Hello Friend,

I love spending time with other game designers. The best way to spark my own creativity is to be surrounded by people who buzz with ideas of their own. Playing other people’s game in development or just talking and pondering concepts together can be inspirational. Game jams - where you jointly work up new game ideas from scratch - can be mind-blowing.

Co-designing games gives me different perspectives on design problems. When working with other people I’m challenged to justify my own decisions and stretched to incorporate someone else’s vision. Two designers working together can push each other to places neither could reach alone.

I’ll be honest, I would probably feel differently if I had to work with others all the time. I need my headspace, my quiet study and full autonomy over my solo projects to keep me sane. But one day a week with others is perfect. An injection of energy; a change of pace.

Playtesting sessions, game jams and design conferences are the start of so many things - kernels of ideas, nuggets of advice, interesting connections and challenging viewpoints. I’m a better designer because of the time I spend with others. I’m firmly of the opinion that you should surround yourself with interesting, creative people. Do this and you will become more interesting and creative yourself.

Is this your own experience too? Do you actively try to surround yourself with sparky people? Tell me what you do to draw inspiration from others. Oh and if you hear about a game jam… let me know!