Since the OP didn't limit this to video games...I have been the project manager on several multi-million dollar technology-related projects. I keep getting chosen for this role because:
1.) I know how to plan and schedule, and I know how to stick to that schedule.
2.) I don't play politics.
3.) I deal with controversy by bringing together all the involved parties, getting all opinions out in the open, and discussing them logically rather than letting people resort to petty screaming arguments and backstabbing gossip wars.
4.) I'm well-liked and respected in my company despite being basically "peon" level in terms of company authoritative rank, therefore no one has a problem working with me personally.
5.) I know how to communicate to the tech-heads and also how to communicate with the people who barely know how to turn on a computer. I can also translate between the two extremes.
6.) I don't complain about being "peon" level in the company yet getting stuck with the responsibility for managing multi-million dollar projects.
7.) I have minimal vendor bias...generally speaking, I'm very open-minded about possible solutions.
8.) I'm smart enough to know what subjects I'm stupid at. When dealing with a technology or topic where I am not an expert (which is a whole lotta stuff), I don't let ego get in the way of asking for help...or hiring a consultant.
9.) I know how to separate "gotta have" from "nice to have."
10.) When considering solutions, I always make sure to analyze the technical capabilities & fit of a solution completely separately from the price. Price always, always, ALWAYS biases opinions. Only after the decision-making body has made a ranking of the potential solutions based on technical capability and "how good a fit is it for the company" do I even let them see the price differential. And then I ask, "Now then, you've told me that in your opinion, vendor A is a much better solution for us than vendor B. However, vendor A is also 10% more expensive than vendor B. Is the price differential worth it?"
11.) People tell me I have a really good speaking voice and really know how to make a good verbal presentation. I've had multiple people tell me I should be a radio announcer.
12.) I know the true definition of "diplomacy," namely "the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a fashion that they walk away expecting an enjoyable vacation."
13.) I know the definition of a successful negotiation, which is "when both parties walk away from the table feeling like they got screwed over."
14.) I consistently put in more effort and more time than anyone else on the project. And I never complain about doing so or demand any recompense for doing so. This will probably wind up killing me from exhaustion eventually, but at least I've been told multiple times that it's greatly appreciated.
Okay, this is rapidly becoming wall o'text, sorry...I'll shut up now.
