Revolutionizing Teamwork in Remote Game Development: A New Era

For years, the game development industry relied on shared physical workspaces, shaping our interaction and collaboration styles. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift towards remote work, and now some companies are trying to revert to traditional office settings. But will this approach work, or will it hinder productivity and collaboration? Research suggests that US productivity increased during the pandemic when offices closed and remained high throughout 2021, only to decline when employees returned to the office. At NDreams Elevation, we believe that a fully virtual team can be just as effective, if not more so, in terms of creativity, delivery, and collaboration. Establishing a remote studio requires a thorough examination of goals and processes. It's essential to redefine traditional concepts, such as meetings, which can be counterproductive when handled poorly. Meetings are often divisive, time-consuming, and restricted to specific individuals, leading to blind spots and missed information. Instead, we use virtual tools like Miro and Microsoft Teams to facilitate transparent communication, collaboration, and information sharing. This approach enables team members to access real-time development updates, share ideas, and engage in discussions without the need for scheduled meetings. To make this work, it's crucial to establish a clear and concise studio vision, outlining the 'what' and 'why' of your project. This vision should be specific, well-defined, and easily understandable, serving as a guiding principle for the entire team. When team members understand the vision, they're empowered to make decisions, eliminating the need for traditional meetings and reducing production pauses. We've found that using 'evidence in software' as a key metric helps us gauge what's working and what's not. By regularly playing the latest game build, team members can detect issues and provide feedback, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Embracing virtual tools and persistent channels of information allows for seamless collaboration, transparency, and communication. Our approach combines Miro, an online whiteboard tool, with Microsoft Teams, enabling team members to access project documentation, discuss ideas, and provide feedback in real-time. This setup is scalable, flexible, and empowers team members to take responsibility for their work, manage their time, and collaborate effectively. It's essential to establish a culture of openness, where feedback is constructive, and decisions are transparent. Senior team members must be willing to adapt to this new approach, and junior members should be encouraged to participate and share their ideas. By giving team members a voice and ensuring that everyone is aligned on the project's goals and expectations, we can foster a collaborative and productive work environment. To avoid isolation and stress, it's crucial to track team health, plan realistic workloads, and encourage open communication. By doing so, we can create a positive and supportive virtual studio culture, where team members feel empowered, motivated, and connected. In conclusion, building a successful remote game development studio requires a willingness to challenge traditional norms, establish a clear vision, and embrace virtual tools and collaboration. By doing so, we can create a more efficient, productive, and enjoyable work environment, leading to better game development outcomes and a happier, healthier team.