Meaning: The quote by Andrew Oliver encapsulates the evolution of roles within a growing business, particularly within the context of game development. It reflects the natural progression of founders' roles as their company expands and diversifies.

In the early stages of a business, founders often find themselves wearing multiple hats and being involved in every aspect of the company's operations. This is especially true in the creative industry, such as game development, where founders may be deeply involved in the actual process of creating the games. As the business grows and matures, the demands of managing a larger team and handling the strategic aspects of the business naturally lead founders to move away from the day-to-day development work.

The phrase "coalface of development" refers to the front line or the most active and hands-on part of the development process. Initially, both co-founders were deeply involved in the actual creation of the games, working at the coalface of development. However, as the company expanded and began to hire more people, their roles evolved, and they naturally moved away from this direct involvement in the nitty-gritty of game creation.

This quote highlights the transition from being hands-on creators to becoming leaders and managers. It suggests that as the business grows, founders may find themselves focusing more on strategic decision-making, team management, and other aspects of running the company. This evolution is a natural part of the growth process and is often necessary for the continued success of the business.

Andrew Oliver's quote also implies a certain level of specialization as the business expands. It suggests that the co-founders' paths diverged as the company grew, with each of them taking on different responsibilities and focusing on different aspects of the business. This is a common occurrence in growing companies, as the need for specialized expertise in various areas becomes more apparent.

In the context of game development, this shift in roles may mean that one co-founder focuses more on the business and strategic side of the company, while the other may continue to be involved in the creative aspects, such as game design or technical development. This kind of specialization can be beneficial for the overall growth and success of the company, as it allows each co-founder to leverage their strengths and expertise in different areas.

The quote also raises the broader issue of how founders navigate their changing roles as their company grows. It touches on the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning from being deeply involved in every aspect of the business to taking on more high-level, strategic responsibilities. This transition often requires founders to adapt their skills, mindset, and leadership style to effectively lead a larger team and steer the company towards its goals.

In conclusion, Andrew Oliver's quote captures the natural evolution of roles within a growing business, particularly in the context of game development. It highlights the shift from hands-on involvement in the development process to more specialized and strategic roles as the company expands. This evolution is a common and necessary part of the growth process for many businesses, and it presents both challenges and opportunities for founders as they navigate their changing roles and responsibilities.