Dear Developers: Work Life Balance

When it comes to your teams... they're just as human as the rest of us (unless there is something I don't know). They need time to rest, recharge, and have a life outside of the studio in order for them to come back ready to contribute their best work.

I know sometimes the development window may increase the urgency to crunch it out... and if its close to the release window, I can understand that (just to make sure that all the i's are dotted and t's crossed) but if you have the option to give your team the time to have a balanced life do so.

The games may not be pumped out as quick, which will result in money coming in at a later time... but that's not a bad thing if it means more bugs will be squashed in the process. I've mentioned this before... but a well rested team will be less likely to slack off because they're a little too tired to focus.

A game with little to no bugs will give gamers the confidence that they can jump in asap, because reviewers are going to point those bugs out whether you like it or not. Waiting to buy a bugged up game until its less buggy won't help you anyway, so taking more time to get it right... should help the company and the team.

If you're burned out, you might not be in the best mood either which can make the tension at work and home... greater. I won't point out any specific studio in this post, but... if you want to maintain top talent for your team... keep them happy. You don't have to spoil them, but make it make sense for a healthy work and life balance. A team with little to no resentment is a good thing.

You wouldn't want to lose out on the second coming of Hideo Kojima, would you?

Support us below!

Save it yourself w/ tips from IT

SDGT Ent's 1st Award of Awesomeness goes to... Hideo Kojima!

We wanted to create an award for people in the industry we think are... awesome (for what they do). So... we thought a fantastic person to start off with, is... Hideo Kojima!

Why? Do you really have to ask why? The man not only is awesome in his hats as game director, screenwriter and producer... but he wears his game designer hat well too. From Zone of the Enders series... to Castlevania... to his more recent and last installment in the Metal Gear series, the dude has kicked some serious digital butt. The memories are great, but the best years are still ahead of him (and his talented team). 

From the Sapien storms the Luden's grow, so here's to you Hideo Kojima, congratulations!

The Gift of Gaming: What will 2016 and beyond... mean for you as a gamer and developer?

Gaming is an option, an opportunity... and a privilege to immerse yourself in an interactive recreational art. It can emerge in the positive direction even more... if the approach is done right. Not just in the development of good games (which is important), but I am also talking about doing the development team right... as well as the financially supportive gamers (you know those of us that buy the games in a way that result in the developers benefiting financially).

Some studios have an almost... sweat shop like atmosphere abusing the passion the development team came with, so much so to the point that some don't want to be a part of a big development studio anymore (and some even give up game development). It doesn't have to be like that, and the passion is beneficial to a development versus someone simply wanting to be done with a game to finish their contract.

There are pricks on both sides of the controller/keyboard, and until these individuals value gaming for what its worth... they will continue to be part of the problem that pushes it in a less favorable direction (those with influence, destructive power, and the right position at a studio). Remember that... and develop, publish, and/or game on with the purpose of having a good memorable experience... because misery is optional.

No matter what holiday you celebrate this December, be joyous, not hateful... especially if you have a choice. Peace! By the way, congrats to... Hideo Kojima! -RkRk

Speaking of gaming... here is a new Let's Play I did of Dungeon Souls. I was owned a few time quickly... but not bad for my first time, the Barbarian is my fave thus far. The wizard's fireballs are that accurate (though i'm sure they improve as you grow... hopefully). There will be an aim to review this game... but we have other games we have to review first (to be fair to the developers... so for now... check out this nearly hour long vid). 

There will most likely be more let's plays of this game... just to see how far I can get. Game on!