Project 2 - Task 2 - Navigating Careers in Game Development

Alys

Okay, so when we talk about game industry contracts, there's, like, a lot to think about, right? You've got full-time jobs, part-time gigs, freelancing, and even going indie. Each one’s got its own thing going on.

Rhys

Right. And if we start with full-time contracts, those are probably the most stable. You get job security, a consistent paycheck, and usually benefits—healthcare, paid leave, maybe even a 401(k).

Alys

Yeah, yeah, but doesn’t that come at a cost? Like, you’re working under the studio’s creative direction, so there’s less freedom to really, you know, put your personal stamp on things.

Rhys

Exactly, especially if you’re someone who values creative control. Full-time work can be restrictive that way—there are team goals, deadlines, and often corporate priorities that kinda dictate your role.

Alys

And then you’ve got part-time contracts, which, I mean, sound great on paper. Flexible hours, more time to work on your own stuff... but is it really practical? Like, can you make a living off it?

Rhys

That depends. Part-time roles can work if you’ve got other income or responsibilities—like freelance projects or family commitments. But long-term career progression can be limited. Companies might not see part-timers as invested in the team, which can be a hurdle.

Alys

For sure. Now, freelancing seems cool—picking your clients, setting your hours. But there’s gotta be a catch, right?

Rhys

Oh, absolutely. Freelancing offers tons of freedom, but you’re also juggling. You’re hunting for clients, managing contracts, and chasing invoices. Not to mention, income can be unpredictable. One month, you’re loaded; the next? Maybe not so much.

Alys

Yikes. And let’s not forget taxes—because no one talks about taxes but, like, they’re a thing.

Rhys

That’s true, and it’s one of those details that can trip you up if you’re not prepared. Then there’s indie development, where the stakes are even higher. Complete creative freedom—you decide what games to make and how to make them. But it’s entirely on you to handle funding, marketing, and distribution.

Alys

It sounds amazing and terrifying at the same time. I mean, you could create the next big hit—or, you know, spend years on something and barely break even.

Rhys

Exactly, which is why it’s not for everyone. Indie development’s probably best suited for people with a clear vision, maybe some savings to fall back on, and a lot of determination. And maybe, just maybe, a bit of luck.

Alys

Okay, okay—so, out of all these, how do you even start to choose?

Rhys

I’d say it boils down to what you value most. Stability and teamwork? Go full-time. Flexibility? Maybe part-time or freelancing. Total creative freedom? Indie’s the way to go. It’s about aligning your contract type to your career goals and lifestyle.

Alys

Yeah, and being super realistic about what you’re willing to trade off for it. Like, no one path is perfect, right?

Alys

So, speaking of trade-offs, let’s get into the nitty-gritty—working hours. Crunch time. Like, the infamous boogeyman of the gaming industry, right?

Rhys

Exactly. Crunch time is basically when studios push developers into excessive overtime to meet deadlines, often at the expense of their mental and physical health.

Alys

Right, and some studios are, like, notorious for it. But others are trying to, you know, do better. Like, wasn’t there that game studio—I forget the name—that implemented four-day workweeks?

Rhys

You’re thinking of Eidos Montreal. They switched to a four-day workweek to improve work-life balance, and early results showed happier employees and solid productivity. It proves crunch isn’t the only way to meet goals.

Alys

Love that. But it’s not just about hours, right? It’s about the whole vibe of a studio—like, the culture they create.

Rhys

Absolutely. A strong company culture values collaboration and diversity. Take Insomniac Games, for instance—they actively foster team collaboration, and it’s reflected in their games. Spider-Man’s success didn’t happen in a vacuum.

Alys

For sure. When you’ve got diverse voices in the room, you get, like, cooler ideas and more relatable characters. It’s amazing how that translates to better games.

Rhys

Exactly. And the way teams work together—I mean, having clearly defined communication and conflict resolution strategies—it all contributes to a more creative and efficient environment.

Alys

Oof, can you imagine working somewhere toxic? Like, no thank you.

Rhys

It happens, unfortunately. But the studios that put effort into fostering positive values and trust always seem to retain their talent longer and produce better results. It’s good for everyone—developers and players alike.

Alys

Yeah, it’s like, you can really feel the love and effort that goes into those games. Makes such a difference.

Alys

So, we’ve hit on the importance of company culture and collaboration, but what about the skills you need to bring to the table? Like, what really helps you thrive in this industry?

Rhys

Well, for starters, organization is key. You’ll need tools to keep everything on track—and Milanote is a great example. You can map out career goals, game ideas, or even studio research. It’s like, your brainstorming command center.

Alys

That’s such a good point. I feel like staying organized—especially in such a competitive field—is half the battle. Oh, and networking’s huge too, right?

Rhys

Absolutely. Talking to people in the industry can give you practical advice you won’t find in articles. It’s one of the best ways to learn about different roles, plus how they actually work together in a studio setting.

Alys

Right, and, honestly, it’s where you hear about opportunities you might’ve missed otherwise. I mean, let’s be real—sometimes it’s about who you know as much as what you know.

Rhys

Exactly, and don’t overlook how important critical thinking is. It’s not just about picking the coolest job or studio—it’s about examining your priorities, questioning industry norms, and figuring out where you really want to be.

Alys

Yes! Like, don’t just follow the trend; do what feels right for you and your goals. But, okay, say I’m an aspiring developer—how do I even start building these skills?

Rhys

I’d say start small but deliberate. Use tools like Milanote to plan projects. Reach out to developers on LinkedIn for advice or testimonials. And, most importantly, keep asking questions—about contracts, companies, even yourself. What do you need to succeed in this space?

Alys

That’s such solid advice. It’s, like, don’t be afraid to experiment and fail because that’s where growth happens, right?

Rhys

Right. Every step, even missteps, teaches you something. And that’s kind of what makes this industry so exciting—it’s all about constant learning and adapting.

Alys

Totally. Well, that’s a wrap for today, folks. Game development is one wild ride, but it’s so worth it if you’re up for the challenge.

Rhys

Yeah, and we hope this helped you map out your career a bit more—or at least gave you some food for thought. It’s been a blast talking through it all.

Alys

And hey, if you’ve got questions or ideas for future episodes, let us know! Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time.