Burnout can destroy a game development career. I

n this video, I discuss what causes burnout in gamedevs and share some tips and tricks on how to combat, cope, and recover from burnout as a professional and indie game developer.

Mental health can be quickly overlooked or pushed aside during what AAA studios call “crunch time”. Game development studios like EA, Bethesda, and Rockstar Games have been criticized for overworking developers, leading to burnout and “stress casualties”.

I share some warning signs that you may be experiencing symptoms of burnout and ways you can regain control and balance.

We also look at why Master Yoda of the Star Wars Universe, though often regarding as a great teacher and philosopher, actually has some bad advice when it comes to mental health, managing stress, and maintaining realistic expectations.

Expectations that are unreasonable can lead to impossible goals that can never be reached. These constant, unreachable goals can create permanent levels of stress that cause your body, specifically your central nervous system, to operate ineffectively.

As a game developer, this can lead to feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, depressed, a lack of confidence, and ultimately may cause someone to quit gamedev entirely.

It is important to know the signs of burnout and what steps you can take to recover from burnout as a game developer. Even if you are not a gamedev, this same tips are relavant for any creative or artistic field.

Finally, if you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out and talk to someone.

Resources:

Mental Health Hotline – https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Suicide & Crisis Hotline – dial 988 (US-based)