Laralyn McWilliams, who participated in the development of Gears of War 4, Full Spectrum Warrior and Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, shared tips on game development in her blog on Gamasutra. We share the Russian version of the material.
Every year, when the next Forbes list of “30 under 30” in the field of games is published, it is hotly discussed. I have nothing against lists in general and this particular one in particular, but it would be great if the lists and articles talked about people of all ages. This list made me think about what a similar top “50 over 50” might look like and how many people like myself still remain in the industry and continue to actively develop games.
I’m about to turn 52, and anyway, I’m glad that I’m still staying here – here in game dev, and here on earth. Thinking about what it means to be a man of fifty-odd years in the gaming industry, made me sketch out a list of the most, in my opinion, important things that I learned by my age.
1.
Bring to release what you started.
In every company where you get a job, do at least one project. Unless the situation has become completely unbearable, do not leave without releasing the game.
2.
Study the trends of the gaming market.
Constantly. Yes, it will have to work hard. Play games of all genres, not just your favorite ones. Watch the video and read about the games to know about those projects that you failed to play.
3.
Learn the latest tools and technologies, even after work and as a hobby.
Even if you’ve gone into management, don’t let your skills rust.
4.
It seems that the gaming industry is all so fun and informal.
That everyone in it works on enthusiasm. But we should never forget that this is a business. Don’t let your superiors convince you otherwise.
5.
A high salary or a well-known project should not be your only motivation.
Life is too short. If you see an opportunity to become happy in front of you, grab it and don’t let go.
6.
Don’t let the siren song – the call of indie development-seduce you.
You can only succumb to temptation if you are sure that you will complete the development or gain valuable experience with a new tool or technology. It’s hard to return to game dev from indie development without having anything on hand except a failed project.
7.
One day, the project you like will be closed.
It will break your heart. Try to save him, but don’t try too hard. You’ll love your next game, too.
8.
Switch from “I make games I like” to “I like making games”.
Love your profession, and you will become more flexible and open to new unusual projects and opportunities.
9.
Know exactly which are your strengths and which are your weaknesses.
When there is a choice, always take on those tasks that you can definitely do with a five plus. Even if they are not the most interesting. Always assign tasks to the people who can handle them best, and in the end the game will only win.
10.
In the gaming industry, collective efforts are valued higher than individual ones.
But do not underestimate yourself and your own contribution.
11.
Create your own game at least once a year.
Take part in a game jam or Ludum Dare. The good old development alone and with a time limit – nothing can replace this.
12.
Every year, celebrate the moment of your arrival in game dev – play one of the games from your personal top 10.
Remind yourself why you’re here and why you love games.
13.
Find or create a community of developers with similar views.
If you are an introvert, then let it be a forum or a Skype or Slack chat. Don’t shut yourself in.
14.
Tell me about your ideas and plans.
Defend them if you have to, but be logical and objective: evaluate ALL ideas and defend the best, not just your own.
15.
Don’t be shy about admitting mistakes.
Talk openly about them even in interviews. We learn from mistakes. Hide them or start denying them – and you’ll be stuck in place.
16.
Never belittle the merits of another person just to emphasize your own.
Especially if you are a leader. You will offend this person and, most likely, you will also not look your best. It will end badly for both.
17.
You will never feel like a real expert – even if you become one.
Our profession is constantly evolving, so it will not be possible to rest on our laurels. But remind yourself from time to time that you know what you’re talking about.
18.
Get yourself a hobby, even if it’s single-player game development.
If something goes wrong with the project, then delve into your hobby. Make a hobby an area where you control everything 100% and get rid of the desire to completely control the project.
19.
Make full use of all your vacation days every year.
Insist on this even in very busy years, plan everything in advance. Let it be solid time intervals that will allow you to have a good rest. When you return, you will be able to evaluate the project and the work as a whole more objectively.
20.
Identify problems, but focus on solutions.
If you start spending more time on the problem rather than the solution, then the negative will eventually begin to affect your work, the team and how you see your career.
***
It turned out to be quite difficult to reduce my entire experience to just 20 points, because over the years I made a lot of mistakes.
Yes, I learned from them, but to be honest, it led to a variety of new mistakes. My main advice was not included in the list. Here it is: don’t be afraid to take risks. Let your mind and heart remain open, and you will never stop learning and growing.
Source: Gamasutra