Protecting Your Game Project: Navigating High Employee Turnover
In the dynamic world of game development, the unexpected is often the only constant. One such curveball that game producers can face is high employee turnover. This situation can be a real game-changer (pun intended) in the industry, posing unique challenges. So, how can you safeguard your project against the loss of knowledge and maintain continuity when your team is constantly evolving? Let's dive into the playbook for game producers facing the high tide of employee turnover.
1. The Power of Project Documentation
As the saying goes, "If it's not documented, it didn't happen." Comprehensive project documentation serves as your project's memory. When a team member leaves, their insights and contributions are retained within the project's documentation, ensuring a smooth transition for the newcomers. Create clear and organized documents for code, design, and other project-specific details. Regularly update these documents to reflect changes and improvements.
2. Induction and Onboarding
Effective onboarding is your first line of defense against knowledge loss. When new team members join, provide them with a thorough induction process. This should include an overview of the project, its history, and key milestones. Make sure they understand the project's goals, target audience, and mechanics. When employees have a solid grasp of the project's context, they can make more informed decisions and contribute meaningfully from day one.
3. Project Familiarity for All
In an ideal scenario, every team member should have a good understanding of the entire project, not just their specific role. Encourage cross-functional learning within your team. By having insights into how their work fits into the bigger picture, team members are better equipped to adapt when faced with new challenges or when taking over someone else's tasks.
4. Code Readability and Consistency
Clean, well-documented code is not just a matter of best practices; it's your lifeline in times of transition. A consistent code style guide should be in place and followed by all team members. It makes it easier for new developers to step into an existing project without a steep learning curve.
5. Training and Skill Development
Encourage continuous skill development. When your team is constantly growing, invest in training programs and resources. It's not just about training new employees but also upskilling your existing team to take on more responsibilities.
6. Knowledge Transfer and Mentoring
Establish a mentorship system within your team. Experienced team members can help newcomers settle in, learn the ropes, and ensure they understand the project's intricacies. Knowledge transfer sessions, where experienced developers share insights, can be invaluable.
7. Task Ownership and Accountability
Encourage team members to take ownership of their work. When developers feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to document their contributions and share knowledge proactively. Hold regular meetings to discuss and clarify project elements and goals.
8. Regular Code Reviews
Incorporate regular code review sessions into your development process. This not only maintains code quality but also ensures that multiple team members understand and can work with different parts of the project.
9. Diversify and Cross-Train
Try to diversify your team's expertise. While specialists are essential, having a team with a broad skill set can help to cover multiple roles and reduce the risk of work disruptions during turnover.
10. Keep Communication Open
Frequent and transparent communication is key. Ensure that team members feel comfortable discussing concerns and challenges, whether related to their work or the project as a whole.
