Thoughts of a Game Designer & Person

Two thoughts across four important categories

When it comes to...

Teams

Number One - I have been a firm believer that the team is only as strong as the weakest link and so everyone must pitch in to support one another to advance forward. I have never been a fan of the elitist mindset that only the strongest will survive and succeed. We move as a unit and nobody on my watch is left behind and that stems from personal childhood experience that I do not want others to experience as well. In the words of Jean Grae, I like to tell people "Don't you understand when one of us falls, is that we're all fallin' with ya."

Number Two - Team dynamics falter when nobody is connected to each other or feels connected to what they are working on. To address these, it's important that members do fun and engaging activities such as watching movies, playing video games, whatever it may be so there is a bond forming. For the other part, ask them from the beginning if this is a project idea that they would like to explore even like to be part of in the long run.

When it comes to...

Game Project Ideas

Number One - Ask yourself "If the game isn't intended for skill practice, what purpose does your game serve to the larger game industry? What will it do to set itself apart from others? Why should I care about your game compared to others?" This series of questions are blunt and not for the faint of heart, but it's something I was taught that made me realize I wasn't interested in just creating what has already been done before. I want to create sparks by introducing something new in creative level design, unique stories with the players, and overall reimagining how we once thought was right.

Number Two - No project has ever been done without some sort of inspiration. Whether it be from a movie, a piece of art, or even a YouTube video it's best you start off with some sort of foundation and reference to look back to whenever you lose yourself in the bigger picture. If you are completely starting from scratch, you're doing it wrong because you are only delaying the inevitability of starting all over again and that's never fun for anyone to have to deal with.

When it comes to...

Accountability

Number One - It's important to acknowledge when you screwed up during a project as a means of self growth and being a great communicator. There will be moments you may deny or excuse your behavior to your team or someone has done this to the team, but what benefit will that serve you or them later down the road? Having a open or private conversation is important in allowing deeper and hidden things to be revealed which allows for both sides to then have a conversation on how to best solve those problems. If neither side initiates this level of communication, you will create a passive aggressive environment which isn't healthy for anyone to be in.

Number Two - Be comfortable in asking asking others for help when you are lost because it's better to deal with it now than to have them stressed when the information is discovered unwillingly. Dumb as you may feel, it's worse that you don't get anything done at all. I'd prefer as a leader/team member to see you trying your best and failing because I can teach you to get better than to not see you struggling and trying to pass by pretending you know what you are doing.

When it comes to...

Personal Learning

Number One - Turn what you find boring learning into easy digestible entertainment. A bit of a hot take perspective that as much as books/teachers will always be more effective in teaching you, don't be afraid in relying on YouTube videos or audio podcasts to learn things. Focusing mainly on the first part, some of the things I come up with was inspired by a video essay and I have little shame in letting people know I find some books to be long, dull and unappealing to get started. YouTubers are very talented in converting that knowledge with jokes, examples, and many other things to get their point across. Watch these type of videos while you eat even!

Number Two - Don't ask yourself the "how" but also the why. Always be curious and question everything even at its most fundamental levels. Although not everyone is like this, there is an extreme benefit in my opinion in allowing yourself to walk backwords and take a moment to truly grasp concepts you are learning. This also helps in the future because in my eyes You don't truly get something until you are able to effectively explain and teach it to others.