Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
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Something I
ve seen in the past that affects morale is the relationship between the devel-
opment team and the testing team. I
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ve seen the entire range, from teams that wanted to
beat each other with pipes to others that didn
'
t even communicate verbally
—
they simply
read each other
s minds and made the game better. Someone needs to take this pulse
every now and then and apply a little rudder pressure when necessary to keep things
nice and friendly. Some warning signs to watch for include unfriendly japes in the bug
commentary, discussion about the usefulness of an individual on either team or their
apparent lack of skill, or the beginnings of disrespect for anyone.
Perhaps the best insurance against this problem is forging personal relationships
among the development leadership and testing leadership, and if possible, with indi-
viduals on the team. Make sure they get a chance to meet each other in person if at
all possible, which can be difficult since most game developers are a few time zones
away from their test team. Personal email, telephone conversations, conference calls,
and face-to-face meetings can help forge these professional friendships and keep
them going when discussions about bugs get heated.
This leads into something that may have the most serious affect on morale, both posi-
tive and negative. The developers need to feel like they are doing something worth-
while, and that they have the support of everyone. The moment they feel that their
project isn
'
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t worth anything, due to something said in the media or perhaps an unfor-
tunate comment by an executive, you can see the energy drain away to nothing. The
opposite of this can be used to boost morale. Bring in a member of the press to see
some kick-ass previews, or have a suit from the publisher shower the team with praise,
and they
'
ll redouble their effort. If you happen to work in a company with multiple
projects, perhaps the best thing I
'
ve seen is one project team telling another that they
have a great game. Praise from one
'
s closest colleagues is far better than any other.
Other Stuff
Perhaps the darkest side of trouble on teams is when one person crosses the line and
begins to behave in an unprofessional manner. I
ve seen everything from career
blackmail to arrogant insubordination, and the project team has to keep this butthead
on the team or risk losing their
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My suggestion here is to remember that the
team is more important than any single individual. If someone leaves the team, even
figuratively, during the project you should invite him to please leave in a more con-
crete manner. No one is that important.
“
genius.
”
s nothing that bursts your bubble quite as much as having someone walk into
your office with a game in his hand, just released, that not only kicks butt but is
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