experienced sales leader available when needed. We also include written-first access during working hours for questions, second views, and guidance when timing matters.
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Why Beans Works

Beans is designed for companies that want more structure, better positioning, and more consistent business development momentum without entering into a full exclusive representation model.
It gives teams a practical monthly rhythm for refining how they present themselves, who they target, and how they approach conversations across the games ecosystem.
Because the work is written-first and strategically focused, Beans is easy to integrate alongside an internal founder, commercial lead, or existing BD team.
Beans

What good looks like after 60 days

  • After the first 60 days of Beans, partners should expect clearer internal alignment and more confidence in their business development activity, even if deals are still in progress.

  • Typically, this looks like:

  • A sharper positioning statement that clearly explains what you do, who it’s for, and why it matters.
  • A more focused priority list, with less time spent on low-probability opportunities.
  • Fewer stalled conversations, because messaging and next steps are clearer.
  • Practical outreach and messaging assets that are being actively used, not parked in documents.
  • A repeatable monthly rhythm that makes business development activity feel calmer and more controlled.
Beans does not promise leads (unless you go Bespoke) or introductions. It exists to improve decision-making, focus, and execution where it matters most, so existing business development or sales efforts benefit from clearer direction, better prioritisation, and sustained momentum over time. We simply make your BD people better!
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Beans

Tailored solutions for our clients

Beans is delivered through three tiers depending on how much support and momentum a company wants to build into its business development effort. Core is the dominant tier, with researched and qualified Bespoke leads available as an add-on, feeding directly into the weekly cadence and outreach process.
Tiered Pricing Plans: Choose the level of support that fits your team.
Tier 1: Beans Core
Foundational written-first business development support, senior commercial judgement, delivered in writing.
Core is for service studios with an existing business development or sales function who want clearer structure, better focus, and practical support without adding headcount.
One service line. Written-first guidance and monthly assets.
  • Live support during working hours - Written-first access for guidance and questions when timing matters.
  • Monthly written direction and priorities - Clear recommendations on what to focus on next and why.
  • One practical asset pack per month - Messaging, copy, talk tracks, objections, or similar business development-ready materials.
  • Sales deck messaging support - Guidance on positioning, key slides, and narrative clarity.
  • Beans Brief (1 - 2 pages) - A concise written summary to align internal thinking and direction.
  • Strategic partner discount offers - Access to benefits from a small number of trusted partners.
Tier 3: Beans Embedded
Deeper involvement and ongoing support
Embedded is for teams who need more regular input and closer involvement, while still keeping business development in-house.
Senior steering with bounded access between check-ins.
  • Everything in Plus
  • Up to three written opportunity reviews per month - Structured feedback on live opportunities, risks, and next steps.
  • Deal desk support (written).
  • Two written questions per week - Responded to within agreed working-day timeframes.
  • Quarterly strategic direction reset - A deeper recalibration of direction informed by ongoing context and involvement.
Why this annual commitment structure works
  • Core = foundation and clarity
  • Plus = prioritisation and research-backed steering
  • Embedded = cadence, responsiveness, and strategic depth
  • Bespoke = controlled flexibility without scope creep
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Tier 2: Beans Plus
Greater focus, prioritisation, and direction
Plus is for teams managing more than one focus, segment, or priority, and who need stronger steering around where time and effort should go.
Two different service lines, such as co-dev and QA, or QA and audio, delivered in parallel.
  • Everything in Core
  • Active prioritisation of key accounts - Clear guidance on which opportunities to progress now, and which to pause.
  • Regular pipeline and focus reviews
  • Quarterly account focus memo (1 page)
  • Multi-focus consistency - Support to keep messaging, sequencing, and priorities aligned across more than one lane.
  • Deeper hands-on guidance
  • Quarterly direction review with targeted research - A structured review of direction, supported by relevant market or pipeline research.
Tier 0: Beans Bespoke
Bespoke Additional, scoped support available on top of Beans Core, Plus, or Embedded.
Need something else?
  • Delivered as Core, Plus, or Embedded, a scoped Bespoke addition.
  • Tailored around specific needs such as pipeline focus, internal alignment, structure, or time-sensitive initiatives.
  • Explicitly scoped, capacity-led, and agreed in advance.
  • Pricing provided on request (POA).
We tailor Beans to YOUR needs, including weekly researched, fully qualified leads.
Choose tier level
Bespoke support available by request ask for details. 12 month commitment (minimum) - Monthly payment in advance. Annual billing preferred with 10% discount. Each tier is capped to ensure consistent delivery.

Not sure if Beans is the right fit?

Beans works best for companies that want structured business development support while continuing to run their own outreach and relationships internally.
For companies looking for exclusive representation, we also run The BD Guys by Hub and Spoke Games, where we act as a dedicated external business development team representing partners directly across the games ecosystem.
You can learn more about that model here:
Explore The BD Guys
Beans

This is not an automated service

  • Beans is delivered by real people, with decades of experience, working directly with you and your team.

  • There is no automation deciding what you should do next.
  • There are no AI-generated strategies or templated recommendations.
  • And there is no black box behind the scenes.
Everything in Beans is shaped by context, judgement, and experience. The written-first approach exists so advice is clear, considered, and easy to share internally, not because it is automated.
Behind Beans is Hub and Spoke Games. A senior, human-led business built on years of working closely with games industry service studios. We understand the realities of business development, the trade-offs founders make, and the pressure of keeping momentum while delivering for clients.
AI tools may be used where helpful, in the same way spreadsheets, CRMs, or presentation software are used. But Beans itself is not an AI service. The thinking, guidance, and direction always come from real people.
Beans is designed for teams who value clarity, judgement, and experience over automation.
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After understanding how we work, this is what progress typically looks like with Beans...
Beans

And Working Together

Senior Direction, Without the Overhead
  • Beans gives you experienced commercial judgement and positioning support without the cost, delay, or commitment of hiring. It’s a pragmatic way to add senior input to your existing business development or sales function while keeping ownership and execution in-house.
  • You get live support, clearer messaging, stronger prioritisation, and better decision-making around what to pursue and what to ignore. The goal is simple: make what you already do work harder, with less noise.
Written-First, Built for Momentum
  • Beans is written-first by default, so progress does not depend on calendars lining up. You send a short monthly update, and we respond with clear written direction and your priorities for the next 30 days.
  • Each month also includes one paste-ready asset pack, such as outreach copy, a talk track, objection handling, or messaging improvements. When a call is genuinely needed, we keep it short and decision-focused.
Focus That Improves Conversion
  • Most service providers do not have a volume problem, they have a focus problem. Beans helps you tighten your positioning so the right buyers understand your value quickly, and your team can execute outreach with more confidence.
  • We also help you strengthen the supporting proof and responses to common objections, so conversations progress instead of stalling. Over time, this creates more consistent momentum across your pipeline without turning Beans into outsourced sales.
Beans

Is it for you?

What Beans is

  • Beans is shaped by human judgement and decades long experience.
  • Completely human led. Senior-level commercial guidance, similar to having a sales leader available when needed.
  • Non-exclusive business development & sales support for games industry service providers.
  • Written-first guidance, with calls when needed, plus live support through dedicated client communication channel.
  • Positioning and messaging refinement that makes outreach easier to execute.
  • Sharper focus and prioritisation on who to target, and who to ignore.
  • Monthly direction helping your team move faster with less friction and noise.
  • One practical asset per month you can use immediately (copy, talk track, objections, messaging).
  • A short monthly brief your team can forward internally.
  • Designed to sit alongside your existing business development or sales function, not replace it.
  • A repeatable monthly cadence, so progress is consistent and measurable.
  • Senior judgement and experience, applied in a lightweight, scalable way.

What Beans is not

  • Not an AI-driven or automated service.
  • Not outsourced sales execution or appointment setting.
  • Not lead generation (unless you go Bespoke).
  • Not guaranteed introductions, meetings, or revenue.
  • Not a replacement for your internal BD or sales team.
  • Not exclusivity or representation.
  • Not CRM ownership, proposal writing, or negotiation.
client facing exclusive business development? The BD Guys, 'We got you'. click Here
"It's a me, Mario!"

Our clients say

Don't just take our word for it...
  • Fran Mulhern
    Talent Acquisition Director Lockwood Publishing Ltd
    "Chris is an incredible relationship builder. He thrives on honesty within a supportive framework, and he’s easily one of the best people I’ve ever met. He knows the industry inside out and has a knack of thinking laterally to come up with creative solutions and ideas. In twenty years in video games, I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve come across a more people centred and down to earth individual, one who simply wants you to succeed."
    Zsombor Pirok Hughes
    Managing DirectorSpace Rock Games
    "Chris is an absolute trooper and can open up doors for you left and right, be it in the external development space, publishing or game fundraising. He is methodical and very well connected - but even if he is not well connected with someone, you can be sure as hell he will be in a few weeks."
  • Lisa Carter
    Director Mimram Media
    “I first met Chris in February 2000, when we were both working in games trade media. Over the past twenty-plus years, I’ve watched him grow from a driven commercial lead into one of the most connected and credible business development professionals in the games ecosystem. What has remained constant throughout that time is his instinct for people. As an editor and now a business owner, I’ve spent three decades assessing character, reputation and substance. Chris has always understood that this industry runs on relationships, but he has never treated them transactionally. He invests properly in them. His background in games B2B media gave him a rare vantage point across the sector, and he has translated that perspective into a business that is structured, thoughtful and grounded in integrity. He prepares, he researches, he follows through. When Chris introduces two parties, it is done with care and intent, not volume for the sake of it. Hub and Spoke Games reflects the same qualities I saw in him at the beginning of his career: clarity of communication, commercial awareness, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. In an industry that has seen enormous change over the past two decades, Chris has remained consistent in the way that matters most: he shows up, he does the work, and he stands by his word.”
    Adam Keating
    Global Head of Quality as a Service GameDriver
    "I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chris Buckley across two different companies now, and every time I’m reminded why he’s one of the most impressive business development leaders in the games industry. Chris combines deep industry knowledge with a rare set of values -integrity, clarity, and a genuine belief in doing business the right way. He has an exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships, not just pipelines. Whether he’s navigating complex partnerships, opening doors to new opportunities, or shaping long‑term strategy, Chris brings a level of professionalism and insight that elevates everyone around him. Hub and Spoke Games is a reflection of those strengths: thoughtful, well‑connected, and built on a foundation of trust and real industry understanding. Anyone who has the chance to work with Chris will quickly see why he’s so widely respected. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat."
  • Stuart Dinsey
    Executive Chairman Curve Games
    "Chris has a knowledge, expertise and experience across the games industry that is second to none, making him and his company a perfect partner for companies looking for a cost efficient way of maximising revenues and opportunities. Thoroughly recommended."
    Maxime Villandre
    Production Director Room 8 Group
    "Chris at Hub and Spoke Games is someone who truly understands the power of building relationships and creating meaningful connections. His approach is rooted in trust, kindness, and a genuine desire to empower those around him. Whether he's bringing people together, solving complex challenges, or fostering a supportive community, Chris is always focused on delivering the right solutions that help everyone thrive. His dedication to building a positive, collaborative environment makes him an exceptional partner for anyone in the gaming space."
  • Leo Zullo
    Managing Director Wired Productions
    "Chris is one of the OG’s of the industry, where business development comes naturally. I’ve known Chris for over 25 years, and his knowledge of the industry and the people within it are second to none. His approach is bespoke, but methodical, and always tailored to needs, and any exchange is always natural and personable. With a clear mission, Chris will deliver and will be an asset to any project or team."
    Adam Keating
    Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing – Games Testronic Group & Secret 6
    "I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chris Buckley across two different companies now, and every time I’m reminded why he’s one of the most impressive business development leaders in the games industry. Chris combines deep industry knowledge with a rare set of values—integrity, clarity, and a genuine belief in doing business the right way. He has an exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships, not just pipelines. Whether he’s navigating complex partnerships, opening doors to new opportunities, or shaping long‑term strategy, Chris brings a level of professionalism and insight that elevates everyone around him. Hub and Spoke Games is a reflection of those strengths: thoughtful, well‑connected, and built on a foundation of trust and real industry understanding. Anyone who has the chance to work with Chris will quickly see why he’s so widely respected. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat."

Chris Buckley

President: Head of Business Development
'We do the work' - Chris Buckley
Chris is a seasoned sales professional with over 30 years of experience in the video games industry. Known for his ability to generate high-quality leads and close strategic business deals, Chris excels at connecting service providers with the right clients. His focus is on building long-term professional relationships and helping companies grow through effective sales strategies. Chris takes pride in delivering top-tier strategies, solutions, and results. As a seasoned dealmaker, Chris is committed to providing bespoke business solutions for companies looking to expand their reach and maximize their potential.

Piper, Snickers & Bailey

Backroom QA: Co-heads of security & cuddles
'We do the snacks' - Piper, Snickers & Bailey

In summary:

  • Beans by Hub and Spoke Games is a non-exclusive, written-first business development and sales support service for games industry service providers.
  • It is designed to complement existing BD or sales teams, not replace them.
  • Delivery follows a clear monthly cadence, supported by working-hours written access when timing matters.
  • You receive practical guidance and usable assets, not theory or noise.
  • The service is structured, repeatable, and capacity-limited, ensuring consistent attention and quality.
  • Bespoke support is available by request for specific needs, discussed case by case. Beans great, Beans on Toast, even better!
Hub and Spoke Games brings decades of experience working across the games ecosystem, supporting service studios with clear positioning, better prioritisation, and calmer, more effective commercial decision-making.
If you’re looking for senior BD support without outsourcing sales or adding unnecessary overhead, Beans is designed to fit alongside your team and help keep momentum moving in the right direction.
If this feels right and your pipeline should be better, we'd love to hear from you, contact us let us know what you need.
Contact

Let's work together

Seen enough? Great.Most companies we work with start by understanding where their business development is not converting through Breakpoint.From there, we guide you into Beans or The BD Guys depending on what you actually need.Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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