It’s that time of year again for many developers to pack their bags and make the frustrating journey through delayed airports, busy bus terminals, or packed train stations to visit family, friends, and loved ones. While there is the promise of food, love, and presents, unavoidably, conversation will eventually turn to catching up and the question you’ve been dreading will strike like a hot knife through butter (buttered rolls are one of my favorite parts of holiday meals, you know). Maybe you’ve dropped your guard, snuggled up in a blanket on an armchair by the fire, a hot cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows warming you hands. You close your eyes and sigh, but then it happens: “So, what to you do for work these days?”
Don’t Quit Your Day Job, But Quit Talking About It
There are but a select few who are able to be an indie developer as their full-time job. Many of us are juggling careers during the day, with game development at night, or what few hours we can squeeze between dinner and bed. For many of us, we can’t quit our day jobs, but that doesn’t mean we have to talk about it. When the dreaded question of work comes up, stand tall and be proud about your passion for game development! You don’t have to slip into the tired routine of how you do insurance claims adjusting, IT for a security firm, brew coffee, wrangle kangaroos (well, ok, talk about that one), etc.. Talk about what you’re passionate about. You’re one of the few who have decided to take that first step toward designing your own game, and if you’re getting close to release, you’re one of the even fewer few that was able to see their project to completion. In other words, be proud of what you’ve accomplished, even if it’s just been the decision to start learning about game design! If you’re reading this, then you’re already part of a wonderful and supportive community of creatives passionate about spreading fun and joy.
In other words, Happy Holidays to all you geeks, nerds, gamers, programmers, artists, writers, musicians, and everyone in between. And if you find yourself lost, alone, or tilted from all the holiday traffic, just remember that you’ve got a wonderful community just a few clicks or taps away!
Cheers!
Dorian
Editor-in-Chief