Some random Friday #gamedev thoughts for you as we head into the weekend.

A few things this last month had me reflecting that over the years I have found that all of the best developers I've worked with share a particular trait we don't talk about much.

They find joy easily ...

What do I mean by that?

I mean that their first instinct when a game, part of a game, or discipline of #gamedev, is so much as mentioned, those individuals instantly go to, and articulate, thoughts on what about that thing gave them joy.

It's not as common as you'd think.

As developers we are primed to be analytical. That's great, it's how we do what we do. It also means there is a danger that our default #gamedev conversations start at a place of identifying the problems with a thing.

The best I've worked with start with what brings them joy ...

It is as simple when someone introduces themselves and tells you what they worked on.

These folks instantly reply with something about that thing that brought them joy. What they loved about it. What they respected as a #gamedev.

It instantly sets a positive tone ...

Even if that thing might have had issues, or challenges, or might not even be a thing in their #gamedev career that the person introducing themselves has a lot of fond memories of.

Regardless, these folk start by sharing their joy.

It's a great foundation to whatever follows.

I am always a firm believer that you can learn something from everything. Even failed projects or bad games have *something* cool about them.

Hell, in this internet #gamedev age we obsess all to much about the flaws of games that are, objectively, pretty damn good ...

so it is easy to pick on things, and have the #gamedev discourse start with perceived failings.

But the best of us?

The best of start from a place of joy, and move forward from there.

I aspire to that. I'd encourage you to do the same.

/end philosophical ramblings