Brenda Romero discusses her tech career journey, overcoming burnout, and inspiring future game developers at WWC24.
Here is what she had to say in the video:
Hey everyone! Thanks for joining us!
Reflections on a Rough Year
Last year, I gave a talk about what I thought was going to be a very niche topic. I expected maybe five people to turn up to hear about the worst launch of my career. But, unbelievably, it was in this very room, filled with people. It was quite overwhelming, to be honest. Some of the team hadn't even heard the story yet, so I was a bit worried I would scare people away. But here we are—that didn't happen, and I'm grateful for your support.
Burnout: The Silent Struggle
I stayed in the industry, as you can see, but last year was tough. I was hit hard by burnout. Not the typical kind you hear about, but the sort where I couldn't even understand lines of code on a screen. It was like losing my sense of taste and smell due to Covid but for the joy I found in games.
A Game Developer's Dilemma
The burnout led to a significant decision: whether or not to stay in tech. This story starts before that pivotal moment, back when I felt the onset of burnout while helping friends find jobs. It hit me that I might never escape this cycle. I realized I had spent my entire life making and playing games, a thought that was both sobering and enlightening.
The End Game?
Even when considering retirement, my plans involve making games—just without the pressure of deadlines. I can't imagine a world where I'm not creating something with a machine. In fact, my current retirement plan is to make a game on an Apple II using 6502 assembler. Intrigued? Let's start a WhatsApp group!
A Lifelong Calling
For me, tech was more than a career; it was a calling. My family reflects this: my sister in medicine, my brother as a professional musician, and me in game design. I started in a high school computer lab, enamored by the idea that I could create things with a machine.
The First Game
The first game I worked on was "Wizardry" with Robert Woodhead and Andrew Greenberg at Surtech. This game was revolutionary for its time and even inspired the Final Fantasy series and numerous JRPGs. My dedication extended beyond my working hours, and I even met my first and second husbands through the industry.
43 Years and Counting
If I manage to survive this year without a career change or dying, I'll have spent 43 years in tech. The industry is my home, even though it's often been a rollercoaster. Many of you might know the tech industry has hit a rough patch, arguably the worst I've seen in my career. Yet here I am, still passionate and standing.
The Struggles in Tech
People in tech, especially in game development, face significant challenges. Crunch times lead to burnout, underpayment, and overwork. Many are ready to quit, and some have experienced horrendous online harassment for the simplest and most inclusive decisions in game development.
"We implemented a feature while being a woman, while being non-binary, while being trans, while being queer, while being brown, while being black, or while being neurodivergent, or differently abled."
Standing Strong
Despite the challenges, I chose to stay. Amazing things are still happening in tech. We're hiring, funding is coming in, and new IPs are starting to take shape. I feel privileged and thankful for my journey, even though I've been close to leaving at times.
Career Longevity in Tech
In the game industry, the average career expectancy is just five years. It's worse in general tech, at about three years. Marginalized groups face even more significant hurdles, with many leaving by the age of 35 due to bias, lack of advancement, and pay disparities. These realities are part of why many change fields, taking with them valuable experience and dreams.
The Power of D&D
My love for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) was a lifeline. As a nerdy, unpopular kid, D&D made me feel like more than just another awkward face in the crowd. It showed me that life, even a virtual one, was predictable, and monsters were conquerable. This predictability was a stark contrast to my uncontrollable real world.
"Without D&D, there'd be no Doom and no Quake." – John Romero
Finding a Family in Tech
Many of us in tech share similar stories of feeling out of place until we found our calling. When we finally get our first job in game development or tech, it's like finding a home. We're among our people, sharing a mutual love for coding, gaming, and creating.
Surviving and Thriving
Burnout and tough job environments make many leave the industry, but there are ways to survive and thrive. Here are a few:
- Learn at Your Own Pace: You don't have to master everything overnight. You can take your time to learn and grow, balancing your career with a healthy life.
- Embrace New Challenges: Stay engaged by learning new aspects of tech and taking on different roles. This helps combat monotony and keeps the passion alive.
- Take Breaks: Prioritize your mental and emotional health. No project is worth sacrificing your well-being.
- Find Enjoyment: Make sure you’re having fun in your job. If not, it might be time to reconsider your path.
Protecting Your Team
Hiring someone who fits the team culture is critical. Avoid toxic individuals who can disrupt the harmony. Sometimes, people have bad days, but it's vital to recognize and apologize for mistakes as a leader.
Venting Upwards
Never complain about your team to your subordinates; always vent upwards. This maintains team morale and ensures that complaints are addressed appropriately.
The Importance of Support
Your role as an ally can make a significant difference. Whether you're part of a marginalized group or not, your support and willingness to speak up is crucial.
"If you get on the bus and think everyone’s an asshole, maybe it’s you who’s the asshole." – Ed
Final Thoughts
Remember why you got into tech in the first place. Hold onto that passion and joy. Embrace your weirdness and keep pushing the boundaries. Let's continue making the tech and game industry a creative, inclusive, and exciting place to be.
Thank you for reading. Stay passionate, stay weird, and keep creating!
Resources:
- Dungeons & Dragons - Official Site
- Apple II - Wikipedia
- 6502 Assembler - Introduction to 6502 Assembly
