I wonder if Supercell's widely advetised cells structure explains their success (and could be learned from?) or if it's just a "secret sauce" myth they cultivate to add flair to a well-run and/or lucky company.
All the teams are definitely pretty independent and each person is responsible for a lot. There's lots of swapping around between the teams depending on where the talent is needed too. (source: I worked for them over the summer)
> "Now it's a lot more about the product quality and the product itself," Paananen notes. "If we want to create the best products, we need the best people. That was actually how the whole thing started, and where the name Supercell comes from. We're creating these small but ultra-dynamic teams of developers who work relatively independently. And despite the small size of the group, we have big dreams -- hence Supercell."
Having visited the offices a few times and met the team, it's definitely not a myth. The cell structure is there and in action. Whether it is a "secret sauce" to success remains to be seen in the long run (Say 5-10 years at least).
That being said, the team is amazing and they definitely seem to know what they are doing. Besides, similar company structures already exist in other successful companies, in the gaming industry the best that comes to mind is that of Valve corporation.
Not a cell structure per say, but very similar work and leadership attitude.
