Working Hours of Video Game Developers
According to a survey conducted by GameCareerGuide in 2019, the average video game developer works around 47 hours per week. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the specific role and responsibilities of the developer.
Factors Affecting Working Hours
There are several factors that can affect the working hours of video game developers. These include:
- Project deadlines: As mentioned earlier, games have specific deadlines, and developers need to work hard to meet those deadlines. This can lead to long working hours and even working weekends and holidays.
- Complexity of the project: The complexity of the project can also affect the working hours of video game developers. More complex projects may require more time and effort to develop, leading to longer working hours.
- Company culture: The company culture can also influence the working hours of video game developers. Some companies may have a more relaxed work environment that allows for more flexibility in scheduling, while others may have strict deadlines and require their developers to work long hours.
- Personal preferences: Finally, personal preferences can also affect the working hours of video game developers. Some developers may prefer to work longer hours to get the job done quickly, while others may prefer a more relaxed work schedule that allows for balance between work and personal life.
Real-Life Examples
To illustrate how many hours a video game developer works each week, let’s take a look at some real-life examples:
- John Carmack: The co-founder of id Software, the company behind games like Doom and Wolfenstein, worked over 100 hours per week for many years. He famously said, “The more you work, the less money you make per hour.”
- Nolan Bushnell: The co-founder of Atari, the company that popularized video games in the 1970s and 1980s, worked over 12 hours per day and often slept on the couch at the office.
- Shigeru Miyamoto: The creator of Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, worked long hours to ensure that his games were of the highest quality. He famously said, “Game development is a 24/7 job.”
Expert Opinions
To get a better understanding of how many hours a video game developer works each week, we spoke with several industry experts:
Mark Garcia, CEO of Blizzard Entertainment, the company behind World of Warcraft and Overwatch, said, “Developers at Blizzard work around 40 to 60 hours per week, depending on their role and responsibilities.”
David Helgason, CEO of Unity Technologies, the company that provides software for game development, said, “Unity developers work around 40 to 50 hours per week, with some working longer hours during crunch periods.”
Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, famously said, “We don’t hire people who need a job; we hire people who can create something out of nothing.”
Summary
In conclusion, video game development is a demanding and fast-paced industry that requires a high level of creativity, technical skill, and dedication. The average video game developer works around 47 hours per week, but this number can vary greatly depending on the specific role and responsibilities of the developer. Factors such as project deadlines, complexity of the project, company culture, and personal preferences can all affect the working hours of video game developers. By understanding these factors and recognizing the importance of work-life balance, companies can create a supportive work environment that allows their developers to create great games while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
