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<h2>IP rights and their importance in the creative industries.</h2><a data-mce-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property" title="Intellectual Property" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intellectual Property</a>, or "IP," is the right of an author and/or owner to a particular creation. This can be a character from a book, a game mechanic, a computer technology, the name of a game series, or even a brand name from within any given universe.This is why it's so important to protect your work. History has thousands of examples of theft - of patents, research, and creativity. To protect yourself from scammers, you need to legally register your creation. This covers a lot: your idea, unique mechanics, concept artі, program code, and much more. <figure id="figure-tf46vh8uo4mho5bcv4" class=""><img id="tf46vh8uo4mho5bcv4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10fpM9qCPw1JmI0258oADgD1QVzUmrSysrthNfrSHHArx8825C9eBvFXJXEJcvEn.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10fpM9qCPw1JmI0258oADgD1QVzUmrSysrthNfrSHHArx8825C9eBvFXJXEJcvEn.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>In the US, for example, IP is protected for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works made for hire, it's up to 120 years after creation. After that, the creation becomes part of the <a data-mce-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_of_1976" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_of_1976" title="Copyright Act of 1976" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copyright Act of 1976</a>.<figure id="figure-k19qg9l6xdmho5f31d"><img id="k19qg9l6xdmho5f31d" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4emUlP5kzEYJd2Qgi7JUQqf9aTn7SgDMWLaEz3XocyIugbCHk68te1Y9B6Rkd5IT.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 85% 25%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="85%" data-positiony="25%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4emUlP5kzEYJd2Qgi7JUQqf9aTn7SgDMWLaEz3XocyIugbCHk68te1Y9B6Rkd5IT.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 85% 25%;"></figure><h3>The Two-Sided Medal of IP Law </h3>IP law is a medal with two sides.On one hand, creators no longer have to fear losing their creation and can always, voluntarily or forcibly, make plagiarists stop.On the other hand, it also scares others from creating something similar - not identical, but similar. Our entire culture, including the film and game industries, is filled with references, self-quotes, and repetitions. This isn't always a bad thing, often, it's a sign of respect for projects and works that fans all over the world hold in their hearts.<h3>The "Clone" Problem in Mobile Gaming </h3>There is also the interesting effect of mobile gaming: the flooding of app stores with clones of clones, most of them of very questionable quality. <a title="Cloned at Birth: The Story of Ridiculous Fishing" href="https://www.polygon.com/features/2013/4/24/4257958/cloned-at-birth-the-story-of-ridiculous-fishing" data-mce-href="https://www.polygon.com/features/2013/4/24/4257958/cloned-at-birth-the-story-of-ridiculous-fishing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cloned at Birth: The Story of Ridiculous Fishing</a>Unfortunately, it's become normalized in this market to make clones of other games, violating copyrights and earning hundreds of thousands and millions from it. But I can assure you, the market will regulate itself over time, and everything will normalize.<h2>Case Studies</h2><h3>I. The "Gray Zone" - The Dota War (Blizzard vs. Valve) </h3>A brilliant example of an IP dispute is the War for "<a data-mce-href="https://www.dota2.com/home" href="https://www.dota2.com/home" title="Dota" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dota</a>." <a data-mce-href="https://www.dota2.com/home" href="https://www.dota2.com/home" title="Defense of the Ancients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Defense of the Ancients</a>, or Dota, was originally a mod for <a data-mce-href="https://www.blizzard.com/en-gb" href="https://www.blizzard.com/en-gb" title="Blizzard's" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blizzard's</a> <a data-mce-href="https://warcraft3.blizzard.com/en-gb" href="https://warcraft3.blizzard.com/en-gb" title="Warcraft III" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warcraft III</a> (2002). The mod was built on the Warcraft engine, and its assets, characters, and universe were taken from Warcraft - meaning it was, effectively, 100% Blizzard's IP.The mod gained insane popularity, creating an entire new genre: the MOBA. The key person maintaining the mod in its later period was "IceFrog," who was hired by <a data-mce-href="https://www.valvesoftware.com/en" href="https://www.valvesoftware.com/en" title="Valve" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Valve</a> in 2009. In 2010, Valve first patented and then announced Dota 2 - a full, standalone game that was a direct continuation of the mod.Blizzard couldn't stand aside and filed a protest, as the entire game was built on their assets, and they didn't understand how Valve could hold a trademark for "Dota." In the end, Valve won the right to use the "Dota" name for its commercial product. This example is so significant because it was a battle of titans in the previously "gray area" of modding. It legally posed the question: who owns community creativity? The answer turned out to be complex and cost Blizzard an entire sub-brand.<figure id="figure-91049jzyhsmhoeqmqy"><img id="91049jzyhsmhoeqmqy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bmt3w6ayyLuZn8jsBayHvixYKc6u4OMvO5aM0lZbZfYPZRqOsozUKAfrz5c8UYz.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bmt3w6ayyLuZn8jsBayHvixYKc6u4OMvO5aM0lZbZfYPZRqOsozUKAfrz5c8UYz.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure><h3>II. The "Bully" - ZeniMax vs. Mojang (The Elder Scrolls)&nbsp;</h3>An example of an IP dispute that seems unfair to me is the battle of <a data-mce-href="https://www.zenimaxonline.com" href="https://www.zenimaxonline.com" title="ZeniMax" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZeniMax</a> vs. <a data-mce-href="https://www.minecraft.net/en-us" href="https://www.minecraft.net/en-us" title="Mojang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mojang</a> over "Scrolls." You can easily recall the biblical parable of David and Goliath—ZeniMax and Mojang, respectively.<figure id="figure-u9gsrtc21lmhoev969"><img id="u9gsrtc21lmhoev969" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23reHUSOvu5HiXDkImklxmugPPP86pp0yunG6SQUpEI0Y0TJpX5yo8huxIWoivTz.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23reHUSOvu5HiXDkImklxmugPPP86pp0yunG6SQUpEI0Y0TJpX5yo8huxIWoivTz.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>It all started when Mojang announced their new game called "Scrolls." ZeniMax immediately filed a lawsuit for the use of their intellectual property, the "The Elder Scrolls" game series, claiming Mojang was misleading buyers and the community. The situation itself looks ridiculous because the word "Scrolls" is a common, old English word used for centuries.This looked more like a classic example of "trademark bullying," where a mega-corporation uses its limitless legal resources to intimidate a smaller company. <a title="Trademark Bullying" href="https://dark-deception-game.fandom.com/wiki/Monster_Energy%27s_Trademark_Bullying" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://dark-deception-game.fandom.com/wiki/Monster_Energy%27s_Trademark_Bullying">Trademark Bullying</a>. In the end, the parties reached a settlement, and Mojang was allowed to use the name "Scrolls" for their game, BUT Mojang was forced not to register "Scrolls" as a trademark for themselves and not to create any sequels. For me, this remains the best example of an unfair abuse of power and IP.<figure id="figure-lwnuo7arimhoetusv"><img id="lwnuo7arimhoetusv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eP8hmNcFgMyb9rNCk8U8XT2x7XRstOe8JOSG6CHCm7XQ8R63HVihgjkdamMytz7.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 20% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="20%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eP8hmNcFgMyb9rNCk8U8XT2x7XRstOe8JOSG6CHCm7XQ8R63HVihgjkdamMytz7.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 20% 50%;"></figure><h3>My Final Thoughts: A Gift and a Curse&nbsp;</h3>In my personal opinion, Intellectual Property is both a gift and a curse of the 21st century.It saves authors from the malicious theft of characters or technologies, but in some situations, it also takes away the ability of authors to continue their own creations.<a title="Clone Wars: is plagiarism killing creativity in the games industry?" href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/dec/21/clone-wars-games-industry-plagiarism" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/dec/21/clone-wars-games-industry-plagiarism">Clone Wars: is plagiarism killing creativity in the games industry?</a>The main thing is to use it correctly for your safety and the safety of your works of art. And never forget to value the work of others and the time spent on it.

The Two-Sided Medal: Why IP is a Gift and a Curse for Developers

<h2>The importance of networking within the creative industries.</h2>Let's talk about networking. For many of us, it's a word that can be very nerve-wracking - I say that from my own experience. But I've learned to see it as a beautiful tool for expanding your horizons and possibilities.The reward for taking that risk is opportunity - the opportunity that you can then develop into your first job offer, a promotion, or a new project.<h3>Why It's Your "Best Ticket" in a Crowded Industry&nbsp;</h3>Networking is crucial for finding a job in the game industry because the competition is currently very high. You need something to stand out from the rest, and your connections are your best ticket to a good life. You truly never know what will come from meeting one person or another.<figure id="figure-6eli6nv08mho2ruey"><img id="6eli6nv08mho2ruey" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1uBjUsOPxvBuwnoRrylDAUsNKvj3byXGRYseFFW6qjxY0nEu2mZUk7UqMM3EMgLx.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1uBjUsOPxvBuwnoRrylDAUsNKvj3byXGRYseFFW6qjxY0nEu2mZUk7UqMM3EMgLx.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>My Strategy: Show Up and Be Yourself </h3>My strategy consists of a simple idea: you need to attend all the events and game jams you possibly can. More is better. I would probably start with exhibitions, then gradually climb higher and higher, all the way to.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://scottishgames.net/2024/01/22/global-game-jam-2024-scottish-locations" href="https://scottishgames.net/2024/01/22/global-game-jam-2024-scottish-locations" title="Global Game Jam – Scottish Locations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Game Jam</a><figure id="figure-kb49encpzmhodowwr" class=""><img id="kb49encpzmhodowwr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29wiT9lNirRfO6K4cEAsrmJgDqz8oCUnV77lVNIgsDXFtFnIPdqz0WzPSpUVgpK9.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29wiT9lNirRfO6K4cEAsrmJgDqz8oCUnV77lVNIgsDXFtFnIPdqz0WzPSpUVgpK9.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>My Toolkit: Online vs. Offline Events </h3>From online platforms, I'd highlight two of the best options. They are equally useful, but in their own way:Discord Servers: This is a great place to discuss issues live, listen to the opinions of others, and see real experts in your field. <a data-mce-href="https://www.linkedin.com" href="https://www.linkedin.com" title="LinkedIn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn﻿</a>: This gives you a slightly different opportunity: to show your interest and knowledge to others. In essence, it's an online resume with the ability to add friends and message people. <a title="My LinkedIn" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/illiatemnokhod" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/illiatemnokhod">LinkedIn</a>. A pretty good opportunity, right? Of course, you must distinguish between online and offline events. You need to behave with dignity everywhere, but especially at live meetings, where a more formal mood prevails and there isn't as much casual familiarity. You need to be more restrained, but still be who you are. This doesn't mean you should change your inner self for an event. You must, first and foremost, be yourself.<h3>Case Study: How a Game Jam Built a Masterpiece </h3>The Ideal Example: "Team Cherry"&nbsp;(Hollow Knight) A perfect example of successful networking is the story of "Team Cherry", founded by Ari Gibson, Rohan Nort, and William Pellen. They had worked together multiple times at game jams. It was at the <a title="Ludum Dare" href="https://ludumdare.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://ludumdare.com">Ludum Dare</a> jam (LD27) in 2013 that they created a small game called "Hungry Knight."<figure id="figure-1spal0kwdmhodm1bc"><img id="1spal0kwdmhodm1bc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1abIqGG2XjoWHYNDOj85k9xOsUVGuXZpPmC2ZMR9fXwB5s7SCRRUpBKU2XWg7xXM.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1abIqGG2XjoWHYNDOj85k9xOsUVGuXZpPmC2ZMR9fXwB5s7SCRRUpBKU2XWg7xXM.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>They liked the idea so much that they developed it further and created Hollow Knight. They launched a Kickstarter campaign with a modest goal of 35,000 AUD, but the community loved the project so much they managed to raise 57,000 USD. A few years later, they released the game and collected all possible titles and awards. It sold millions of copies and turned three enthusiasts from a game jam into one of the most successful and respected indie studios in the world.<figure id="figure-hsoul2lq8hmhodmpsy"><img id="hsoul2lq8hmhodmpsy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aGdPboTFBhCv1nUEVrC3PS701eocbibPvBFbkjQHHvd5bn6E5VqHquaV0KfhJrc.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aGdPboTFBhCv1nUEVrC3PS701eocbibPvBFbkjQHHvd5bn6E5VqHquaV0KfhJrc.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The "Bad" Networking Example Examples of bad networking are easy to find. Many people resort to spamming and begging for a job in the very first message. This is the fastest way to get blocked or ignored.My Personal Takeaway For me, I will focus more on offline events like gaming exhibitions, <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC6L_cmPol8" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC6L_cmPol8" title="TED Talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TED Talks</a>, and game jams. The "Team Cherry" story proves that collaborating on a small project with other passionate people is the most powerful form of networking there is.<h3>My Final Advice for Shy Developers </h3>The best advice you can give to anyone who is afraid of networking is to just try more and more.Over time, your shyness will leave you, and you will remember how strange you used to be. Remember that these events are designed for this purpose, for you - for real people. They exist so you can challenge and overcome yourself.

"Your Best Ticket to a Good Life": A Developer's Guide to Networking

<h2>Working in the creative industries: is freelancing the road to success?</h2>For many of us in game development, the "indie dream" is the ultimate goal. But is it the only path?The biggest "pro" of being a freelancer or a solo indie developer is, of course, the freedom of action and creativity. You have the opportunity to take risks and discover new horizons in game worlds. You are your own boss; only you decide the future direction of your actions. Today you're making an RPG, and tomorrow you're working on puzzles or racing games.In today's world, finding a job in IT, especially in a game studio, can feel like winning the lottery. Solo development gives you a chance to gain experience that was previously only available within large companies.But there are significant downsides. The biggest "cons" are, first, the lack of teamwork experience, and second, the (in the vast majority of cases) much smaller reward for your work. You are limited in your ability to develop the kind of massive AAA giants that, frankly, are an honor and a glory to work on.<h3>The Skills You Really Need </h3>Mastery in programming is great, but without creativity and flexibility, a solo developer will find it very difficult. Creativity helps you find non-standard solutions in non-standard situations. Flexibility allows you to adapt quickly to change, regardless of its nature. Very often, you have to change the genre, the main mechanic, or even the game engine—all for the sake of the ideal that every game developer must strive for.<figure id="figure-s63ot2p0lbmhnub79j"><img id="s63ot2p0lbmhnub79j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8i9Xj1HY48ug8cUeSKIFsgDKwhQjR8rlh7wBJyC045QUCOJuqARswxbkq2DwqLU2.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 100% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8i9Xj1HY48ug8cUeSKIFsgDKwhQjR8rlh7wBJyC045QUCOJuqARswxbkq2DwqLU2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 100% 70%;"></figure><h3>My Personal Take on the "Indie Dream" </h3>Personally, I have always been attracted to the idea of being a developer in my own indie studio, being a big part of something new and unusual. It's inspiring to want to repeat the incredible stories of projects like:<ul><li><a title="The store page for &quot;Hollow Knight&quot; by Team Cherry" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight">"Hollow Knight" </a><a title="The store page for &quot;Hollow Knight&quot; by Team Cherry" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight">by</a><a title="The store page for &quot;Hollow Knight&quot; by Team Cherry" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight"> Team Cherry</a></li><li><a title="The store page for &quot;Stardew Valley&quot; by ConcernedApe" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/413150/Stardew_Valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/413150/Stardew_Valley">"Stardew Valley" by ConcernedApe</a></li><li><a title="The store page for &quot;Disco Elysium&quot; by ZA/UM" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut">The incredible and unique "Disco Elysium" by ZA/UM</a></li><li><a title="The no-less-legendary The store page for &quot;Papers, Please&quot; by Lucas Pope" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/239030/Papers_Please" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/239030/Papers_Please">The no-less-legendary "Papers, Please" by Lucas Pope</a> </li></ul>In some cases, this is even a more "real" success than following the path of a game developer in a traditional studio, especially when your personal contribution was colossal.<h3>Case Study: The Dream vs. The Nightmare </h3>The indie path is a razor's edge between a masterpiece and a disaster.The Ultimate Inspiration: <a data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/413150/Stardew_Valley" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/413150/Stardew_Valley" title="Stardew Valley Steam page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stardew Valley</a> The developer who inspires me the most is Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley. His journey can be described by one of my favorite Latin phrases: "Per Aspera Ad Astra" (Through Hardships to the Stars). He did absolutely everything himself, working 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for over 4 years. His story of triumph comes through tons of pain, sweat, and suffering. He believed in his project, and he finished it. This story proves that the dedication and passion of one person can create a masterpiece.<figure id="figure-pur4qnt2tkmhocweot"><img id="pur4qnt2tkmhocweot" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eG2Ki5mj6YAhurZSqZn6g03msuklkTq9a1RhqQhfHworZydXeGUmR06nq9E89e1.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eG2Ki5mj6YAhurZSqZn6g03msuklkTq9a1RhqQhfHworZydXeGUmR06nq9E89e1.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Ultimate Failure: <a data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1372880/The_Day_Before" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1372880/The_Day_Before" title="The Day Before Steam page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Day Before</a> The biggest failure is probably the game The Day Before from the studio Fntastic. It was a total collapse that led to the studio's closure in just 4 days. The blame lies with the unrealistic promises they made, but that's only at first glance. If you dig deeper, you see the full "starter pack" of failure: constant delays, a dead environment, a game built almost entirely on store-bought assets, a terrible technical state, and the use of "slaves" for work, whom they called "volunteers." This all led to a devastating community reaction and a permanent stain on the game and its developers.<figure id="figure-nxass9l8pvmhocx91b"><img id="nxass9l8pvmhocx91b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9I4CDgkWBW4N0lnXwZFOTSBWlYNsLd0UKe7a9kkg19ZRVAHsNq48c5XPsjRpNLY2.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 85% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="85%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9I4CDgkWBW4N0lnXwZFOTSBWlYNsLd0UKe7a9kkg19ZRVAHsNq48c5XPsjRpNLY2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 85% 50%;"></figure><h3>The Best of Both Worlds </h3>In my opinion, it's worth trying to work in both a large AAA studio and a small indie studio.My plan is to start at a large AAA studio primarily to gain experience and inspiration, while saving and testing my own ideas in my free time.And then, after building that foundation, I can create my own small studio or join an indie team. This will be the time to bring all my hidden ideas and desires to reality, to reveal myself as a creator, and not just an employee.Also I can say that the main enemy of a developer is the incorrect scoping of the work. You must evaluate your skills and capabilities according to the situation and the game. Of course, it's desirable to have experience in large studios first, but even that isn't mandatory. The main thing is to have a clear head and a sincere desire to make a quality product.<a title="How Papers, Please Was Made and The History of The Developer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNC_kUPIYDg" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNC_kUPIYDg">How Papers, Please Was Made and The History of The Developer</a>

The Indie Dream vs. The AAA Machine: What's the Real Path to Success?

<h2>Does the concept of professionalism apply to the creative industries?</h2>When you hear the word "professional," what do you picture? For many, it’s a suit and a briefcase. For me, professionalism isn't about how we dress or look; it's about how we behave in everyday work and, most importantly, in critical situations.It’s the ability to solve problems with a clear head, to face challenges and tasks without giving in to despair, and to move forward step by step without stopping. True professionalism is a skill that isn't developed in months, but over years—decades of hard work and effort. It is the hallmark of a true master of their craft.<h3>The Creativity vs. Professionalism Paradox </h3>In the creative sphere, professionalism is vital primarily because it helps maintain time management. But we have to be honest: sometimes, this can be harmful to creativity.Unfortunately, in our time, large studios and major market players would rather "professionally" create something old that has already proven its effectiveness than try something new, unusual, and take a risk.This is why it's so important to give credit to the studios that manage to combine both professionalism and creativity, as this is as difficult as it is seemingly impossible. <a data-mce-href="https://www.kojimaproductions.jp/company" href="https://www.kojimaproductions.jp/company" title="About Kojima Productions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kojima Productions</a><h3>The Four Pillars in My Own Work </h3>In my solo work on GraphPaper Gore, these four pillars played a key role:<ul><li>Commitment: This isn't just a word. It was the pain, sweat, and tears I invested to meet deadlines and bring the project to completion. There's work—like bug fixing, optimization, and writing documentation—that is hard and boring, but it must be done</li><li>Integrity: This is about adhering to the moral ethics of Gamedev, which is an equally important part of our work. It means being honest about my code and my progress.</li><li>Responsibility: This was my personal duty to adhere to the project's timeline and scope.</li><li>Accountability: This is ownership, in both the good and bad sense of the word. It's the ability to not just do the work, but to do it well and be answerable for the final result.</li></ul><figure id="figure-u100qf64rkmhob24be"><img id="u100qf64rkmhob24be" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aG3PIumDvncrRrzsNjwCVMHbl76GJjgNKMSBhMjAJGTys6yU73vcwCT2joNYN9y.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 35% 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="35%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aG3PIumDvncrRrzsNjwCVMHbl76GJjgNKMSBhMjAJGTys6yU73vcwCT2joNYN9y.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 35% 55%;"></figure><h3>The "Bible of Our Industry" </h3>The Code of Conduct, or "Ethics Code," is a part of my job and my professionalism that guides us on the right path. I would call it the Bible of our industry.<figure id="figure-6bi1oyq9damhnrp0g7"><img id="6bi1oyq9damhnrp0g7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1nrocXpNRWV77uQofEZPN9TJwLjhVRClNYLA0w65NJ6TNBxlKfe2o6mIBPUluWW2.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 5% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="5%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1nrocXpNRWV77uQofEZPN9TJwLjhVRClNYLA0w65NJ6TNBxlKfe2o6mIBPUluWW2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 5% 0%;"></figure>As a solo developer, it's much simpler for me to be responsible for upholding it, but it's no less important to practice it. In my case, I align my conduct with the standards set by the <a title="Igda`s Code of Ethics" href="https://members.igda.org/page/codeofethics" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://members.igda.org/page/codeofethics" rel="noopener">Igda`s Code of Ethics</a>.<h3>A Personal Reflection: Solo vs. Team Professionalism </h3>The nature of professionalism changes depending on the environment.Working Solo: In my case, professionalism actually works better when I'm alone. When I feel that the entire task rests on me and me alone, I get an engine—a thirst for improvement and the creation of something truly great. When I was working on "GraphPaper Gore," inspiration never left me; I had an interesting and talented idea from the very beginning. I crunched for days on end. Of course, at times it was necessary to maintain self-discipline, especially when it came to boring, routine processes. But it was all for the final result, which is the best reward.Working in a Team: In a team, you are forced to adapt to others, and your share of participation is "diluted." It's no longer your child; it's a project of 50 people. But this is a very useful and correct experience. Truly great projects are very difficult to do alone, so teamwork is primarily a benefit to you, saving your time and focusing you on what you do best.My Greatest Challenge: For me, the hardest part is probably fixing bugs that are simply impossible to find. You can do everything imaginable and unimaginable to get your way, but the error will still be there. By the way, this is exactly why it's easier to work in a team—colleagues will always help you figure it out.<h3>The Key to the "Ideal" Studio </h3>For me, mutual respect is the key to the "ideal" studio.We are all part of one whole - whether you are an artist, a designer, or a programmer, we are all strongest and most effective as a team.I love to compare this to a bundle of branches. You can easily break a single branch in your hands, but a whole bundle is far from simple; I'm more than certain you wouldn't have the strength. It's the same with a team. Only in a healthy and well-coordinated group is ideal work possible for all of us.

Beyond the Hoodie: What Professionalism Really Means in Game Dev

<h2>Creating a good online presence: what is the best approach?</h2>For game studios, and especially for indie studios and small developers, an online presence is critical. For as long as products have existed, marketing has been a key part of selling them. Even the most unique ideas and stories are nothing if they aren't promoted to modern players. How else can we, as developers, show the world our creations?Therefore, you must promote your online presence from the very beginning of your career, even if there is no immediate "payoff." Building your recognition is like building a house: you always start with the foundation, and this is the hardest, most laborious stage.<h3>Where to Start? Your Digital Toolkit </h3>So, where do you begin building that foundation? Here’s my approach:<ul><li>LinkedIn: Start with a professional profile on <a title="My LinkedIn" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/illiatemnokhod" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/illiatemnokhod">LinkedIn</a>. This is non-negotiable. It's where you can simultaneously follow industry news and connect with the leading stars in the field you're passionate about.</li><li>GitHub: For technical specialists like programmers, having a <a href="https://github.com/Chieftalion" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://github.com/Chieftalion" title="My GitHub" rel="noopener">GitHub</a> is a massive advantage; I'd even call it a necessity.</li><li>ArtStation: For creative specialists (like 3D artists or animators), ArtStation is the equivalent of GitHub.</li><li>Personal Website: At later stages of your career, you can start thinking about a personal website for yourself or your studio—a central hub like this one. </li></ul><figure id="figure-qujlxbns2imhnoan1b"><img id="qujlxbns2imhnoan1b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30AfbNwoN9nEXQYA8uMNIglgU9sKhovHCGm5QXN1jsHc39Aine68S1W9ZQwNKpK0.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30AfbNwoN9nEXQYA8uMNIglgU9sKhovHCGm5QXN1jsHc39Aine68S1W9ZQwNKpK0.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 55%;"></figure><h3>What Should You Actually Post? </h3>As for a strategy to attract employers, I can't share one single "secret". The truth is, by following the advice above and actively participating in the life of your chosen field, you will ensure your own success.In my opinion, the most important thing is to show prototypes of your projects, rather than just fragments of code. It's also incredibly useful to share concept art and ideas.Don't be afraid to show even your "rawest" projects. Your work is a source of pride, not shame. The first step is always difficult, but that's what makes it wonderful.<h3>How Often Should You Update? </h3>You should update your portfolio step-by-step as you reach new heights. There's no need to do it too often, but don't delay it either.Think of it as a reward for yourself. Celebrate passing each new module or course by updating your portfolio with the work you’ve accomplished.<h3>Industry Case Study: The Good, The Bad, and The "Pride" </h3>A developer's online presence isn't just a static portfolio; it's the active, ongoing conversation with your community.The Ideal Example: One of my favorite examples of developers who are maximally active with their player community is <a data-mce-href="https://larian.com" href="https://larian.com" title="Larian Studios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Larian Studios</a>. They are simply unsurpassed in their love and dedication to players. Their <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XXSB5e7oVM&amp;list=PLGjaT8nX290R4pKg-0_vL1mGV6Uud3jq4" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XXSB5e7oVM&amp;list=PLGjaT8nX290R4pKg-0_vL1mGV6Uud3jq4" title="'Panel from Hell'" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Panel from Hell'</a>&nbsp;streams were deep, funny, and sincere. The studio actively collected feedback, introduced new features, and showed the community that they were being heard.<figure id="figure-26317ngj6rmhoa7kir"><img id="26317ngj6rmhoa7kir" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cZws2u00jwVfPMi9H5rQpx84EUl8HDqTVLamjAtzlCFwZAXphKuaAGiv93VLVgZp.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cZws2u00jwVfPMi9H5rQpx84EUl8HDqTVLamjAtzlCFwZAXphKuaAGiv93VLVgZp.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Disastrous Example: And then, one of the worst examples was given to us by <a data-mce-href="https://www.ea.com/en-gb" href="https://www.ea.com/en-gb" title="Electronic Arts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electronic Arts</a> with their <a data-mce-href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1237950/STAR_WARS_Battlefront_II" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1237950/STAR_WARS_Battlefront_II" title="Star Wars: Battlefront II" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Star Wars: Battlefront II</a>. To unlock iconic heroes like Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker, players had to spend dozens of hours grinding or pay for microtransactions. Players complained that the game already cost $80 and didn't give them access to basic things, to which one of the developers replied:<figure id="figure-gn1f6f8gl9mhoa8ubc"><img id="gn1f6f8gl9mhoa8ubc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bWFTh9vaTWkkaZJa0Wg3g74Cd8iNhZ507pEQA4Zh3ovNeE9Vs61LCEBMD50uSKqZ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bWFTh9vaTWkkaZJa0Wg3g74Cd8iNhZ507pEQA4Zh3ovNeE9Vs61LCEBMD50uSKqZ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>"The intent is to provide players with a sense of pride and accomplishment for unlocking different heroes." After this, the community instantly exploded due to the perceived disrespect and arrogance from the developers.My Personal Takeaway This forces me to better evaluate my own projects and understand the interaction between developers and players. This connection is the key to long-term project support and shows the developer, first and foremost, as a professional, rather than someone with a thirst for profit.<h3>A Final Piece of Advice </h3>My main advice is a word of support and inspiration.Don't be afraid to experiment and do things differently than everyone else. Mistakes don't make you weak; they carve you into a master, just as an artist carves a statue from granite.Look for what interests you and don't refuse extra information. No one, not even you, knows what will be truly interesting for you to do. And even if the world looks empty and sad, look for a ray of light in the storm—you will definitely find it.

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