Objectivity: The Power-Up we all need

The games business is well known as intense. The word 'Crunch' sends shivers down the spine of those who have been through it. I've heard first-hand and read accounts about people suffering from "burnout", making it through extended periods of excessive workdays without realising the negative impact this has on all other aspects of their life until it's too late.

In my younger days, I worked in TV and would regularly leave work at 4 am, crawling into bed after a 20 hour day, only to be woken up by breakfast radio at 7.30 am, so I could be back in the edit suites by 8.30 am. The money was dire, and frankly, the man I worked for was exploitative. I want to think that this story from the past doesn't happen anymore, but that would perhaps be naive.?

Thinking back to that time, I needed little training for my tasks. Sure I needed to be polite with the clients and offer help when needed, but it was reasonably menial. It's quite a contrast when you hear brilliant, massively skilled people following the same excessive, imbalanced work patterns. But just like whenever a human falls in love with something or someone, we become irrational, overdo it, become obsessive, lose our objectivity. It's also difficult to recognise from within. Our passion for the work and desire to please our players borders on "bunny boiler" status. So it's vital in your games business to create objectivity interventions on both a personal and collective level. Without it, work is a tricky balancing act.

Objectivity is a powerful tool and is utilised in various situations. In times of crisis, times of self-doubt, times of positivity and excitement, objectivity turns us into fierce critics and championing cheerleaders, both valuable and often necessary functions. Who of us hasn't suffered from imposter syndrome on occasion? Who has never doubted their abilities? Wouldn't it be great if, in those moments, we harnessed the power of objectivity to afford ourselves the same support we would offer a friend or colleague in that situation? It is possible, but it takes awareness, reflection and practice.?

On a personal level, do you ever feel overwhelmed? I do. I even have a name for it. It's my?Whirlpool. It feels like a whirlpool in my chest, where my entire being is going to go down the plughole. My diet suffers, and I'm much shorter in temperament. Mentally, I'm confused, unsure, full of self-doubt and massively unproductive. I'm lucky that I can recognise it these days, and I know by this point I've probably lost my objectivity, need to practice some self-care and take some time to settle the vortex down. I'm also lucky to have people close to me who recognise this and help me emerge from it through objective conversations.?

For those times when my people perhaps don't understand the context of my problem, or for those of us who haven't yet found our tribe to lift them out of the mire when needed, it is essential to practice this habit of objectivity. It reduces the number of times I am swept into my Whirlpool and minimises the time I spend in there when I do succumb. Stepping back and reviewing the events as an objective observer allows me the space to reflect on all aspects of the particular situation truly. It gives me room to explore, a chance to breathe, analyse, re-think my approach and, if necessary, plan a way out of the Whirlpool and plan a route forward.

Objectivity is a handy tool in life, not just work. Learning it early can transform high expressed emotional situations into opportunities to reflect, learn, adapt and progress. Learning it late does the same - you just missed some opportunities. You'll need to get comfortable with taking your shoes off, so you can stand in the other person's shoes. This common, effective strategy helps you to become empathetic and resolve problems.?

This week I embarked on writing about objectivity. As I write, the worst news comes through that Russia's second invasion of Ukraine is underway after weeks and months of deliberate lies from Vladimir Putin and his crony government.

As I watch Sky News, an emotional couple (Alena and Uri) in Kharkiv are interviewed about their imminent escape to Poland as they flee their home. A familiar story over the past 48 hours. I think about how I would (could I?) deal with being displaced, having 24 hours to pack up and go.

I'm afraid for them.

Yet, I'm full of admiration too. In the face of adversity, these people exercised their objectivity, detaching themselves from their impulses around their homes, families, and friends. They considered their lives in danger, taking decisive action to protect themselves.

I thought it could be churlish to write about objectivity in a games business context after writing the above, but that's the thing about objectivity. It's powerful in the small instances, and in the huge global ones.

Some Recommendations

I'll share articles and posts about the games (and related) businesses in each newsletter and post some other?exciting?games business news and developments.?

Books.

12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B Peterson

Nonviolent Communication: Create Your Life, Your Relationships, and Your World in Harmony with Your Values by Marshall Rosenberg PhD

Articles.

Is Hero’s Journey still relevant?

Supercell

Lemmings

Nacon acquires Daedalic Entertainment

About

Thanks for reading The Golden Path, a fortnightly newsletter unlocking the potential of your games business. I've been passionate about games and play ever since I took a career-based psychometric test, aged 14, where my top result was Toy Designer. Every games business is different. The unique combination of people, products and place always brings a unique set of challenges.?

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