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Quality of Life Issues Open Letter at IGDA

Discussion in 'Game/SP News & Comments' started by chevalier, Nov 17, 2004.

  1. chevalier

    chevalier Knight of Everfull Chalice ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    Remove all ads!
    Internation Game Developers Association has posted an open letter entitled "Quality of Life Issues are Holding Back the Game Industry", addressing the undesirable influence of harsh working conditions on the game industry. Here's a snip:

    The reality is that there are game companies that have proven that a focus on quality of life can lead to great games, AND business success: BioWare, Firaxis, Team17, Blue Fang, Cyberlore and Ensemble are just a few of the studios that put as much effort on keeping their employees happy and healthy as on their bottom line. These, and other sensible companies, realize that a strong quality of life leads to more productive and creative workers. In turn, these workers produce better games, and stay in the industry to share their experience with all the passionate new recruits - helping to avoid common mistakes and recurring pitfalls. Further, they realize that driving their people into the ground is a short-term view that is not sustainable.

    It is sadly ironic that those who strive for success at any cost don't realize that mature and responsible human resource and production practices will more readily bring them what they so desperately seek. That is to say, regardless of the humane imperative, maintaining a strong quality of life is just good business.

    It would be hard not to agree with the above. Saving on human resource never leads to good results, which is a truth that some businesses will never learn. Satisfied customers, satisfied employers, that's how good business thrives. Taking shortcuts here will get back on you, no matter what. Like bad karma.

    Read the whole thing at IGDA.
     
    chevalier, Nov 17, 2004
    #1

  2. Meatdog Gems: 15/31
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    Well, this is a very sane company policy and not only concerning the gaming industry but it applies to all companies. Putting so much pressure on your employees that they get a burnout is not a good policy, no matter the branch.
     
    Meatdog, Nov 17, 2004
    #2
  3. Splunge

    Splunge Bhaal’s financial advisor Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    Gamespot had a recent article about this same issue with EA. (Also in the links at the bottom of chev's link)
     
    Splunge, Nov 17, 2004
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  4. chevalier

    chevalier Knight of Everfull Chalice ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    What can I say? I wish I could work for such a nice company as BioWare when I'm done with my law studies.

    I, for one, surely wouldn't feel particularly obligated to get out of my skin for a company treating me like part of office furniture. Kindness meets with kindness and on that we can build. Being rude only works so long as you're powerful, and even this not always.
     
    chevalier, Nov 17, 2004
    #4
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