As a game developer, it may seem like you have an endless amount of work on your plate. From designing levels to coding mechanics, creating a game is no small feat. But do you ever wonder if you’re neglecting the one thing that made you want to create games in the first place: actually playing them?
Personal Experiences
As a game developer, I have found that it can be difficult to find time to actually play my own games. With so much work to do, it’s easy to get caught up in the development process and forget about the fun part: actually playing the game.
However, I’ve also found that taking breaks to play my own games can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating. It allows me to step back from the development process and see things from a different perspective, which can ultimately lead to more innovative ideas and solutions.
Case Studies
There are plenty of examples of game developers who have successfully found time to play their own games while still being successful in their careers. For example, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and The Legend of Zelda, is known for playing his own games regularly.
Similarly, Clifford Surname, the co-founder of Epic Games (the creators of Fortnite), has stated that he plays his own games every day. He believes that this not only helps him stay connected with the player experience but also allows him to identify and fix issues in the game before they become major problems for players.
Expert Opinions
Many experts in the gaming industry believe that it’s important for game developers to play their own games. For example, GameDesignDaily, a popular blog about game design, states that “developers who don’t play their own games are likely to create a subpar experience.” They believe that by playing and experiencing the game firsthand, developers can better understand player needs and create a more engaging and immersive experience.
Another expert, Tom Green, a game designer and writer, believes that “game developers who don’t play their own games are like chefs who have never tasted their own food.” He argues that by experiencing the game from the player’s perspective, developers can create more intuitive controls, better balance gameplay elements, and ultimately create a better game.
Real-Life Examples
There are plenty of examples of game developers who have successfully found time to play their own games while still being successful in their careers. For example:
- Markus Persson, the creator of Minecraft, has stated that he spends most of his free time playing other people’s games, including his own.
- John Carmack, the co-founder of id Software (the creators of Doom and Wolfenstein), has stated that he plays his own games every day. He believes that by playing and experiencing the game firsthand, he can better understand player needs and create a more engaging and immersive experience.
- David Cage, the creator of the Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls series, has stated that he spends most of his free time playing other people’s games, including his own. He believes that by experiencing the game from the player’s perspective, he can create more intuitive controls, better balance gameplay elements, and ultimately create a better game.
