Last updated on Jun 28, 2024

Here's how you can network your way into a leadership role as a game developer.

Networking is an invaluable skill in any industry, and game development is no exception. If you're aiming for a leadership role, your ability to connect with others can be just as important as your technical skills. Understanding the dynamics of the gaming industry and how to effectively build relationships can set you on the path to a successful career. Whether you're a seasoned developer or new to the field, there are strategies you can employ to expand your professional network and position yourself for leadership opportunities.

1 Build Rapport

To climb the leadership ladder in game development, start by building rapport with your peers. Attend industry events, engage in online forums, and participate in game jams to meet fellow developers. When you connect, be genuine and show interest in their work. This creates a foundation of trust and respect, which is crucial when you later seek advice, collaboration, or endorsements for leadership roles.

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Mark Terrano
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1. Express interest - talk to your manager about taking on more leadership in your current area. Ask for recommendations of books, coursework, or articles. 2. Share broadly - if people know this is an interest they will help you with growth. 3. Practice giving and receiving feedback - books like 'Radical Candor' are a great start. 4. Grow by giving back to the dev community - if you are a new graduate help coach first years - if you are an industry veteran, help mentor students and people new to the industry. You'll gain new insights and hone your leadership skills by avoiding the echo chambers and cliques - collaborate often and be the XFN liaison at your company; understand other groups and their needs as well.

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Maurício Piccini

Programador com Doutorado em Literatura | Escrita, Revisão, Storytelling | Gamificação | Compreensão Leitora
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Uma dica acionável para "crescer retribuindo à comunidade de desenvolvedores" é oferecer mentoria em game jams. Ajudar equipes iniciantes a navegar pelos desafios de design e desenvolvimento em um ambiente de curta duração permite que você pratique suas habilidades de liderança, compartilhe sua experiência e aprenda com perspectivas novas, tudo dentro de um curto espaço de tempo.

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2 Share Expertise

Sharing your expertise is a powerful way to gain visibility and establish credibility in the game development community. Write insightful blog posts, contribute to open-source projects, or give talks at conferences. By demonstrating your knowledge and willingness to help others, you become a go-to person in your field, making it more likely that you'll be considered for leadership positions when they arise.

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3 Seek Mentors

Seeking mentors within the game development industry can accelerate your journey to a leadership role. Look for experienced professionals who exemplify the qualities of a good leader and reach out to them. A mentor can provide guidance, introduce you to their network, and advocate for you. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street; be proactive in maintaining the relationship and offering value in return.

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4 Foster Teams

Fostering collaborative teams is essential for any aspiring leader. If you're working on a project, encourage open communication and inclusivity within your team. Show that you can manage group dynamics and resolve conflicts effectively. Leaders are often chosen based on their ability to inspire and coordinate teams, so these experiences can highlight your potential for higher roles.

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Pavan Paravasthu

Game Production | Product Management | Software Engineering | Carnegie Mellon ETC '21
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Whenever anyone asks me about leadership qualities, this is my go-to response. Understanding and managing team dynamics takes active listening, empathy, and building a shared language with individuals from different disciplines. Take the initiative, stay within the bounds, and help people see a situation from multiple perspectives. One resource that has been recommended to me by many, and I, in turn, recommend to others, is the book Difficult Conversations by Patton, Stone, and Heen.

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Maurício Piccini

Programador com Doutorado em Literatura | Escrita, Revisão, Storytelling | Gamificação | Compreensão Leitora
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Exemplo: Utilize plataformas online como Trello ou Miro para criar um quadro de post-mortem dividido em seções como "Pontos Positivos", "Pontos a Melhorar" e "Sugestões". Incentive a equipe a adicionar seus comentários de forma anônima durante um período específico. Depois, organize uma reunião aberta para discutir os pontos levantados e definir ações concretas para o futuro. Essa prática não só garante que todas as vozes sejam ouvidas, como também demonstra sua capacidade de liderar e promover um ambiente de trabalho colaborativo e focado em aprendizado e aprimoramento constante.

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5 Engage Online

Engage with the online game development community regularly. Use social media platforms to follow industry leaders, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. By being active online, you increase your visibility and show that you're committed to staying informed about industry trends and best practices, which is key for anyone aiming for a leadership position.

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Ali Farha

#1 Swedish Gaming Voice on LinkedIn | Game Engine and Technology Development @Star Stable Entertainment AB
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Are you still hesitating to start writing on LinkedIn? I've got both good and bad news for you. The bad news first: - Many fear judgment or imposter syndrome - The pressure you feel is often self-imposed - You're missing out on a significant opportunity Now, the good news: - It's never too late to begin your writing journey - The LinkedIn community is incredibly supportive Always remember: - People need a reminder of things they already know - Your content may only be visible for a brief moment - Impact can be lasting, even if people move on quickly - Your perspective and experiences are unique

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6 Volunteer Often

Volunteering for extra responsibilities within your current role or in industry organizations can showcase your leadership skills. Take the initiative to lead a workshop, organize a community event, or mentor junior developers. These activities demonstrate your willingness to go above and beyond, a trait that's highly valued in potential leaders.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can network your way into a leadership role as a game developer.

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Build Rapport

2 Share Expertise

3 Seek Mentors

4 Foster Teams

5 Engage Online

6 Volunteer Often

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

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Here's how you can network your way into a leadership role as a game developer.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Rapport

2 Share Expertise

3 Seek Mentors

4 Foster Teams

5 Engage Online

6 Volunteer Often

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

Rate this article

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