The Importance of Properly Crediting Game Developers

In recent months, numerous stories have emerged about game developers being omitted from game credits, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive crediting system. Industry experts, such as Nazih Fares, vice-chair at the IGDA Game Credits SIG, and Tarja Porkka-Kontturi, board member of the Game Credits SIG, emphasize the importance of proper crediting in the game development industry. Fares notes that the issue of crediting is often overlooked until it's too late, and that it's essential to start thinking about credits during the pre-production phase. He recommends gradually building a list of names as the project progresses to ensure that everyone who has worked on the game is accounted for. Porkka-Kontturi highlights that credits are not just about recognizing individual contributions but also about creating a fair and transparent system. She emphasizes that the current system can be unfair, particularly for external contributors who may not have the same level of visibility as internal team members. The IGDA has developed guidelines for crediting, which include rules for inclusion, attribution, and priority. Fares explains that the guidelines are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different project sizes and types. However, implementing these guidelines can be challenging, particularly when working with external partners or vendors. Klaudia Mower, QA manager at Testronic, notes that her company has a template for delivering credits to clients, but the process can be complex and requires careful consideration of factors such as team size, project length, and GDPR regulations. Fares believes that the responsibility for ensuring proper crediting falls on both studios and vendors. He argues that vendors should take a more proactive approach to crediting, rather than relying on studios to initiate the process. The issue of crediting is not just limited to the game development industry; it also has implications for career advancement and job security. Fares notes that being properly credited can make a significant difference in a developer's career, particularly for those who are trying to break into the industry or advance to more senior roles. Ultimately, creating a fair and transparent crediting system requires a collaborative effort from industry stakeholders, including developers, publishers, and vendors. By working together, the game development industry can establish a set of best practices that prioritize fairness, transparency, and recognition of individual contributions. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to address the issue of crediting and create a system that values and recognizes the hard work and dedication of game developers. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community that benefits everyone involved.