Here's how you can maintain ties with the game design community during a layoff.
Navigating a layoff can be a challenging experience, especially within the dynamic field of game design. It's not just about finding the next opportunity; it's also about maintaining the relationships you've built within the community. As a game designer, these connections are invaluable, providing support, inspiration, and potential leads for future projects. In the midst of a career hiatus, staying engaged with your peers can keep you updated on industry trends, give you creative feedback, and help you stay visible to potential employers or collaborators. Here's how you can maintain those ties and ensure that a layoff doesn't mean losing touch with the game design community.
Online forums dedicated to game design are a treasure trove of interaction and knowledge exchange. By participating in discussions, offering advice, and sharing your experiences, you create a presence that both supports others and keeps you front of mind in the community. It's important to be genuine and helpful rather than simply self-promotional. Engaging with topics that interest you can also lead to new learning opportunities and connections with like-minded professionals who can offer support during this transitional phase.
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To broaden your engagement, consider diversifying across various platforms such as Reddit's game design subreddits, specialized Discord servers, or industry-specific Slack channels. Furthermore, use these forums to stay updated on the latest trends and industry news, ensuring that you remain current even during a layoff. Engage in discussions about emerging technologies, game design philosophies, or new game releases. This not only keeps your skills sharp but also positions you as someone who remains passionate and well-informed despite setbacks. As you build connections, consider reaching out to individuals for virtual coffee chats or portfolio reviews, which can lead to mentorship opportunities or even job leads.
Social media platforms are pivotal in keeping connected with the game design community. Regularly posting updates about your projects, insights into game design processes, or thoughts on industry news can spark conversations and demonstrate your ongoing passion for the field. Remember to engage with others by commenting on their posts, sharing interesting content, and congratulating peers on their achievements. This reciprocal approach helps build a supportive network that can be beneficial during and after a layoff.
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Karthik Bindumon
Game Designer | Gamification Consultant | Ludology and Neuroscience Aficionado
(edited)Choose the right platforms for maximum impact. LinkedIn is great for professional networking, while Twitter allows for casual interactions. Instagram and TikTok offer visual storytelling opportunities. Engage by leaving thoughtful comments, asking questions, and sharing experiences to foster a sense of community. Participate in virtual events and webinars to establish a presence and contribute value to the game design ecosystem.
Engaging in collaborative projects can be a powerful way to stay active in the game design community. Whether it's contributing to an open-source game or teaming up with other designers for a game jam, collaboration keeps your skills sharp and your network active. These projects can lead to new learning experiences and showcase your ability to work as part of a team, an attractive trait for future employers or partners in the industry.
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Game jams offer another excellent platform for collaboration. They push you to work under tight deadlines and specific themes, fostering creativity and teamwork. By taking part in a game jam, you showcase your ability to innovate under pressure, collaborate with diverse teams, and deliver tangible outcomes swiftly. Don't confine yourself to game design roles alone—explore other facets of game development such as music composition, storytelling, or art. This interdisciplinary approach can enrich your comprehension of the entire development process and make you a more versatile contributor to future projects. It also allows you to connect with a wider array of professionals, ranging from artists to composers to writers.
Attending virtual or in-person networking events is crucial for maintaining connections. These events offer the chance to meet new people, catch up with acquaintances, and discuss current trends in game design. Even if you're not currently employed, presenting yourself as an active and engaged member of the community can open doors when you least expect it. Be sure to follow up with new contacts to foster those relationships further.
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Maintaining ties with the game design community during a layoff can be sustained through active participation in networking events, whether virtual or in-person. These events provide opportunities to forge new connections, rekindle relationships with acquaintances, and stay abreast of current trends in the industry. Demonstrating engagement and involvement, even while between roles, showcases your dedication to the field and can lead to unexpected opportunities in the future. Additionally, nurturing new connections through follow-up communication helps to strengthen relationships and expand your professional network within the game design community, enhancing your prospects for career advancement and collaboration.
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Make the most of the diverse range of networking events, from game design conferences to smaller local meetups. Large events provide broad exposure to industry trends and key players, while smaller meetups offer more intimate interactions where you can forge deeper connections. Actively engage in discussions by asking questions and sharing insights, demonstrating your ongoing interest in the field. Furthermore, consider organizing your own networking event, even if it's a casual online gathering for game designers. This positions you as a connector within the community and can attract like-minded individuals, expanding your network further.
Taking on a mentorship role can be mutually beneficial. By guiding newcomers to the game design industry, you not only help others but also reinforce your own knowledge and stay engaged with the community. Mentorship can position you as a leader and an expert, which can be incredibly valuable when looking for your next role. Plus, teaching others often leads to new insights and ideas for your own work.
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One of the fantastic things about mentoring is that the relationship is an environment of mutual information exchange, through teaching you learn. It can also help remove any feelings of imposter syndrome that being involved in a layoff may create. Additionally, it can set you up to pursue side hustles like teaching an online course. If you are a more senior level professional it is also a great way to keep a pulse on candidates, their work and their schools’ requirements.
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Consider joining established mentorship programs or platforms that connect experienced designers with those seeking guidance. This will help you build a network of mentees and mentors, strengthening your connections within the community. If such programs are not available, take the initiative to create your own mentorship circle, inviting others to share their expertise and fostering a collaborative learning space. One significant advantage of mentorship is the opportunity to identify and nurture talent, which can lead to future partnerships and collaborations. By building relationships with aspiring game designers, you establish a network of individuals who may become colleagues or advocates for you in the future.
Developing personal projects during a layoff keeps your game design skills honed and gives you something concrete to talk about with your peers. Whether it's a small indie game or a concept design for a larger project, personal work demonstrates your initiative and commitment to your craft. Sharing progress updates and seeking feedback from the community can lead to constructive discussions, new perspectives, and even interest from potential collaborators or employers.
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