After 4 months of working as a remote game developer, I've learned that setting clear goals keeps me focused. Breaking tasks into smaller steps makes progress easier, and celebrating small wins keeps me motivated.

Setting goals is important but also acknowledge that depending on the role of the developer and the stage of the project, flexibility is often required. As the project goes on things tend to get more reactive and the goals you set may no longer be achievable in their original form, specially when working remote. Being adaptable is key especially later in the project when reacting to changing needs can take priority over the goals. For directors this is a daily reality, often disrupting planned objectives. But with a flexible mindset you can still stay on track even if it means adjusting the goals along the way. As long as you’re prepared for this change of pace as the project goes on you’ll enjoy the process.

Work on projects which are interesting and challenging to you. If not possible, try to work people you can like or at least do not dislike. If not possible and you still have to get the project, I guess then money is your motivation which should be enough in a situation that you need it and better projects are not around. grind your way to finishing the project with high quality and take pride in good work and better projects and people will come over time.

Break down large projects Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals Write down goals and deadlines Create a schedule Prioritize tasks Track progress

Na Alatus Games, costumamos realizar reuniões semanais de alinhamento. As tarefas, em sua grande maioria, são executáveis em uma semana, o que nos permite sempre ter algo novo para apresentar, aumentando, assim, o engajamento e a motivação da equipe.

Working remotely gives you freedom, but without structure, it’s easy to drift. I’ve found that establishing a consistent daily routine helps me focus and get into 'work mode.' For me, it’s about finding my peak productivity hours — whether that's early morning or late at night — and building around that. Taking regular breaks, even short ones, is important too. With a routine in place, productivity becomes second nature.

Wow, so routine isn't exactly an easy task to be honest, I get creativity boosts while I'm trying to sleep, and then if I don't do the work then, I end up not doing it all 🤣

Create a dedicated workspace: Having a designated area for work can help you get into a focused mindset. Set a routine: Establish a daily schedule to structure your time and maintain consistency. Communicate regularly: Stay in touch with your team through video calls, messaging, and project management tools.

Once you get into it the routine comes naturally. Atleast for me I love play testing my games and that has mostly replaced my routine of playing games daily. Most games feel like wasted time these days, but when you are working and seeing what you create working on screen it soon becomes more fun than just playing games for entertainment. You just have to get past that hurdle of creating the first gameplay loop and you will have more fun than you would with any other game. And you’ll want to do it daily if time permits!

This comes back to awareness of your complete self in relation to time, team and the elements of nature if you want to maximize the science of ritual/routine..meaning that the body is most productive for certain tasks at certain times of day. Its also a docking of health and energy levels..knowing what is required to replenish. It is a code or building blocks of culture. The compilation of your routines completes the puzzle of your culture and development capabilities. Frequent group meetings creates a nexus of energy that expands beyond each individual.

In my experience, designating a specific area for work and study has been highly beneficial. Over time, I have noticed that my subconscious begins to associate this space exclusively with productivity and focus. As a result, I find myself becoming more efficient in my tasks. I have also made it a point to avoid using this area for relaxation or checking social media; it is essential that this space remains dedicated solely to work or study, free from any potential distractions.

This I've got down, I use a desktop to develop games, and that makes it easier, I think having a laptop gives it too many places

So, for me, distractions help me out for my creative boosts, helps me to think about different perspectives and what new stuff I can add to my game. The con is, doing things A while thinking about things B to Z, isn't productive 🤣🤣

One of the biggest perks of remote game development is flexibility. I encourage everyone to use that flexibility wisely. If I feel stuck or hit a creative block, I step away. Sometimes, coming back with fresh eyes brings a wave of new ideas. So, embrace the freedom — whether that means working when you're most inspired or taking a breather when needed.

It's simple. - Have a separate workspace inside your house. Your desk should not be your living room. - Don't burn yourself over problems. You can't solve a problem after 3 hours straight? Go watch a movie or take a nap. A clear head is always a must and the problem will probably solve itself. - Do not leave exercising outside your daily schedule. Exercising outside your house can clear your brain fog pretty easily, so I'll highly recommend a gym. - Remote jobs do not mean "I'm available all the time", so you should set your boundaries *early*.