Tips for Assembling Your Team: Lessons Learned by Indie Game Developers
For indie game developers, building a team from the ground up is often a challenging yet rewarding process. This article shares insights and practical advice from individuals who have navigated the intricate web of team formation in the indie game development space. Whether you are just starting out or looking to build toward a complete team, these lessons can be invaluable.
The Value of Friendships and Delusion
One of the most common themes in building an indie game development team is assembling a group of friends who share a passion for game creation. In my experience, forming a team by simply saying, 'Hey, let's make a game,' and working through the delusions that come with no prior experience has proven to be an effective strategy. Delusion can sometimes be key in pushing the team forward when the stakes are high.
We spent two full years working in my apartment to develop I Hate My Job, a 3D arcade game for iOS/Android. During this time, we all learned to understand our strengths and weaknesses, leading to a polished and published product. This period was not just a marathon of coding and design; it was a marathon of learning and adapting.
Working Without Financial Constraints
Finances are a significant barrier to forming a team, especially when it comes to hiring professionals. Young and inexperienced developers sometimes have the luxury of working without financial constraints, such as family responsibilities. This allows them to put in the excessive hours necessary to turn a vision into reality.
Additionally, young developers often have a 'nothing to lose' mentality, which can be a driving force in overcoming obstacles. However, without the safety net of financial stability, the potential risk is high. This is why it's crucial to be strategic and build a team that can support you through the ups and downs of indie game development.
Utilizing Social Media and Community Engagement
Beyond relying on friends, social media can be a powerful tool for finding potential team members. By sharing updates about your game development on platforms such as Reddit and Tumblr, you can attract attention and connect with individuals who are passionate about game development.
Posting updates on social media can also help you generate excitement around your project. This can bring in playtesters, feedback, and even contributors who want to help advance your game. Be strategic in your approach, though, as not all individuals who get interested will be able to help considerably or at all.
A Case Study: Unexpected Opportunities
One of the highlights of social media engagement for game developers is the potential to meet genuinely talented and helpful individuals. For example, during my development journey, I came across a person who was trying to add his name to the credits to improve his resume. While this might seem like a mixed motive, his assistance was invaluable. This person taught me some new techniques and knowledge, ultimately contributing positively to the development process.
It's important to recognize that while financial stability is crucial, making noise and engaging with the community can still bring unexpected benefits. If you are focused on game development, making a product that people are excited about is a win-win situation for all involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a team in the indie game development world is a multifaceted challenge. Leveraging friendships, assembling willing delusional participants, and utilizing social media can be effective strategies. However, it's crucial to be discerning in who you choose to work with and to maintain a balance between passion and practicality.
By sharing these insights, I hope to provide aspiring indie game developers with a roadmap to forming a cohesive and productive team. Remember, the journey to creating a finished, polished game is rewarding and can be achieved through hard work, passion, and strategic planning.