Game development is challenging, and with how involved modern game development is, it takes a skilled group of writers, artists, and designers to make a good game happen. This kind of unity doesn't happen by chance, though, and if a project is marred by infighting and disagreements, even the most capable team out there can fall apart. Only by being a skilled leader can one hope to avoid these issues, and you can prove your meowttle by keeping these various tips in mind.

1) Always open areas of discussion between you and your teams

At the end of the day, every person on your team wants to make a good game, but their ideas on how such a thing can happen may differ. Instead of letting them bicker and argue, encourage them to communicate their ideas to you. Approach them and ask them what their expectations of the project are. Find out what each development team needs and what each team member is capable of, and don't forget to be supportive of them and motivate them in their work.

Image courtesy of Cherrydeck via Unsplash

These may seem like small things, but by asking them to contribute to discussions, you, as a leader, are uniquely positioned to sort through their various issues. By showing that you care, you implement solutions that leave each party feeling satisfied, and this type of collaboration is needed if a good game is to come about. 

2) Encourage a confident attitude in each of your team members to prepare them for possible issues

Time is money, and the less time is spent asking questions, the more it is spent on more productive tasks. In this way, it's always important to keep a team's morale high and to always encourage them to ask questions. Make every voice feel heard, and make every person feel important. These types of discussions live and die by the group's willingness to contribute independently. Encouraging members to take the initiative allows you to delegate future tasks much easier, knowing they're in capable hands, guaranteeing a constant flow of back-and-forth communication, all while your teams remain productive.

3) Mediate interpersonal problems between members before they get serious

As the leader, it's your job to make sure that things are running smoothly, so it’s always best to monitor how your teams are doing and their relationship with one another. The last thing you’ll want to see is friction between any of the members. Sure, arguments can happen, and tempers do flare up from time to time, but a divided team makes for a terrible work environment, and losing trust can make a project stop dead in its tracks.

Image courtesy of Afif Ramdhasuma via Unsplash

A team should be able to trust each other, but unless all its members are of one purpose, sooner or later, problems will occur. Counteract this by holding team-building opportunities when possible. Help them understand that mutual respect is fundamental to creating a healthy work environment and that all their ideas are just as important as yours. All team members are equally valuable.

4) Empower your teams to become independent, self-sustaining creators

The biggest hurdle a creative mind can encounter is the idea that someone doesn't trust them and is constantly looking over their shoulder. Show your team that you believe in them, and give them the necessary amount of space to thrive. It might be tempting to micromanage every situation, but learning how to trust is a key part of delegating responsibilities. At the end of the day, you hire them because you think they're capable of doing their job. Give them the trust they deserve, but just let them know they can contact you should the need arise. They will appreciate the trust you have in them and pay it back tenfold with their loyalty and respect.

5) Lead through service and help them become the best they can be

It's your team's job to make sure the content they make is good, but it's your job to ensure the team itself is doing well, too. You might not have a direct hand in bringing these games to life, but you are the one who enables the team to function. Ensure that they have all the tools needed in order to succeed and be the binding force that ties them all together. Your team is looking up to you to give them the necessary resources, time, and trust needed. Unite them toward one goal and be the steady hand that helps see things through. Your team will appreciate all you do for them.

Game development might be tough, but being a good leader to a capable team will make developing your dream games easier.

If you want more game creation tips, feel free to follow us here at Mega Cat Studios! We love giving tips and telling stories about all things gaming and game development, so stay tuned!

This article was written by Alexander Ryan Ong Cuaycong