Learn how to give feedback to junior game designers that is constructive, respectful, and motivating. Follow these tips to improve your game design mentorship.

Don't forget, you were once this designer. Use that experience as a guide. Think back to a time where you felt great AND a time where you felt terrible afterwards. You CAN be critical without being a jerk. Listen to the designer, let them explain how they arrived at that point. Solicit their thoughts on the work as well. More context will result in more meaningful feedback. Follow up afterwards, it's not only for the game, it's also for their individual growth. I once worked at a studio that believed in ALWAYS giving critical feedback, regardless of what was being reviewed. It was seen as a weakness to tell someone, great job! This is looking great because X, Y, and Z. Don't make your designers dread reviewing their work with you.

What do you do if junior game designers need feedback without losing motivation?

Feedback is an essential part of game design, but it can also be a delicate balance between offering constructive criticism and maintaining motivation. As a senior game designer, you may have to mentor and coach junior game designers who are eager to learn but also sensitive to feedback. How can you give them feedback without losing their motivation? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Be specific and clear

When you give feedback, be specific and clear about what you liked and what you think could be improved. Avoid vague or general comments that may confuse or discourage the junior game designer. For example, instead of saying "This level is boring", say "This level could use more variety and challenge in the gameplay and the environment". Explain why you think something works or doesn't work, and provide examples or suggestions if possible.

Add your perspective

Mason V.

Multi-faceted Professional with Expertise in Business Analysis, Development, and Design | C++, Python, R, Tableau | IT and Transforming Data
Report contribution
I will always approach with a curious demeanor and ask how they came up with their ideas. Additionally, I want to see if others have provided feedback for them yet. Constructive criticism is really important here, but there is a fine line between that and scrutinizing that you need to make sure you don't cross. There is a tactic I find called the "sandwich method," which involves sandwiching constructive criticism between positive remarks to maintain morale. I also encourage open dialogue, inviting junior designers to express their thoughts and concerns, fostering a supportive environment.

Like
Yoddie Babuta

Game Designer | Game Artist | UI/UX Designer
Report contribution
Start with complementing what is good from his/her idea, then ask how their design thinking works, When you know there is something missing, you can ask them politely to improve it, don't push it. Then, if you have more time with them, give examples

Like

2 Be respectful and supportive

When you give feedback, be respectful and supportive of the junior game designer's work and effort. Don't be harsh, sarcastic, or dismissive of their ideas or choices. Acknowledge their strengths and achievements, and encourage them to keep trying and learning. For example, instead of saying "This mechanic is terrible", say "This mechanic has potential, but it needs more testing and balancing". Show that you care about their growth and success, and that you are there to help them.

Add your perspective

Christopher Tremmel

Game Designer III (Combat and Player Experience) 🎮| LinkedIn™ Top Voice, Game Design, Game Development & Gaming Industry | I make fun for a living | Opinions expressed are my own and do not express those of my employer.
Report contribution
Don't forget, you were once this designer. Use that experience as a guide. Think back to a time where you felt great AND a time where you felt terrible afterwards. You CAN be critical without being a jerk. Listen to the designer, let them explain how they arrived at that point. Solicit their thoughts on the work as well. More context will result in more meaningful feedback. Follow up afterwards, it's not only for the game, it's also for their individual growth. I once worked at a studio that believed in ALWAYS giving critical feedback, regardless of what was being reviewed. It was seen as a weakness to tell someone, great job! This is looking great because X, Y, and Z. Don't make your designers dread reviewing their work with you.

Like

3 Be timely and consistent

When you give feedback, be timely and consistent in your communication and expectations. Don't wait too long to give feedback, or give feedback too often or too randomly. Find a suitable frequency and format for feedback sessions, and stick to them. For example, you could have a weekly or biweekly meeting, or use a shared document or tool to give feedback. Make sure that the junior game designer knows when and how to expect feedback, and that you follow up on the feedback you give.

Add your perspective

Mason V.

Multi-faceted Professional with Expertise in Business Analysis, Development, and Design | C++, Python, R, Tableau | IT and Transforming Data
Report contribution
Maintain a regular schedule for providing feedback, ensuring it's neither delayed nor excessively frequent. Establish a suitable frequency and format for feedback sessions, whether through weekly meetings or utilizing shared documents or tools. By adhering to a consistent feedback framework, junior designers will anticipate and prepare for feedback sessions, fostering a constructive learning environment.

Like

4 Be open and receptive

When you give feedback, be open and receptive to the junior game designer's feedback as well. Don't assume that you know everything, or that your feedback is always right or final. Listen to their perspective and reasoning, and be willing to discuss and compromise if needed. For example, if they disagree with your feedback, ask them why and how they came up with their solution, and try to understand their logic and vision. Show that you respect their opinions and creativity, and that you are open to learning from them.

Add your perspective

5 Be realistic and positive

When you give feedback, be realistic and positive about the goals and outcomes of the game design process. Don't set unrealistic or unreasonable expectations, or focus only on the negatives or the problems. Recognize that game design is a complex and iterative process, and that mistakes and failures are inevitable and valuable. For example, instead of saying "This game will never work", say "This game has some challenges, but also some opportunities". Celebrate the progress and the achievements, and inspire the junior game designer to keep improving and enjoying their work.

Add your perspective

6 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?

Add your perspective

What do you do if junior game designers need feedback without losing motivation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Be specific and clear

2 Be respectful and supportive

3 Be timely and consistent

4 Be open and receptive

5 Be realistic and positive

6 Here’s what else to consider

Game Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Game Design

More relevant reading

What do you do if junior game designers need feedback without losing motivation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Be specific and clear

2 Be respectful and supportive

3 Be timely and consistent

4 Be open and receptive

5 Be realistic and positive

6 Here’s what else to consider

Game Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills