Game Developers Are Stressed: Here's Why

Image by Abimael Linares

Some members of the gaming community would have you think game developers are paid millions. It might seem like they work their jobs for a couple of hours each day before retreating home to spend time with their extravagant yachts. However, the reality is entirely different.​ Game development is tough work and requires an extreme amount of mental fortitude to succeed.

The Following can Lead to a High Level of Stress for These Professionals:

1. Working Hours
In one survey, about 40 percent of professional developers claimed that "crunch time," or working long hours, was necessary for their project's success. Many spent extra 20 hours on top of their 40 hours. Sadly, around 8 percent didn't receive any compensation for that.For CIG, it is even worse since there have been reports about working conditions at the company, which is currently being sued for breaking labor laws.

2. Burnout
Even if a game developer is working within normal conditions, research shows that working in a creative field can accelerate the symptoms of burnout. In another industry survey, as many as 80 percent of the respondents claimed they experienced increased pressure in their work because of the following mentioned. 

3. Finances
Anyone in the gaming industry knows it takes a lot of money to complete a project. That's true for indie studios as well. Even though many are trying to diversify, gaming is still a risky business model.

Usually, it takes at least $50,000 to produce a game, which covers more than the equipment and software. It also includes labor, overhead, and taxes.

There's also the customer who wants more features, which aren't cheap to produce. It takes hours upon hours of work to make these improvements, and if the game is successful, you can be sure that anyone would want them included.

If they want to save money, they can build the game alone. However, it could take them a year to complete the project. By then, competitors might have released a similar one in the market.

4. Culture
Competition is high, and the industry is growing quickly. This leads to many people wanting to jump onto the bandwagon, creating more competition for gamers' attention. In addition, most video games are developed by men, which has been criticized for its potential impact on diversity within the industry. All this can be quite overwhelming.

How Can Game Developers Reduce These Issues?
There's money in game development, but no exhausted, brain-drained team can survive. What they can do is look into different ways to reduce these issues. 

Here Are Some Ideas:

1. Work with an Outsourcing Team
It can be difficult for a small studio to stay afloat as they try to maintain their project and limit costs. But outsourcing a mobile game developmentteam of artists, designers, and programmers can provide the company the time and resources to focus on their project. This can help avoid stress-related issues that come from sleepless nights and long hours spent on the project.

Not only that, but outsourcing also allows indie game developers to grow their skillsets. By hiring experts in different fields, various developers can learn from them without spending too much money.

2. Remember, the Game Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
There's no such thing as a perfect game. All game developers have to do is check the reviews of even the most legendary titles in the market, and they will find out that each has its criticisms.

Although one shouldn't provide a shoddy game either, in many cases, something enough is okay. What is essential is they can offer an excellent user experience, which includes engaging with them through feedback. They can ask players how they can make the game even better, so this way, the company can design a project that further aligns with their market needs and wants.

3. Take a Break
When a person is tired, creativity suffers. This is true for game developers as well. They have to take a break once in a while. This will help clear their head and bring new experiences that can invigorate their creativity.

They also need to remember that taking breaks now and then isn't enough to be healthy. They might have to take a day off each week, preferably working on something unrelated to the project.
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The video game industry is filled with opportunities for those who are willing to take risks. But it's not an easy task either. Indie developers have to compete against big names in the market while also dealing with several issues that could impact their health. These ideas can help them cope with these problems.

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