What do you do if your ideas and opinions are being dismissed in the game development industry?

Feeling unheard in the game development industry can be disheartening, especially when you're passionate about your work and have valuable ideas to contribute. Whether you're a designer, programmer, artist, or any other role within a development team, it's crucial to have your voice heard. In an industry that thrives on creativity and collaboration, being sidelined can not only affect your project's outcome but also your personal growth and job satisfaction. If you find your ideas and opinions are being dismissed, it's important to address the situation thoughtfully and proactively.

1 Assess Yourself

It's essential to start with self-reflection. Analyze your ideas critically and consider if you're communicating them effectively. Are your suggestions aligned with the project's goals? Could there be a gap in your knowledge that's affecting your credibility? Sometimes, it's not just what you say but how you say it. Ensure your opinions are well-founded and articulated clearly. If necessary, refine your presentation skills, so your ideas are not only heard but also understood and appreciated.

Add your perspective

2 Seek Feedback

If you feel dismissed, seek constructive feedback. Approach a trusted colleague or supervisor and ask for their honest opinion on why your ideas might not be gaining traction. This can provide insights into any potential blind spots in your proposals or communication style. Use this feedback to adjust your approach. Remember, feedback is a two-way street, so be open to giving and receiving it to foster a collaborative environment.

Add your perspective

3 Build Alliances

Creating alliances within your team can be a game-changer. Find colleagues who share your vision or have faced similar challenges. By supporting each other's ideas and providing a united front, you can amplify your voice. Collaborating with others also allows for idea refinement and demonstrates to decision-makers that there's a collective interest in what you're proposing.

Add your perspective

4 Improve Timing

Timing can be everything. Presenting your ideas when the team is under stress or up against a deadline might not be the best time. Wait for the right moment when you have the team's full attention. Schedule a meeting if necessary, and prepare to present your ideas with clarity. By choosing the right time, you ensure that your ideas are given the consideration they deserve.

Add your perspective

Anton Licht

Game Director, Developer, and Marathon Runner. Co-Founder @ Sudden Forest. Advocate for non-violent games and new game audiences.
(edited)
Report contribution
Ideas can prove destructive when they dismiss the project reality, meaning stakeholders, project phase, or budget. I've found it beneficial for myself to consult the team leadership about the appropriate process or channels and timing to introduce my ideas. If they don't fit in this project, they could be in the next.

Like

5 Enhance Skills

Sometimes, being dismissed could be a sign that you need to enhance your skills or knowledge. The game development industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so continual learning is vital. Take courses, attend workshops, or seek mentorship to strengthen your expertise. As you grow professionally, your ideas will naturally carry more weight.

Add your perspective

6 Stay Resilient

Resilience is key in any creative industry. If your ideas are dismissed, don't take it personally. Instead, use it as motivation to improve and persevere. Stay passionate and committed to your work, and don't be afraid to revisit and reframe your ideas. Your determination might eventually lead to a breakthrough where your contributions are recognized and valued.

Add your perspective

Anton Licht

Game Director, Developer, and Marathon Runner. Co-Founder @ Sudden Forest. Advocate for non-violent games and new game audiences.
Report contribution
In the game industry, innovation often stems from small developers who challenge the status quo, refusing to follow the naysayers who insist, 'You cannot do this and that.' Remember, an idea isn't necessarily disproven if it didn't work initially. It might not have worked because of the way it was executed, the quality or the timing it was published. Perhaps the gap or niche your idea addresses hasn't been fully realized, or wasn't brought to the right audience yet. Sometimes, taking the initiative to execute your idea yourself can provide invaluable insights, allowing you to determine its potential firsthand.

Like

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?

Add your perspective

What do you do if your ideas and opinions are being dismissed in the game development industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Yourself

2 Seek Feedback

3 Build Alliances

4 Improve Timing

5 Enhance Skills

6 Stay Resilient

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Game Development

More relevant reading

What do you do if your ideas and opinions are being dismissed in the game development industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Yourself

2 Seek Feedback

3 Build Alliances

4 Improve Timing

5 Enhance Skills

6 Stay Resilient

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills