The Average Workday for Game Developers
According to a survey conducted by GDC Europe 2017, the average game developer works approximately 49 hours per week. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the size of the studio and the type of project being worked on.
Factors That Contribute to Long Work Hours
- High expectations: Game developers are under constant pressure to create games that meet the high expectations of players. This can lead to long work hours as they strive to perfect every aspect of the game.
- Complex projects: Game development is a complex process that involves multiple disciplines, including art, programming, and design. This requires a significant amount of time and effort from developers.
- Limited resources: With budget constraints and tight deadlines, game studios often have limited resources to work with. This can lead to long work hours as developers struggle to meet the demands of the project within the available timeframe.
- Passion for the craft: Many game developers are passionate about their work and take pride in creating high-quality games. This can lead to long working hours as they strive to create the best possible product.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Long Work Hours
- The development team behind “Red Dead Redemption 2” worked on the game for over six years, with some developers putting in over 100 hours per week during the final stages of development.
- The team behind “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” worked on the game for over three years, with some developers putting in over 80 hours per week during the final stages of development.
Expert Opinions: What Game Developers Say About Long Work Hours
“Long work hours are a necessary evil in the gaming industry,” says John Carmack, co-founder of id Software. “If we want to create games that players will love, we need to put in the time and effort to make them as good as they can be.”
“I’ve been working on games for over 20 years, and I’ve never worked a standard 40-hour workweek,” says Clifford Stern, co-founder of Double Fine Games. “The passion for game development drives us to put in long hours and go above and beyond what’s expected of us.”
FAQs: Common Questions About Game Developer Work Hours
- How many hours do game developers typically work per week?
- A: According to a survey conducted by GDC Europe 2017, the average game developer works approximately 49 hours per week. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the size of the studio and the type of project being worked on.
- What factors contribute to long work hours for game developers?
- A: High expectations, complex projects, limited resources, and passion for the craft are some of the factors that contribute to long work hours for game developers.
- Are there any examples of game development teams working long hours to create a game?
- A: Yes, the development team behind “Red Dead Redemption 2” worked on the game for over six years, with some developers putting in over 100 hours per week during the final stages of development.
- What do game developers say about long work hours?
- A: John Carmack and Clifford Stern are just two examples of game developers who have spoken about the long hours they put in to create games. They see it as a necessary evil to create games that players will love.
