our process
Since 2008, AC&A has used a collaborative, team-based process to deliver results and avoid surprises.
AC&A is not a one-person consultancy or a side project between freelance gigs. We’re one of the longest-running free-to-play consulting teams in games, with a collaborative process shaped by 300+ client engagements.
Customized Proposal 
We tailor our proposed deliverables to suit the needs of each client.
Quick Start
Multiple senior Associates means we can (usually) start work right away.
On-Site Visit*
AC&A Associates can go on-site with clients to ramp up quickly, logistics allowing.
Schedule Commitment
Each Associate provides a deliverable schedule upfront, with flexibility when client needs change.
Multiple Touchpoints 
Frequent meetings via Zoom throughout engagement to stay synchronized. AC&A Associate, Adrian and supporting Associates can be invited into client’s Slack channel (or client’s preferred messaging app)
Collaborative Work
Associate and Client collaborate directly in Google Docs throughout (or client’s preferred Wiki platform)
AC&A Vetting 
All deliverables vetted by ACA&A team internally prior to client delivery.
Ongoing Guidance
AC&A provides ongoing input on the implementation of deliverables.
Interim Analysis 
AC&A works with client to schedule retrospective(s) to review results of deliverable implementation.
AC&A Slack Access
Connect anytime with Adrian Crooks & Associates for a year after your engagement.
Known to deliver work that is second to none.
We are proud to have worked with over 300 clients, including many of the leading mobile & social game companies. See what some of our clients say about their experience.
He is a master collaborator, and will embed directly with the team. He’s also the right guy to put in front of top industry execs to pitch, brainstorm, or suss out a project’s milestone plan, product goals, or design strategy. Adrian is my go-to guy whenever I get in a pinch and need someone to come in and drive an emergency project — regardless of scope or subject matter.
Michael Waite
Executive Producer
AC&A did a wonderful job and were highly collaborative with LEGO. Their associate very quickly became part of our team. He was exceptional in his ability to communicate the needs and risks of the project and he shared the valuable insights from his colleagues at AC&A when appropriate. We greatly appreciate the collaboration with AC&A!
James Lema
Creative Director Lego Life
AC&A were instrumental in bringing Hempire to reality. We brought the passion; they brought the expertise, and two years later with Hempire we have the highest-rated weed-growing game anywhere. It has massive potential and we are incredibly proud of it!
Dennis Molloy
President
Working with AC&A allowed us to clarify key issues with our game design while we were still early enough in the development process to make changes. Because of the specific recommendations we received from Jordan, our game is both more fun for players and able to monetize those players more effectively.
Richard Barnwell
CEO
I can’t say enough good things about working with Adrian. He is a talented and creative game designer with an amazing attitude, and he consistently delivered great results on time. He’s the first person I’ll call if I need an experienced game designer to support our team or our project. Adrian is a true professional and a pleasure to work with.
Garry Gettys
Executive Producer
AC&A did a wonderful job and were highly collaborative with LEGO. Their associate very quickly became part of our team. He was exceptional in his ability to communicate the needs and risks of the project and he shared the valuable insights from his colleagues at AC&A when appropriate. We greatly appreciate the collaboration with AC&A!
Richard Barnwell
Creative & Development Director
I can’t imagine where we’d be without Adrian Crook. We’ve found his clarity and candor to be refreshing and invaluable no matter what phase of the project he’s involved in. He is also incredibly connected and has a deep list of all-star talent to call upon should the need arise.
Kerry Choe
Project Manager
I hired Adrian as a consultant working on a game team. He brought a lot of expert knowledge about social gaming and best practices, which contributed a lot to the success of the project. He was also very proactive and went above and beyond the normal consultant agreement by making himself accountable for results.
Jimmy Gendron
Executive Producer
I’ve relied on Adrian’s expertise as a businessman and developer not only on projects we’re collaborating on, but as I’ve been charting the course of my future as a creator, game developer, and entrepreneur. I admire what Adrian has accomplished so far, and frankly, I think he’s just getting warmed up. Keep an eye on this guy.
Raphael Van Lierop
Founder & Creative Director
I hired Adrian as a consultant working on a game team. He brought a lot of expert knowledge about social gaming and best practices, which contributed a lot to the success of the project. He was also very proactive and went above and beyond the normal consultant agreement by making himself accountable for results.
Kerry Whalen
SR. PRODUCER
I had the opportunity to work with Adrian for over a year on the Panasonic Jungle project. I was always impressed with how willing he was to roll up his sleeves and get things done. He did everything from business development, market research, product management, and producing.
Chris Lavin
SR. MARKETING MANAGER
I’ve known Adrian since 2008, when he was one of a select group of people ahead of the curve in terms of understanding how mobile, social and free-to-play — at the time, considered “emerging trends” for games — would impact the games space. I’m excited to see this experience still serves his work. I’ve learned a lot from him, and he’s friendly, supportive and a pleasure to work with.
Leigh Alexander
Interactive Entertainment Journalist
It was wonderful to have Adrian in to mentor our mobile game teams at Execution Labs. He willingly shared his hard-earned wisdom in social design and monetization mechanics with the teams. Tons of great tips and tricks to implement!
Leigh Jason Della Rocca
CO-FOUNDER & INDIE EVANGELIST
I can say with confidence that their perspective will absolutely have an impact on our future direction. Jordan even spent a week with us on campus in Vancouver to completely immerse himself into our initiatives and to work directly with our development group. This time together was invaluable in getting everyone on the same page. To wrap everything up we received a very comprehensive white paper summarizing findings, providing an assessment of our current position against the competitive set, and suggesting areas of emphasis for our product teams. This paper was circulated widely across all levels of our studio and was well-received.
Deepa Arora
Director of Emerging Markets
I loved working with Adrian. Partnering creatively is rarely easy, especially without an existing relationship, but Adrian made it a great experience. He challenged us when appropriate, contributed great ideas and stimulated a level of design I think not possible for us to achieve on our own.
Ryan Cleven
Executive Producer
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Adrian on several occasions, over the last few years. Each and every interaction has been extremely positive, with not only great results, but also reliably enjoyable processes for everyone involved. Adrian’s world-class expertise nicely complements his tireless enthusiasm, to truly energize and inspire the group, while also maintaining the necessary focus. This unique blend of creative vision and practical know-how makes him an extremely valuable addition to any team.
Frank Sanni
Head of Planning
Working with Adrian’s consulting group was great. They consulted with us for 3 months starting with a full-blown design audit with priorities on retention and monetization. The info that spun out of the audit set our objectives for the next six weeks. At which time we drilled down into specific areas (monetization, retention, compulsion loops, industry comparisons, and social virality) that gave us actionable tasks and a dev roadmap for six months.
Scott White
Studio Vice President
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