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Session Name:

How to Depression-Proof Your Studio Culture

Overview:

The jury is still out on whether or not the games industry is recession-proof, but we're certain it's not depression-proof. Between 20-25% of adults in America are estimated to suffer from some form of emotional ailment. And in our experience, the video game industry is susceptible to even higher rates of emotional distress due to the unique nature of the industry itself, those who are attracted to it, and the cultures which game developers function within. Considering the fact that we spend roughly one third of our lives at our place of employment (and in the games industry, this figure is often higher), ensuring the workplace can be a positive environment for those suffering from emotional distress is critical. Many emotional ailments can worsen in the workplace, and if left untreated, can result in tragic outcomes. The cost to companies themselves should also not be overlooked. According to a Harvard Medical School study, depression alone accounts for approximately 28 lost workdays per employee, at a cost of billions of dollars in productivity. This one hour lecture will empower developers to take positive steps to improve the quality of their workplace experience, and provide managers and CEOs with perspective on implementing larger programs to foster greater mental wellness at the studio level.

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  • GDC 2014
  • Russ Pitts
  • Take This, Inc.
  • free content
  • Advocacy
  • Advocacy