You’re considering a career in Game Design. What do you need to know about work-life balance?

It's VERY easy to lose yourself since frequently this will not just be a job to many people but a passion and when you're excited about a project it's hard to turn that off. However even if you're excited and passionate about a project it is very important to take time away and not burn yourself out. Give yourself time to pull away and think about and do other things. Frequently this is one of the best ways to solve difficult problems is to walk away from it and do something completely different and when you return it suddenly will seem much easier to solve. Also as a junior designer you might feel pressure to prove yourself. Don't get taken advantage of during this period, it'll also lead to burnout or even losing that fire.

You're likely to find that early in your career you don't have good work/life balance. Getting a career off the ground requires a significant investment of time and energy and that may come at the expense of other areas of your life. You have to be constantly assessing whether or not that trade off is worth it to you personally. Sometimes it's not worth it and you have to know when to take a step back and put another area of your life first. You may also find that it's easier to have a better work/life balance the further into your career you get as you've established yourself and have something very concrete to offer other than just your time. Ultimately, the only person who is going to balance these things and put you first is you.

Game design is both an art and a science that involves creating video game rules, mechanics, storylines, and environments. The process requires in-depth knowledge of player psychology, creative storytelling, and technical expertise to bring imaginative concepts to life. As a game designer, you are responsible for crafting engaging experiences that entertain, challenge, and immerse players in virtual worlds.

The field of game design offers several benefits, making it an attractive career choice for many. Firstly, it allows for immense creative expression. Game designers can create new worlds, tell stories, and develop unique gameplay mechanics. Additionally, the industry is known for its dynamic and ever-evolving nature, providing designers with constant opportunities to learn and work with the latest technologies. Working in game design can also be deeply rewarding as designers see their visions come to life and bring joy to players around the globe.

Game design offers several advantages, but it also poses various challenges. Among the most significant issues is the notorious crunch culture prevalent in the industry, which often leads to long hours and tight deadlines, potentially affecting work-life balance. The field is also highly competitive, necessitating constantly upgrading skills to remain relevant. Additionally, game development's iterative nature requires frequent feedback and revisions, which can be demanding and stressful.

A Game designer early in their career will likely struggle with the work life balance. This is because of what's considered a "passion tax" to enter the industry. It's essential to form proper boundaries in order to allow a healthy balance which can fuel your health and even inspire your design.