Avoiding Burnout in Values-Driven Work

Advocating and developing for inclusivity, ethical practices, or social impact carries unique emotional pressures. Understand the unique nature of burnout in this context, prioritize self-care, and find the right support.

Big takeaways

Values-driven work brings unique emotional challenges due to heightened investment, potential misalignment with players or the studio, and the weight of advocating for marginalized groups.
To combat burnout, proactively set boundaries, seek out support networks, celebrate even small victories, and consider therapy if needed.
Those on the front lines (community and support), designers, and leadership all face distinct pressures within values-driven work. Identifying your specific challenges can help tailor solutions.
While challenging, taking care of yourself and finding a supportive community will sustain your efforts and pave the way for a more inclusive and impactful gaming landscape.

Understanding burnout

Burnout is a state of chronic stress that can leave you feeling emotionally drained, cynical about your work, and lacking a sense of accomplishment. It’s particularly common in fields where you’re deeply invested in the outcome, like values-driven work. The following can contribute to burnout in both individuals and studios:

Emotional toll — Witnessing the harm caused by a lack of values in gaming, or feeling your own values compromised, can lead to deep discouragement and exhaustion.
Marginalized identities — Developers from underrepresented backgrounds often carry the additional burden of advocating for themselves and others within the studio while facing heightened negativity, especially online.
Global context — Addressing the complex needs of diverse player bases can feel overwhelming, especially in small teams with limited resources. You may have to manage values misalignments when working with cultures different than your own.
Dealing with misaligned players — Backlash from players resistant to change or inclusive design choices can be dispiriting. Remember, vocal minorities don’t necessarily represent the whole community. Focus on the long-term benefits of broadening your player base.

If you feel yourself burning out, it is important to take time away from emotionally laborious work and ideally disconnect. Studios should be acutely aware of the impact of burnout on employee well-being and ensure they are taking steps to prevent it, as well as making space for employees to take recovery time when needed.

Your role matters

Not everyone will experience the impact of values-driven work the same way.

Front lines (support / community)

Challenges — Experiencing the impact of harmful player dynamics or antagonistic communities either directly or through affected players can be deeply taxing.
Strategies — Prioritize clear support systems, use moderation tools that can alleviate some of the burden, and define escalation processes for yourself and your team to get help quickly when you need it.

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Designers

Challenges — Internal conflict over mechanics, narratives, or visuals that clash with your values might lead to disillusionment. Those more directly impacted or aware of issues will face a disproportionate share of the advocacy necessary to affect change.
Strategies — Push for dedicated time and resources toward values-driven development as a core pillar, not an afterthought, to help distribute this burden more equitably and ensure there is adequate time to change.

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Leadership

Challenges — Balancing business realities with upholding values is difficult and can feel like a lonely challenge, especially when faced with traditional corporate values.
Strategies — Seek mentorship from values-aligned leaders and clearly communicate the positive long-term impact, including community loyalty and talent retention, of these values to stakeholders. Brainstorm with your team to find practical ways to work within your values and hold space for that discovery.

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Proactive care for values-driven work

As a developer, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of burnout while still allowing you to do work that truly matters to you:

Boundaries — Set limits for engaging with emotionally difficult material, especially outside of work hours.
Support networks — Connect with other values-driven developers both inside and outside your studio.
Acknowledge small wins — Amid big challenges, celebrate incremental progress that aligns with your values.
Values alignment — If possible, seek companies where values are core to their mission, not just afterthoughts.
Therapy — Don’t underestimate the benefit of professional support for navigating the unique emotional complexities of this work.
Community management strategies — Develop resilient community moderation practices. Clearly communicate your values, empower players to self-moderate, and provide strong support structures for your community team.

It is worth it

Values-driven game development can absolutely pave the way for broader positive change, but it can be a long journey. In order to sustain your passion, be sure to prioritize self-care and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. And if you find yourself struggling, please reach out for help.