Welcome back! Sorry that we missed out on last week’s entry, the week just simply got away from me.
Just before I started designing The Hackers Guild, I worked as the network administrator for the local school division. One thing that I really enjoyed at this particular job was the fact that they celebrated each employees birthday with a cake. In fact, we enjoyed our birthday cakes that we even celebrated the anniversary of the day the vault door was installed. Besides the break from the daily routine, and the yummy food, these celebrations gave us a chance to connect with each other and gave each of us a chance to feel appreciated.
Birthdays aren’t the only thing we celebrate either. Anniversaries, promotions, graduation, and holidays are all things that are regularly celebrated. However, according to Fred Bryant, a social psychology researcher, taking the time to savour any of the good things in life, we buffer ourselves from the bad and build resilience.
Today, I want to look at five opportunities for game designers to celebrate.
Opportunity 1: Funding a kickstarter or signing a game with a publisher
Nothing is quite as satisfying as knowing that your game is going to become a reality. All of the hard work, late nights, and sweat and tears become worth it.
Opportunity 2: The first time a play tester asks “when can I buy this game?”
Play testing can at times be a difficult and emotional roller coaster ride. All of that is quickly forgotten the first time a player asks about being able to purchase the game. It can also a good indication that the game is getting close to being ready.
Opportunity 3: The end of a successful convention
Conventions can be a lot of work, but provide designers with excellent opportunities to promote your game, make industry contacts, and more. Taking a minute to reflect and celebrate your hard work will make the next convention appearance that much easier.
Opportunity 4: Finding your game on a FLGS shelf
With all of the games available to retailers, it isn’t a small accomplishment to find your game available for sale at a game store. What better reason to celebrate?
Opportunity 5: Seeing your game on someone else’s table
This is the whole purpose of what we do as game designers and can give you a sense of completion. I hear it never gets old as well.
With all of the ups and downs that come with board game design, celebrating even the small things is really important. The celebrations don’t even have to be huge affairs; it’s enough to simply take a moment and be grateful that we are part of this amazing community. When do you like to celebrate, and what is your favourite way to celebrate? I’d love to hear all about it. Until next time, happy designing.
Featured Imaged Celebration by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images