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> many of the game developers and designers need special hardware (different game consoles, VPN routers, high speed Internet, interactive pen displays, addition

> many of the game developers and designers need special hardware (different game consoles, VPN routers, high speed Internet, interactive pen displays, additional software licenses, etc) that the company would have to buy for every single person to maintain the quality and development speed they have from working on-site. Buying individuals what they need is likely still cheaper than maintaining a large office space. Likely much cheaper. > Working from home reduces the creativity of every employee not just because the existing tools for telecommute are insufficient to create a good work environment but also because it prevents people from socializing with spontaneity. The tools are not insufficient, people's use of them are. The tools will allow you to do most anything you could in an office, management must facilitate processes to produce to desired output. If team creativity is the aim you can organize situations that maximize spontaneity and interaction. I've not worked for a game studio so I certainly can't speak to the nuances therein, however the reasons you've given here for not working remote aren't compelling. People always give a host of reasons that ultimately boil down to a lack of proper process and management, which is needed in office just as much as out of office.

Debogue 7y ago
I'm not sure the stimulation of creativity can be improved much with process and management. Just like bouncing off ideas, brainstorms etc. works best in-person. Physical contact is something that is hard to replicate or work around with technology. Everyone has experienced the difference between webconferencing and real person meeting and can tell that one has more weight than the other. Maybe VR could be of use here since it helps lift that imaginary barrier that gives weight to conversations.
- chronofar 7y ago
  > Just like bouncing off ideas, brainstorms etc. works best in-person. You seem set on this notion, but I very much disagree. Bouncing ideas and brainstorming can be just as productive remotely. In fact creativity can be stronger when your can more freely choose when to isolate yourself from other noise and when to socialize. > Everyone has experienced the difference between webconferencing and real person meeting and can tell that one has more weight than the other. You sure about everyone? I can tell you I personally think most in person meetings are unnecessary and distracting, and would've been better conferenced or even better not had at all. Even meetings that need to take place, I actually value in person less than conference, as it comes with various baggage of posturing and appearances. This sounds like you just have a preference for in person, likely because it's just more comfortable for you from an interpersonal standpoint. And that's fine, but don't mistake that preference for blanket effectiveness measures for the rest of your team, company, or industry.

Debogue 7y ago

I'm not sure the stimulation of creativity can be improved much with process and management. Just like bouncing off ideas, brainstorms etc. works best in-person. Physical contact is something that is hard to replicate or work around with technology. Everyone has experienced the difference between webconferencing and real person meeting and can tell that one has more weight than the other. Maybe VR could be of use here since it helps lift that imaginary barrier that gives weight to conversations.

chronofar 7y ago
> Just like bouncing off ideas, brainstorms etc. works best in-person. You seem set on this notion, but I very much disagree. Bouncing ideas and brainstorming can be just as productive remotely. In fact creativity can be stronger when your can more freely choose when to isolate yourself from other noise and when to socialize. > Everyone has experienced the difference between webconferencing and real person meeting and can tell that one has more weight than the other. You sure about everyone? I can tell you I personally think most in person meetings are unnecessary and distracting, and would've been better conferenced or even better not had at all. Even meetings that need to take place, I actually value in person less than conference, as it comes with various baggage of posturing and appearances. This sounds like you just have a preference for in person, likely because it's just more comfortable for you from an interpersonal standpoint. And that's fine, but don't mistake that preference for blanket effectiveness measures for the rest of your team, company, or industry.