1. Getting your bearings in the games industry

At some point you gotta actually learn the craft of what you're doing.

Whether you're getting a degree or starting right out at a studio, you need to find a way to get familiar with the world of game dev. Knowing how the work is delegated, who does what + the actual day-to-day of a working office is a must.

2. Starting out at a studio

For some, the best way to do this is to jump right into a studio + branching out on your own after you lay that foundation if you choose.

Working at a studio [...] gives you a career rather than a hobby. It creates something sustainable.

3. Versus starting out on your own

Doing your game is essentially running your own business [...] you have to set limits for yourself.

If you choose to set out on your own + get your game of the ground by yourself, this panel insists that you have to know your limits in order to achieve success. In particular, they recommend putting a resonable timeline on your work + being realistic about what you have the ability to create based on what inspires you, the types of stories you want to tell + the resources you have available.

4. Either way: collaboration is key

Being comfortable asking for help + realising you don't have all the answers (shock/horror!) is necessary to have a successful project. Take control of your work + don't let it suffer out of ignorance.

Being a sponge + wanting to push out of game development [means] if there's an element of your project that could do with advice + consulting, then it's your responsibility to go out + find it.