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Video: A game dev's guide to staying satisfied and mentally healthy

At GDC 2017, psychiatric care professional Dr. Jennifer Hazel and Framed game dev Joshua Boggs  explored the issue and offered some tips on how to remain well while working in games.

November 3, 2017

2 Min Read
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Game development is not an easy road. Rates of burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns are high.

That's why, at GDC 2017, psychiatric care professional Dr. Jennifer Hazel and Framed game dev Joshua Boggs  explored the issue and offered some tips on how to remain well while working in games.

It was a good talk that spoke to the specific traps that the games industry can lure people into, such as crunch, competition and social isolation. The pair talked about how making a game can make you feel terrible, and shared techniques you can use that may help you come out of it afterwards a better person.

Plus, they provided evidence-based, clinically relevant tips about how to be mindful of your own mental health and what you can do if things get tough. If you missed it at GDC this year, don't miss your chance to now watch their talk for free on the official GDC YouTube channel!

About the GDC Vault

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its accompanying YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.

Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC or VRDC already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support.

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