Here's how you can level up your emotional intelligence as a game developer.

These skills are teachable, but they are not easy. Don't waste time on superficial things like quick internet tips or pamphlets. Invest in self-knowledge and serious courses. To create a game, you certainly dedicated a lot of your time to learning; understanding emotions is much more complicated than that. However, not learning can lead to ruin both in your work and personal life.

As a game developer, empathizing with your team members can create a supportive environment that nurtures creativity and encourages risk-taking. When team members feel understood and valued, they are more likely to contribute innovative ideas and take creative risks, which can lead to more engaging and original games. Understanding the Player’s Journey Empathy extends beyond your team to your players. Understanding the emotional journey you want your players to experience is essential for crafting compelling games. By putting yourself in the players' shoes, you can design gameplay that resonates emotionally, whether it's the thrill of victory, the tension of a challenge, or the satisfaction of solving a puzzle.

Be careful with empathy; emotional empathy can lead to exhaustion in a short time. Invest in learning intellectual empathy, the kind that understands and acts in various situations without taking things personally. It may seem insensitive, but if you are distressed, you can hardly help others. Having empathy is not about being hungry with the hungry person; it is about giving them something to eat because you understand it is difficult. You don't need to suffer to have empathy.

It may seem boring and pointless, but when you really use it, you'll see how your relationships will change. Learn non-violent communication and assertive communication; know how to say what you mean without offending and without saying yes to everything. Never stop stating the obvious. Our backgrounds are different; that's the power of communication—to level people so they understand each other and can cooperate without problems.

This can be a great challenge even for a monk. Don’t try to do everything alone; seek professional help if necessary. Not everything is just willpower. Don’t overextend yourself; learn how it works and don’t demand more from yourself than you can give.