Being a game dev is epically demanding! Especially for us that have chosen to do this job on our own. The reality of the work is that you spend a lot of hours alone and most of that is spent doing the non-creative tasks like admin work.
Regardless of that most of us push on. Some of us power through to our detriment. To be in this business in the long term game devs need to find a way to make this lifestyle more sustainable.
Burning out could potentially be the end of your studio. So maintaining yourself is the same thing as maintaining your business. In addition to that your creativity is your number one asset as a game dev. It needs to be protected and cultivated.
I think you should consider the following factors when designing your life to cultivate your own. This is not an exhaustive list of factors but these are the ones that help me keep doing what I do!
When Ever Possible Choose Meaningful Work
Whatever meaningful means to you. You should strive for that. For a lot of creatives that means doing something that has a positive impact or having complete creative freedom. When you do this you will fill your creative tank while you work, amplifying your message and effect. An easy way to stay on track is to discover your personal values. You have them whether you know it or not. Choosing work that aligns with your values will make your life feel more fluid and congruent.
Build Deep Connections
Creatives tend to be introverts but that doesn’t mean that they don’t also need human interaction. They just need a different kind. Build and foster genuine connections with family and friends. This not only helps you stay grounded but maintain a healthy life.
Embrace Personal Growth
Never stop never stopping! Seriously though. Being a lifelong learner and staying curious will maintain a constant stream of experiences to make your art. You will also have a life that is infinitely more rich and colorful.
Maintain Flexibility and Freedom
Don’t stifle your own creativity. Sometimes you need to be spontaneous. Sometimes you need to drive to Vegas to attend your friend’s drive-thru wedding. Sometimes you don’t have watercolor paper and have to experiment with a random card stock that you are unsure of the origin of. Follow those passions. It’s okay to take a week to learn printmaking or filmmaking.
Practice Self-Care
Don’t over-extend yourself. Take breaks. Maintain boundaries. Take yourself out on dates even. I recently took myself to a comfy coffee shop and read a book. I would definitely date me. I know how to treat a guy.
Help Others/Teach Others
Be of service to your community. Teach people what you know. Some people say that is the final step in learning something new. Once you are able to explain it to someone else you can confirm you mastered the new skill. There is also an undeniable fact that it makes you feel good.
Get to Know Yourself
Try and keep a finger on the pulse and learn about yourself. In today’s world, it is easy to forget who we are naturally when we are inundated with social media content and our daily responsibilities. Try to always be your authentic self and follow your intuition.
Hold On To Your Dreams (but be realistic)
You have to shoot for the stars. There is no way around that. There is no better way to reach a goal. Always give it your all but also acknowledge reality. It’s one of the hardest things to do as a human. Sometimes reality will make you want to give up but if you can manage to keep one foot in dreamland and one in real-land you will get so much farther than if you had one or the other.