You're a game developer who's been working non-stop. How can you avoid burnout?

If you're leading a team or have the freedom to pick your tasks, don't go solo! Thinking 'I'm the only one who can handle this' or 'Nobody gets how this works' or 'I've been at it, so I should keep going' are lousy excuses, especially when you've got a bunch of other stuff on your plate. Just break it down for others if there's something they might not get, and hand over some tasks!

Hey, game dev friend! I totally feel the grind, and burnout is no joke. You know what's been a game-changer for me? Breaking down those mammoth tasks into bite-sized goals. And if you can toss a task or two to a teammate, even better—teamwork makes the dream work, right? Don't forget the power of breaks! Seriously, step away from the screen, stretch it out, maybe do a little happy dance. Your sanity will thank you. Speaking of sanity, set some working hours and stick to 'em. Your health is like the ultimate power-up, so get enough sleep, eat something other than instant noodles, and throw in some exercise.

A goal is ineffective if it doesn’t become a shared reality. Goals need to be communicative. Even when you’re working alone, whether it’s on a game or in an apartment, it’s crucial to establish and express your ideas clearly. This allows you to receive relevant feedback from the start, which can then be used to shape a more realistic concept. Tasks should be segmented because, during the process, you’ll be able to identify where and when a particular section that has been planned should be executed in the project. Thanks to effective communication, the project will be more tangible and flexible for the team.

When setting realistic goals as a game developer, consider your available time, resources, and skill level. Break down larger tasks into manageable steps, setting achievable milestones. Be mindful of project scope and deadlines, ensuring they align with your capacity. Flexibility is key; adapt goals based on progress and unforeseen challenges. Strive for a balance between ambition and feasibility to prevent overwhelm and burnout. Regularly reassess and adjust goals to maintain a sustainable pace throughout the development process.

Be fair to yourself and set goals that are relative to your reality. It's always good to challenge yourself, but try to do it in a healthy way. A very common way - which I find myself doing sometimes - is setting impossible goals, which will end up frustrating you and making you feel like progress never happened. Celebrate every small victory.

Managing your time and choosing your tasks effectively is essential. If you feel that tasks are getting out of hand and struggling, talk to your line manager and your team. Set priorities and if that's not working you might consider scoping your project. This is a marathon not a sprint and wellbeing is important.

After setting out the initial scenario for your game and defining most of the features, please focus on implementing your current ideas before jumping the boat and thinking about new stuff. I know it can be hard but it will be a life saver.

In my view, the creative and logical process has a daily limit, akin to a maximum quota that is best sustained with moderate consistency rather than exhausting that energy in the quickest and most explosive manner. The time for logical and creative work should be managed in brief work sessions that take up half the day. The other half should be devoted to planning, organization, and preparing for the next day.

Whether it's through Google Calendar, Notion, or the classic pen and paper (which I love and won't give up), plan your day. You don't need to be inspired by super motivational videos; create a routine according to your reality and limitations. Set small goals throughout the day and check them off as you accomplish them. This helps you see your progress throughout the day.

Communication is key. It’s the tool that can indicate when you need feedback and even when you don’t. Using this method wisely will enhance your understanding and coordination of the project. More questions than you anticipated will be resolved during the course of development, and a successful outcome can be achieved in less time with optimal direction.

Learning something new can make worlds of difference in your overall enjoyment of game development and help with burnout. Choose a skill/tool to learn and make a mini-project based on it. Once you learn the basics and are more comfortable implementing and using this new skill/tool, you will begin to think of new and more complex ways to apply it to current and future projects, and in turn, rekindle or further fuel your passion for game development.

Embrace learning! Fearlessly explore new skills and tricks in the vast realm of game development. Stay curious, it's a journey worth every moment! ??

Sharpen your dev-fu and conquer boredom! Game development is an ever-evolving landscape. Combat stagnation by constantly feeding your creative spark. Explore fresh genres, platforms, or coding techniques. Dive into online courses, industry blogs, or inspiring talks to unearth hidden gems of knowledge. Remember, even failures are stepping stones – learn from them and embrace the journey of growth. This continuous learning will keep your skills sharp and your passion burning bright.

Quando olhamos apenas para onde queremos chegar, normalmente acabamos perdendo as maravilhosas coisas que fizemos e aprendemos no caminho. Isso se aplica a qualquer meta que estabelecemos em nossas vidas, principalmente quando sentimos que deveríamos estar em certo ponto de nossa carreira ou projeto, mas ainda n?o alcan?amos esse estágio. Mas afinal, onde exatamente é esse "lá"? Quem disse que só seremos algo quando estivermos lá? Pois é. Cada passo na caminhada do aprendizado da vida conta, todas as quedas e cada vez que nos levantamos. Cada micro vitória e as pessoas que conhecemos, tudo isso pode ser o "lá" e nos ajuda a continuar andando.

Don't just chase the finish line! Rekindle your love for game dev by cherishing the journey. Find the joy in challenges, and celebrate your impact on players.

For years, I relentlessly pursued my ambitions in the creative industry, often pushing myself too hard. This journey wasn’t without its challenges I suffered eye injuries twice and, even after achieving my goals, found it hard to step back from constantly pushing boundaries. I used to feel guilty for taking breaks, but those close to me know the struggle I’ve been through. However, with time and experience, I’ve learned the vital importance of resilience and recognizing my own limits ?? Now, in every lecture or talk I give, I emphasize the need to understand our capabilities and the importance of pacing ourselves.

Although it talks about keep learning with regards to your craft as a game developer, make sure you keep learning about your mental health and ways to support it. As we move through life, our needs and priorities change and it's extremely important to learn about yourself by spending time with yourself and people who support your mental health. If you can, I would recommend spending sometime journalling about burnout and uncovering ways to see what areas are causing you stress and how you can change them or change your mindset towards them!