As I reflect on the future, I find myself thinking deeply about the kind of person I want to become and the professional I aspire to be. Transitioning from a background in customer service and administrative roles into the game development industry has sparked curiosity about what it really means to be a professional in a creative field.
What does it look like to work in a game studio? What does it feel like to be a game developer? Since I’ve never set foot in a studio myself, these questions swirl around in my head. But the more I think about it, the clearer it becomes that professionalism is more than just what we do—it’s how we do it.
The Search for Professional Standards
In my quest to understand what defines a game developer, I started researching organizations that represent the profession. One of the most prominent I found is the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). The IGDA plays a crucial role in setting the tone for professionalism within the game industry, with its influence stretching across articles, books, and discussions about ethics, values, and the standards game developers should uphold.
What initially drew me to the IGDA was how frequently its name appeared when I was reading about game development. Whether it's their Core Values or their Code of Ethics, these principles serve as a guiding light for developers at any stage of their careers, from newcomers like me to seasoned veterans.
Core Values and Ethics: A Blueprint for Growth
The IGDA outlines timeless values that its members live by—Growth, Community, Advocacy, Inclusivity, and Empathy. These values aren’t just guidelines, they’re a compass pointing toward what it means to be part of a larger, respected profession.
But it was their Code of Ethics that truly caught my attention. The idea that, to be recognized and respected as a game developer, you must hold yourself to certain standards struck a chord with me. These include:
Engaging respectfully with others
Upholding the integrity of our work
Attributing credit where it’s due
Representing our contributions honestly
It’s a clear, no-nonsense way of saying: if you want respect, you must give it first—respect for your colleagues, for the craft, and for the work itself.
What Defines a Professional?
When I think of traditional professions—doctors, lawyers, pilots—what stands out are not just their specialized skills, but also their appearance and adherence to principles. Doctors wear scrubs and follow the Hippocratic Oath. Engineers don personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with safety standards like OSHA guidelines.
This got me thinking: What does a game developer wear? And more importantly, what do we stand for?
For me, the IGDA’s Code of Ethics is the answer to that second question. It’s not about the clothes we wear or the tools we use—it’s about the principles we uphold. In following a shared code of conduct, we not only elevate ourselves but also the profession as a whole.
The Pillars of Professionalism
As I delved deeper into what it means to be a professional, I came across the concept of "The Pillars of Professionalism." Interestingly, no one seems to agree on how many pillars there are—some say four, others nine—but there is consensus on a few essentials:
Commitment
Integrity
Responsibility
Accountability
These are the standards that define a professional in any field, and they align perfectly with what the IGDA promotes. For me, these pillars boil down to a single word: Respect.
Respect: The Foundation of Professionalism
Respect, I’ve realized, is at the heart of everything. To be respected as a game developer, I must first respect the developers who came before me—their achievements, their struggles, and the hard work that laid the foundation for the industry today.
But respect goes beyond admiration. It means taking accountability for my own shortcomings, fulfilling the commitments I make, and upholding not just my own integrity, but the integrity of the games I create. It’s about holding the profession to a higher standard, ensuring that future developers have a path laid out for them, just as I’m following the one paved for me.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for My Future
So, what does this mean for my future as a game developer? It means that if I want to be recognized and respected in this industry, I need to embrace these values fully. I must strive for personal and professional growth, collaborate respectfully with others, and always aim to improve my craft.
It’s not enough to simply want to be a part of the industry. I need to earn that place by contributing meaningfully, learning from my mistakes, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve.
In conclusion, being a professional game developer is not just about mastering code or creating beautiful art—it’s about how we carry ourselves. It’s about respecting the craft, the community, and the ethical standards that bind us together.
I may not have all the answers yet, but I know this: I’m ready to take on the responsibility, keep learning, and make my mark. The road ahead is long, but it’s one I’m excited to walk, step by step.
