How can you work better with game dev teams?

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is key for any team project, but especially for game development, where you have to coordinate with different roles and tasks. You should communicate clearly and frequently with your team, using the tools and methods that suit your workflow and preferences. For example, you can use chat apps, video calls, email, or project management software to share updates, feedback, questions, and ideas. You should also establish a common language and terminology for your game, and avoid jargon, ambiguity, or assumptions. Communication should be respectful, constructive, and honest, and you should listen to your team members and value their input.

2 Define your goals and roles

Before you start working on your game, you should define your goals and roles with your team. You should have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your game, and what are the main features, milestones, and deadlines. You should also assign roles and responsibilities to each team member, based on their skills, interests, and availability. You should respect each other's roles and boundaries, and avoid micromanaging, overstepping, or neglecting your tasks. You should also review your goals and roles regularly, and adjust them as needed, based on your progress and feedback.

3 Use version control and backups

Version control and backups are essential for game development, as they allow you to track, manage, and restore your code and assets. You should use a version control system, such as Git, SVN, or Perforce, to store your game files in a remote repository, and to collaborate with your team on different branches. You should also make regular backups of your game files, either locally or on a cloud service, to prevent data loss or corruption. You should follow a consistent naming convention and folder structure for your files, and document your changes and updates in commit messages or changelogs.

4 Test and debug your game

Testing and debugging your game is a crucial part of game development, as it helps you find and fix errors, bugs, and glitches that can affect your game's quality and performance. You should test and debug your game throughout the development process, not just at the end, and use different tools and methods to do so. For example, you can use debuggers, profilers, logs, or consoles to inspect and modify your code and variables. You can also use testers, either from your team or from outside sources, to playtest your game and provide feedback. You should report and track your bugs and issues, and prioritize and resolve them as soon as possible.

5 Learn and improve your skills

Game development is a dynamic and evolving field, where you can always learn new skills and improve your existing ones. You should be curious and open-minded about game development, and seek opportunities to learn and improve your skills. For example, you can take online courses, read books and blogs, watch tutorials and streams, or join communities and forums related to game development. You can also learn from your team members, by asking questions, sharing tips, or giving feedback. You should also be willing to try new tools, techniques, or genres, and experiment with different ideas and concepts.

6 Have fun and celebrate your achievements

Game development is a challenging and demanding process, but it is also a fun and rewarding one. You should enjoy working with your game dev team, and celebrate your achievements and milestones. You should also balance your work and your personal life, and avoid burnout and stress. You should take breaks, relax, and have fun with your team, by playing games, chatting, or doing other activities. You should also appreciate your team members, and acknowledge their contributions and efforts. You should be proud of your game, and share it with your audience and community.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?