Crafting High-Quality Games: Quality Assurance Role in Game Development
Today’s players are not like ever before. To meet their high expectations and provide an immersive experience, maintaining exceptional quality in games is both a challenge and a necessity. This is where the pivotal role of Quality Assurance (QA) comes into play, especially in the gaming industry. Get to Know Nasya Meet Nasya, Quality Assurance of Agate’s Full-cycle Game Development team. Her journey in the game industry began as a college game tester, and today, she is instrumental in ensuring that games achieve the highest standards of quality. With a background in English Literature, Nasya exemplifies that a successful career in QA doesn’t require a traditional path. Her passion for gaming and eagerness to learn demonstrate that anyone can thrive in this field, regardless of their educational background. A Day in the Life of a QA in Game Development For Nasya, every day as a Quality Assurance is all about precision and collaboration. Her day kicks off with setting up a detailed timeline that maps out the testing tasks for each sprint, ensuring every feature is tested on time. Once the plan is in place, it’s time to dive into the action—running diverse scenarios to catch potential bugs and verify that fixes hold up. When an issue arises, Nasya works closely with the development team, documenting the bug’s details and digging into its root cause before collaborating on a solution. After testing wraps up, Nasya compiles the findings into a thorough report, ensuring the whole team stays in the loop on game quality and performance, pushing the project closer to perfection. Navigating Challenges Game testing presents numerous challenges, from technical issues to device compatibility and more. One notable experience for Nasya occurred during the Memories project when she encountered a login issue affecting certain devices. Nasya meticulously traced the affected devices and uncovered a pattern: the issue only arose on devices running OS 12 or higher. “I discovered that the problem was specific to devices with OS 12, while those on OS 11 or lower had no issues. Since Memories was an older game, it wasn’t compatible with the latest OS at the time.”Upon identifying the root cause, Nasya promptly reported the issue to the development team. Given its urgency and the influx of user reports, the fix was implemented quickly, ensuring smooth login for players with OS 12 and above. This experience underscores the adaptability and problem-solving prowess required in QA roles at Agate. Embarking on a QA Career in Gaming Industry: Insights from Nasya Master the Basics of QA Familiarize yourself with core concepts like test cases and bug reports, and get hands-on experience with QA tools. Essential tools include bug tracking systems such as Jira, Trello, and Notion, which help track issues and report bugs. Additionally, test case management tools like Qase.io and Jira’s AIO are crucial for organizing test cases. For QA professionals, mastering bug documentation and test case management is vital. Understand Agile Testing Agile testing is a cornerstone of modern game development. It allows for continuous testing alongside development, enabling quicker bug identification and quality maintenance. Methodologies like smoke testing and regression testing are also crucial for validating the stability of new builds and ensuring previously resolved issues don’t resurface. Problem-Solvers at Heart Successful QA professionals possess keen problem-solving skills, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to think like a player. This perspective allows them to create scenarios that mimic player behavior, uncovering potential issues in key game areas. Moreover, they analyze root causes and provide valuable feedback to the development team. Take Ownership A sense of ownership over the game is essential. This responsibility drives QA professionals to deliver high-quality results and fosters skills like attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving. By understanding the significance of their role, QA specialists approach their work with greater care. Shaping The Future of QA As game development and technology continue to evolve, the importance of QA will only grow. Professionals in this field must adapt to rapid technological advancements and learn to test new innovations, such as cloud gaming and AI. This evolution may introduce new testing methods, necessitating that QA remains current with industry trends. Moreover, the demand for automated testing will likely rise to manage the increasing complexity of games, though manual testing will remain indispensable. Ultimately, QA will continue to develop, striving to meet the challenges of emerging gaming technologies while consistently delivering high-quality games. Ready to embark on your journey as a QA in game development? Discover your next opportunity in the game industry at https://agate.id/career Vacancy List All DepartmentsTechnologyQualityProductionDesign and WritingArt All DivisionsGamificationFull Development CycleArt Service All ContractsTemporary Search Position Department Division Contract Type Technical Artist Art Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details 3D Artist Gamification Art Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details 3D Artist Art Art Service Contract Type : Temporary Details Game Producer Production Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details Game Designer Gamification Design and Writing Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details Load More
Navigating the Game Industry: A Woman’s Perspective at Agate
As the game industry redefines itself, one woman stands at the forefront, shaping narratives and breaking stereotypes. Meet Krisnina Mahanani, a Lead Artist at Agate, affectionately known as Nina. In the male-dominated world of game design, Nina has not only found her place but has become a driving force in creating captivating visual experiences. In celebrating International Women’s Day, which falls tomorrow, we delve into Nina’s remarkable journey, exploring her contributions to Agate’s project, Code Atma, and the dynamic growth she has experienced in the game industry. Get to Know Me Hello! My name is Krisnina Mahanani; people usually call me Nina. As a Lead Artist in Agate’s Full-Cycle Development division, I’m currently involved in the RnD project. But my story started much earlier when I graduated with a degree in Visual Communication and Design (VCD). Despite the stigmas associated with anime-style techniques, I was driven by a passion for color and animation to pursue my dream of becoming a visual development artist. I had yet to learn that this route would lead me to a fulfilling job at Agate and the game industry. My Academic Influence Being a VCD student didn’t directly pave my way into the game industry. The invaluable insights from seniors and friends in the creative have shaped my perspective and skills. However, commitment to finish my education is still necessary to create more experiences. After graduating and working in the creative industry, working felt like a daily final assignment – a continuous learning process filled with research, observation, stress management, and effective communication. My Career Before Agate Before entering the game industry, my path varied, ranging from Trading Card Game (TCG) to comic colorist. I’ve also worked as a vector asset designer, character designer, visual development artist, and children’s book artist. With its freedom for experimentation, visual development left a lasting impression despite the challenges of balancing idealism with production limitations. The project lasted only briefly, but it gave me new aspirations! How I End Up in the Game Industry I have always liked concept and design, and games are the middle ground of both. That aspiration then leads me into this industry. First, I have known Agate since college and was interested in doing an internship in Agate. I also heard from my friends that Agate’s environment in Bandung was promising. It was an opportunity because I wanted to migrate outside my area. The journey to join Agate was not without its quirks. During the application process, juggling homework and freelancing left me with only 90% technical test completion. In a bold move, I submitted it with a letter expressing my apologies for the unfinished section. Rather than succumbing to the fear of failure, I let Agate’s hiring department make the final call. It was a leap of faith; little did I know how it would shape my future. And here I am, doing what I love in Agate. What has kept me rooted at Agate is a perfect blend of project alignment, personal interests, and a supportive community. The project I joined at Agate perfectly matched my creative passions, offering an ideal environment for my growth and development. The support from teammates and seniors has been a constant, making the working conditions conducive to growth and exploration. Me in Agate Agate’s Culture and Its Impact on My Growth At first, I was a shy and somewhat timid person. However, Agate’s culture empowered me to be braver, voice my opinions, and learn about sustainability through collaborative decision-making, ultimately helping me grow more confident. I developed my ability to blend idealism and pragmatism in my managerial role. A memorable mentoring experience happened when I tried to make a brief for a coworker for the first time as an associate lead. I initially focused on managing every detail, but the producer in the project taught me to allow the creative team more freedom. While the outcome slightly differed from my vision, it still met our quality standards and goals, illustrating the importance of balancing guidance with creative autonomy. As a Woman in Agate In my experience with various projects at Agate, my male coworkers have treated me nicely, which has helped to create a respectful and warm workplace. This positive dynamic reflects a broader change in the global game industry, where diversity is increasingly embraced, and more women actively participate. I’m dedicated to fostering this diversity in my leadership role and ensuring every team member feels equally valued and supported. As a Developer in Code Atma Continuing my focus on diversity and inclusivity, my role in the Code Atma team has been breaking stereotypes and integrating local culture into our designs. I’m excited about how Code Atma’s unique approach could inspire Indonesian game creators to embrace and highlight local nuances in their games. Our character design in Code Atma features unique personalities like Drona, Wisanggeni, and Antasena. Our team collaborates closely, with input from both male and female members, ensuring a diversity of perspectives in the design process. This collaborative process has led to characters that appeal to a broad audience, both men and women. Although our primary target audience is men, contributions from the entire team have helped create universally appealing characters. As a woman involved in this project, I’m proud to have played a part in developing characters that resonate with our target audience and appeal to a wide range of players. A defining moment in my journey with Code Atma was when I took on the role of lead artist, creating key marketing art during the pandemic. It was a delightful surprise when my work gained recognition beyond our team, affirming the trust placed in me and opening doors for collaborations within Agate. This milestone has been a highlight of my career, showcasing the impact of dedication and innovation, especially during challenging times. Code Atma key art, created when I was the Lead Artist with the support of Code Atma’s 2D artist team Code Atma Character, Jon – Jacket Logo Design, created
Life At Agate: Embracing Our Company’s Culture
Have you ever wondered how a masterpiece is created by a group of diverse crews? It’s not only because of their individual skills but also their ability to collaborate and unite their efforts, resulting in greatly executed work. But how is it possible? At Agate, we believe our company culture plays a pivotal role in nurturing this dynamic. With our shared beliefs, values, and behaviors rooted in Agate’s culture, we strive to provide a home for a melting pot of diverse talents, cultures, and backgrounds, all coming together to create fun and enjoyable products and experiences. Agate’s Culture Our culture is deeply connected to its core principles: Positivity, Collaboration, Excellence, and Level Up. These guiding values shape every company’s operations, interactions, and achievements. Let’s explore more about this! Positivity At Agate, we wholeheartedly embrace positivity in our work, from how we perceive things to how we take action or react, and even our mindset and willingness to approach various challenges. However, this doesn’t mean we ignore negative emotions or pain and resort to toxic positivity. In this context, embracing positivity means reflecting on it through taking ownership, accountability, and responsibility for our actions instead of resorting to blaming, making excuses, or denying our part in any situation. Embracing positivity at Agate means that when we make a mistake, we don’t immediately seek others to blame; instead, we take ownership of our actions, admit our mistakes, and evaluate ourselves. Rather than shying away from accountability, we face it head-on, using each experience as an opportunity for growth and learning. This positive approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and empowers us to work together in a supportive and constructive manner. We also prioritize our crew’s well-being by conducting regular well-being check-ups, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and equipped to embrace positivity and excel in their roles. Collaboration To create games, collaboration from various individuals across different divisions is essential. At Agate, we firmly believe we can achieve more when working together. To foster a culture of effective collaboration among our teams and departments, we strongly emphasize competence and empathy as cornerstones of our cooperative efforts. By understanding and appreciating each other’s perspectives, we build trust and respect that strengthens our working relationships. And that’s not all. We value and honor each team member’s expertise, recognizing that every contribution is essential to achieving our goals. Above all, we prioritize what is best for Agate and not our individual interests. We align our efforts towards the shared mission of creating exceptional gaming experiences. This collaborative spirit not only enhances the quality of our work but also nurtures a harmonious and productive work environment where creativity flourishes and innovative ideas thrive. Excellence Striving for excellence is at the core of everything we do, whether in our internal operations or when collaborating with external partners, clients, or customers. It means meticulously considering every decision, being receptive to fresh ideas, and consistently aiming to be the best version of ourselves. Internally, we harness our strengths and continuously strive for personal growth, fostering a culture where each team member is encouraged to excel. Externally, we prioritize the needs of our stakeholders and actively engage in problem-solving to provide the best solutions. As we aim for excellence, we also uphold the value of meritocracy, where everyone, regardless of their title or years of experience, is respected and recognized for their skills, creating an environment where valuable lessons can be learned from everyone involved. Our commitment to excellence is the driving force behind our unwavering dedication to delivering outstanding results and positively impacting all we work with. Level Up In both games and real life, leveling up holds immense value for personal and professional growth. Just as players find thrill in unlocking new content and mastering skills, we, too, believe that leveling up contributes to our continuous learning and development. With an open embrace of change as an inherent aspect of life, we maintain an enthusiastic thirst for knowledge, continuously seeking innovative approaches to enhance ourselves and fearlessly confronting challenges head-on. To support our crew’s ongoing learning and skill development, we provide 1-on-1 sessions for leaders and their team members to plan their career paths together and gain insights into their future growth and progression. We also believe in recognizing and rewarding excellence through grade-ups for deserving crew members. It’s all part of our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, empowering each crew member to excel in their respective roles. With a collective dedication to leveling up, we create an environment that nurtures personal growth and cultivates an exceptional team ready for even greater accomplishments in the future. At Agate, our culture is brought to life through the collective effort of our dedicated crew. To foster even stronger cohesion and collaboration among crews, we proactively facilitate crew alignment within the company. An example of these efforts is the implementation of the Talent Development Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and nurture the skills of our crew. One of the programs is Team Building. What is team building? Let’s find out more about it below! Team Building Team Building is an integral activity at Agate, focused on enhancing intrapersonal relationships within teams and departments. Not only does it offer a chance for our crews to unwind and maintain their well-being, but it also promotes continuous growth and connectivity among our talented workforce. Recognizing that each team possesses its dynamics and preferences, we encourage them to tailor their team-building experiences to suit their unique needs. To facilitate this, we provide each team with a monthly budget, empowering them to design and customize their team-building activities that are both beneficial and enjoyable. A Glimpse of Team Building Activities at Agate. The beauty of team building lies in its flexibility. Some teams prefer engaging in online activities, and bonding over virtual games, while others opt for offline gatherings, and some even combine both to accommodate their schedules and preferences. Whether participating in virtual gaming sessions or enjoying fun outdoor
Work-Life Balance: A Step Towards Better Crews Well-being
The gaming industry is no stranger to long hours and tight deadlines. With its endless desire for breakthroughs, it becomes a landscape of invention and dedication that frequently challenges the limits of its experts. However, beneath the exciting challenges and rewarding accomplishments lies a hidden concern: work-life balance. Now, imagine achieving a high score, not just in any game, but in the ultimate game: life itself! Strap in as we embark on an insightful exploration into the essence of work-life balance and its crucial role in well-being. This article is your gateway to understanding how Agate is stepping up its game and supporting its crew in achieving that golden equilibrium. Understanding Work-Life Balance Work-life balance refers to an individual’s ability to distribute time and energy between work and personal obligations evenly. This equilibrium is crucial for mental and physical health, as well as the overall quality of life [1]. Achieving a healthy work-life balance doesn’t necessarily mean an equal division of hours between work and personal life but rather finding a flexible and functional equilibrium that suits individual needs and lifestyles. In essence, it’s about having the autonomy to juggle professional responsibilities and personal commitments efficiently. The Importance of Work-Life Balance and Its Impact on Crew’s Well-Being In the gaming industry, the continuous striving for innovation often leads to intense schedules. Over time, this lack of balance can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and negative impacts on employees’ physical and mental health [2]. Contrarily, a healthy work-life balance can boost morale, productivity, and overall employee well-being [3]. At its core, employee well-being is linked to how valued and supported employees feel within the workspace. At Agate, we place a high value on our crews’ well-being. We have implemented regular well-being checkups, conducted monthly, and a comprehensive burnout and well-being survey every six months. Our Talent Team (HR) carefully evaluates the results, providing support to crews and helping them navigate any challenges they may face. Follow up well-being issue How to Foster Good Work-Life Balance Take Worthwhile Breaks Evaluate if your break activities genuinely bring happiness, contribute to your health, or strengthen social bonds rather than simply acting out of habit. Aim for mindful leisure choices since mindlessly browsing social media tends to decrease happiness. In essence, taking deliberate breaks can boost your productivity and overall well-being [4]. Boost Your Work Efficiency Evaluate how you allocate work time. Can you delegate some tasks? Can you simplify routine jobs or minimize daily minor decisions? Consider blocking off time for important projects without a set deadline so they don’t fall through. Need to focus? Try turning off phone and email alerts temporarily. Remember, even a notification sound can be as distracting as using your phone [5]. Flexible Work Schedules Having flexible work schedules can give employees more control and autonomy, and research suggests that this policy can increase productivity [6]. People with flexible schedules take fewer sick days, experience less work-related impairment, and are more committed to their jobs. Pace, Space, Place Remember the three Ps in an ever-changing work environment. Set your own PACE, avoid rushing, and take regular rests. Choose your PLACE wisely, select a relaxing and stimulating environment to work in. Finally, respect your SPACE by keeping it tidy and conducive to concentrate. This trio has the potential to be your secret weapon against burnout! [7] Promoting work-life balance goes beyond just flexible schedules. It’s about creating an environment that promotes growth, fun, and relaxation. One strategy we employ at Agate is team building, a fun monthly event where Agate crews participate in various activities ranging from board games to community meals. These gatherings foster stronger connections and enhanced synergy among our dynamic crews. But our commitment to balance continues. Expanding on the concept of team building, this is where Agate Clan comes into play. Agate Clan is a collection of various extracurriculars that each crew can join according to their interests. These clans range from sports like the Badminton Clan to Art Clan, offering a diversity of activities that help our crews to wind down, learn something new, or simply enjoy a shared passion. They also serve to ensure our team members have a balanced life that caters to their personal interests and well-being. Agate Clan Nothing can illustrate the positive impact of work-life balance at Agate better than the real experiences of our crews. Let’s hear it from our crews who’ve found an exciting balance in their lives at Agate! Agate Futsal Clan “To me, work-life balance means achieving harmony between earning a living and engaging in fulfilling personal activities that keep us healthy, happy, and stress-free. Each person may have different proportions of this balance, but I firmly believe that excessive indulgence in any aspect isn’t beneficial. Work-life balance is of utmost importance. It’s no secret that mental health impacts our physical health, and with a healthy mind and body, we can deliver better work quality. Joining the AFC was a no-brainer. I’ve always had a penchant for football. Additionally, being somewhat passive in social settings, the AFC has provided a platform for me to interact with colleagues from different teams in an unforced manner. Participating in AFC has brought multiple benefits to my well-being. I have noticed significant improvements in my physical health, and it’s helped to alleviate feelings of isolation, especially after the recent pandemic. Joining AFC felt like a breath of fresh air!” Nelson playing mini soccer Agate Fustal Clan Agate Gunpla Clan “For me, achieving a good work-life balance is about having a mutually supportive system. Your work and personal life should complement each other, leading to overall satisfaction and well-being. Maintaining this balance is crucial, as it ensures continued enjoyment of life and work. Remember, even activities you love can lead to burnout if done in excess. My love for creation and modification, spanning from Legos to robotics, naturally led me to Gunpla and plastic models. When I discovered the interest of Gunpla at Agate, I saw the chance to unite people
Inside Agate: Office Adjustments and Homecoming Tips for Eid
Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion for Muslims worldwide. As the holy month approaches, workplaces everywhere are gearing up to create an inclusive environment that allows employees to observe the month without compromising their work productivity. As a result, Agate has implemented some significant office changes to ensure an inclusive environment throughout Ramadan. One of the significant adjustments we’ve made is to shorten the lunch break from one hour to thirty minutes (12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.) to allow crews to leave the office earlier and avoid traffic congestion. To help ensure everyone can maintain their energy level throughout the day, we have also made some changes to our meal schedule. For those who are not fasting, we serve lunch during the break time. But for those who are fasting, we provide meals in boxes that can be taken home at 4:00 p.m. Another change that has been implemented is hybrid work. Although some crews were already working remotely before Ramadan, all crews, including trainees, can now work from home twice a week (trainees are new crew who undergo a training program for 6 or 12 months). This new policy is not limited to Ramadan only. Still, it will continue beyond the holy month because the hybrid work policy is more efficient and beneficial for everyone in the long term. Crews heading home early with shuttle bus Online meeting with WFH crews Caterer preparing the lunchboxes Lunchbox for iftar As we strive to create an inclusive and supportive workplace for all our crews during Ramadan, we also recognize that the end of the month brings its own challenges. Homecoming, or “mudik” as it’s known in Indonesia, is a long-standing tradition for many Muslims, but it can be a stressful experience, especially during the pandemic. To help everyone prepare for this annual event, we’ve compiled some tips to make the journey as smooth and safe as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind for a triumphant Eid homecoming: Be Fit Before starting the trip, you must ensure that your body is in good health. To achieve this, start by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking additional health supplements. Choose menus for suhoor and iftar that contain lots of minerals and vitamins so that the nutrients the body needs will be fulfilled. You can consume fruits and vegetables and drink enough mineral water. Also, ensure you have taken the COVID-19 vaccine booster to boost your immune system. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial not only before traveling but also during the journey. Choose the Most Suitable Mode of Transportation You can travel home for Eid using a variety of types of transportation. You can choose land, sea, or air routes depending on your destination and return needs. If you have a long-distance homecoming destination, it is recommended that you fly to save time and money. To avoid ticket price increases, reserve your tickets well before your journey. If your homecoming destination permits land transportation, you can take trains, buses, or private cars. It will be more efficient if you use the train because you will not be stuck on the streets. However, make sure you book your tickets quickly when they’re available. In the meantime, taking a private car back home for Eid may be an excellent choice. Going home in a private car may be more enjoyable for some individuals, despite potential hours spent in traffic, due to Eid’s highly anticipated and once-a-year nature. Check Your Vehicle and Route For travelers using private vehicles to go home for Eid, it is essential to take some precautions. First, it is mandatory to check the readiness of your vehicle for long trips, including the batteries, brakes, oil, and engine. You can service the car one month before going home to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Additionally, it’s essential to master and regularly check the route you’ll be taking. The roads will likely be congested, and you may want to locate alternate routes to avoid traffic jams. Before starting your journey back, ensure you know the rest area or rest stop locations for your resting site. Taking note of their spots ahead of time can make the trip more comfortable. Pack Smart Prepare a travel health kit with essential items, such as prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card. Make sure you have enough supplies to last the entire trip. Apply Health Protocols In these times, following health protocols is still crucial. It is important to maintain strict guidelines, including wearing a mask indoors and outdoors and keeping a safe distance from crowds. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water regularly to remove the germs; if unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Hopefully, these tips can help you make the most of your Eid homecoming. Interested to be a part of our crews? Check the vacancy list below! Vacancy On Quality Department All DepartmentsTalentQualityFinance, Corporate and LegalDesign and WritingArt All DivisionsSupportGamificationFull DevelopmentArt Service All ContractsTemporaryRegular Search Position Department Division Contract Type 3D Artist Art Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details 2D Artist Art Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details Game Designer Design and Writing Full Development Contract Type : Temporary Details Social Media Specialist Finance, Corporate and Legal Support Contract Type : Temporary Details Load More
More Than Just a Game: The Real-World Applications of the Super Mario Effect
Who knew that games could help us learn? It turns out that every game involves some struggle, which is just what we need for optimal learning! Learning something new can be challenging, we need to go through that trial-and-error phase until we finally reach that amazing “aha” moment. Ever wondered why we tend to give up when faced with challenges instead of seeing them as opportunities for growth? Mark Rober’s TEDxPenn talk, “The Super Mario Effect,” explains that our approach to learning is key. In Super Mario, players are motivated to learn the game mechanics and hone their skills to save the princess rather than fear failure. The Super Mario Effect is explained as “focusing on the Princess and not the pits, to stick with a task and learn more.” There are three takeaways to apply this to feel less stressed and learn more. Reframe Your Mindset The Super Mario Effect is about turning challenges into engaging opportunities for growth. Rather than dwelling on failure, players focus on mastering each level to progress to the next. It’s a game that reframes loss as a learning experience and inspires us to keep going. Gamification can be a game-changer in our lives, according to Rober! By treating challenges as games, we can view the learning process as an enjoyable activity that we want to keep doing. In other words, gamification can help us reframe challenges and make them more engaging and motivating. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize Playing a game always ends with one thing: the prize! Even when the going gets tough, the thrill of mastering the game is just too enjoyable to pass up. Unlike real life, mistakes don’t have to be devastating in a “give it your all to win” environment. Instead, they’re like fun-sized opportunities to learn and improve for your next try. According to Rober, The Super Mario Effect is more than just having a positive attitude. Turning challenges into games and emphasizing the prize makes the process feel lighter and more empowering; it makes you think, “What worked? What didn’t? What can I learn from it? I’ll try again.” Rather than enduring, it becomes about learning and trying again. Focusing on the Prize can trick your brain into learning more. Shift Your Focus from Failure By freeing us from the fear of failure, the Super Mario Effect has revolutionized the way we approach challenges. Its core idea is to learn from mistakes without fixating on them, which means that failing to beat level one isn’t a reason to quit, but rather a chance to gain insight from errors and persist toward our goal. Gamification The Super Mario Effect is a phenomenon that describes how individuals become more motivated and engaged in tasks that are challenging and rewarding. By utilizing gamification, this concept can extend beyond gaming to various aspects of life, including education, work, and even personal development. Gamification is the incorporation of game mechanics and principles into non-game contexts. It involves applying gaming characteristics to address problems and achieve goals through various activities and procedures. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s all about figuring out the objective and picking the right game design to achieve it! The ultimate goal of gamification is to boost interaction, collaboration, sharing, and engagement among different groups, including partners, employees, and customers. Gamification also works wonders in marketing. Enhancing engagement and experience increases user retention and acquisition through social sharing. It also promotes brand awareness, loyalty, and provides a sense of accomplishment to users. Lastly, it simplifies data gathering, providing valuable insights to businesses. Gamification can help businesses improve customer engagement and achieve marketing goals by incorporating game elements into their products or services. This leads to more enjoyable and rewarding customer experiences and drives business success. Gamification by AgateGamification isn’t just about making things more productive or efficient. It can also be fun! Incorporating game elements into non-game contexts can make mundane tasks more engaging and exciting. The examples are Agate’s gamification features. They’re helpful in onboarding users and collecting data and provide a fun and interactive experience. Let’s look closer and see how Agate has taken gamification to the next level! GoPay Indonesia designed the Suwit game to encourage users to try their P2P transfer feature, resulting in a 40% increase in daily use. Play Video Populix created a family feud-style game called Pop Quest, which motivated users to answer questions quickly and honestly, leading to better data collection. Play Video Moreover, an elementary school gamified assessment tool was developed to help students recognize their potential and receive personalized recommendations based on their needs, resulting in more accurate behavioral assessments than traditional tests. Interested to be a part of our crews? Check the vacancy list below! VACANCY LIST Position Department Contract Type [Mythic Protocol] Creature 3D Artist Art Contract Type : Project Based Details VFX Artist Art Contract Type : Regular Crew Details [Project-Based] Quality Assurance (QA) Quality Contract Type : Project Based Details UI Artist Art Contract Type : Regular Crew Details Load More
When Art Meets Technology: The World of VFX and Technical Artists
At Agate, there are many specialists in the Art Department, including 2D, 3D Character, 3D Environment, Concept, Technical artists, UI, VFX Artists, and Game Animator. Each role requires a unique blend of technical know-how and creativity to produce top-notch artwork. However, two roles in the specialist focus more on technical expertise: VFX and Technical Artist. Let’s learn more about these two roles! VFX Artist At Agate, VFX artists play a crucial role in enhancing the visual effects of games. VFX artists specialize in creating mods for games, which add an extra layer of visual appeal to the game. In addition to this, they are responsible for describing the visuals of game elements and characters’ skills. These elements range from pyro particles, fluids, lightning, explosions, and cracks. They’re responsible for creating VFX concept art by making rough sketches and conducting the RnD for its implementation in the game. This process includes setting up the VFX in the game engine, such as Unity or Unreal, which involves creating textures, shaders, and materials. The ultimate goal of VFX artists in game development is to create visuals that align with the Art Direction and Game Design. By following the directions, they can present visuals that players can easily understand and enjoy, such as character skills, environment atmosphere, visual animation, and UI icon effects. Here are the essential skills required to become a VFX artist in the game industry: Strong knowledge of Realtime VFX in games Proficiency in VFX tools used in the industry pipeline, such as Unity or Unreal game engines Expertise in 2D and 3D VFX VFX artists collaborate with other departments at Agate to bring the game’s visuals to life. They work with Art Direction and Game Design to decide on the best designs, create 2D and 3D VFX, and collaborate with Technical Artists for seamless implementation. Challenges Various VFX Art StylesThe Game Design and Art Direction teams often face Visual Art challenges, such as producing artwork in a particular style ranging from stylized to realistic genres. To tackle these challenges, artists typically utilize software tools that align with the desired art style, making their work more efficient. VFX FormIn certain situations, there may be a need for VFX to be distinct and exclusive from others. For instance, the VFX could be shaped like Hexagons, portals, or other uncommon shapes. To overcome these obstacles, artists usually craft an exclusive 3D shape by utilizing specialized software and designing a personalized shader to realize the required VFX shape. VFX Optimization in GamesWhen creating games, they are often intended for a variety of platforms. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the VFX remains playable while maintaining its quality. This can be achieved by modifying the Particle Set Up in VFX, such as limiting the particles’ number and reducing the mesh’s poly count. Additionally, it’s essential to consider using shaders on materials to prevent excessive particle usage. Texture Atlasing can also reduce the load on the VFX particle casting process. Play Video Set Up Area of Effect from Magic Shield VFX Technical Artist In the process of game development, technical artists play a multifaceted role that encompasses various stages. Initially, they establish standards and streamlined workflows during the planning stage. They may then assist artists by creating customized tools in the asset creation and polishing stage. Additionally, technical artists may enhance graphics by utilizing shaders, lighting, and post-processing in the game engine. Finally, they must optimize the game to ensure optimal performance and a smooth playing experience. The primary objective of technical artists is to design efficient workflows that enable artists to create high-quality assets on time. They also strive to optimize game performance to provide a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience. Furthermore, they work towards enhancing the game’s graphical quality to make it visually appealing and engaging. Here are the skills that are required to be Technical Artist in the game industry: In-depth knowledge of game engine Knowledge about 2D workflow and 3D art and tools that artist uses Artistic sense Technical artists collaborate with other roles, such as artists, tech, and designers. This collaboration is essential to understand the specific requirements, objectives, and functioning of each role and establish effective communication channels. Challenges Technical artists face the challenge of keeping pace with constantly evolving technology and ever-increasing standards. They must remain updated and adapt to the latest technological advancements to meet and exceed the growing expectations for game development. They can also address the limitations of diverse devices and platforms by implementing tiers of graphic settings that can be adjusted according to the hardware capabilities of the user. These tiers may include material and shadow quality and utilizing assets with Level of Detail (LOD) and fallback options. Previous image Next image Shader Graph Tips Although there are numerous challenges to face and various necessary skills to acquire as a VFX and Technical artist, here are some tips to help you to be better! A simple tip to become a good VFX Artist is first to understand the basic concepts of Realtime VFX and how they work in game development. Learning the workflow and pipeline tools used in the game industry, such as the software and tools used in game engines, is also important. To learn more, beginners can find courses and tutorials on the Realtime VFX forum. To become a VFX Artist, one must be willing to experiment and try new things when setting up VFX. Sharing previews of VFX creations on platforms like ArtStation, LinkedIn, or Behance can serve as an initial portfolio. To become a better technical artist, having an open mind and a willingness to learn is important. The technology and tools used in game development are constantly evolving, so staying updated and adapting to new changes is important. Developing a practical mindset can also be helpful, as it allows you to find the most effective ways to solve problems. Interested in being a part of our crews? Check out the vacancy list below! VACANCY ON ART DEPARTMENT Position
Bringing Games to Life: The Process of Game Creation
Ever wonder how your favorite games are made? Or are you eager to create your own games? Well, look no further because we have got you covered! We’ll provide a thorough process of creating a game, from scratch to life! Let’s check it out! Note: The process may vary depending on the company and game type. Creation This is the starting point of game development. This phase aims to get many potential concepts by exploring the market opportunities, game premises, game system, and theme to decide whether the concept is feasible. In this phase, the Product Manager (PM) leads while working alongside the team. IdeationThe PM’s team comprises product marketers, market researchers, and designers. They’ll conduct a study to dive into the current market landscape and identify existing problems and opportunities. This means exploring various aspects such as game premises, player demands, industry trends, and themes to comprehensively understand the market. PitchA pitch contains a selection of ideas that have been developed in the previous stage of the project. The aim is to select the best ideas and concepts to be presented to directors and senior leadership. Feasibility StudyAfter the idea has been approved by Senior Leadership and Directors, the PM and the team can move on to the next step to estimate the game’s market potential and budget. Pre-production During this phase, the PM is still in charge of validating the game design from the initial concepts of user research and trials. The main focus is to prevent major changes in the next phase, so rapid prototyping and design iterations are emphasized. Game User Research (GUR)As part of the validation process, research on the target users ensures our game concept is on the right track. In this process, scientific principles are applied to understand the player and their psychology more. PrototypingA prototype is a basic version of a game that includes its core features. The main goal of developing a prototype is to test the core gameplay mechanics and interactions through playtesting. By starting with a simple prototype, developers can gradually refine and hone their game’s focus as they continue with the prototyping and testing stage. PlaytestingPlaytesting is a step in game development to validate assumptions, gather feedback, and identify flaws. Regular iteration and playtesting can identify design flaws, usability issues, or potential roadblocks. This enables developers to make necessary adjustments early on so the game product is well-received by its intended audience. It helps to create a more polished and successful gaming experience for players. Pre-Alpha ConceptingAfter collecting data from playtesting and previous stages of game development, the next step is to create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product/Pre-Alpha) concept. This concept serves as the initial documentation, including the game design, art, and technical design documents. The MVP concept can be sold and used as a reference during production, providing a clear roadmap for developers to follow. Previous Next MVP (Minimum Viable Product) – Valthirian Arc Hero School Story 2 Production During the production stage, the game producer takes on more responsibilities. This stage has several milestones: Pre-Alpha (MVP), Alpha, and Beta. Additionally, some game developers opt for a ‘Stealth Launch,’ releasing the game under a different name and publisher to get early metrics on the players’ response and determine if it’s suitable for release. Iterative production patterns are critical during this stage and should be emphasized throughout the development phase. Pre-AlphaThe next stage of game development, commonly known as First Playable, involves creating a vertical slice build that incorporates the prototype from the previous stage and follows the specifications outlined in the technical, art design, and game design documents. The goal of this build is to create a playable version of the game that includes all of the key features. AlphaIn the Alpha stage, the game has all major features and is playable, but only about half the content is complete. During this stage, the game’s core gameplay mechanics are set, but can still be revised based on feedback from testing. The Alpha build can be later used for a stealth launch. BetaBeta is the stage when all the important components are done, and the team focuses on fixing any remaining bugs. The main goal is to ensure the game is free of any bugs that could cause problems when it’s released. At the same time, the team is getting ready for the game’s launch by creating marketing plans and arrangements for live operations. Previous Next Vertical Slide – Valthirian Arc Hero School Story 2 Product Launch This is the phase where the game is officially released to the market, and it enters the introduction stage of its product life cycle. The development team puts extra effort to ensure the game is polished and ready for a wider audience, so they’re very strict quality assurance procedures to minimize any bugs. At the same time, the PM teams up with the marketing team to promote the game. https://youtu.be/aWb32Gw5cUs Previous Next Launch Trailer – Valthirian Arc: Hero School Story Live Ops This phase aims to maintain the game’s player community by keeping them engaged. An example is by offering regular updates and organizing events, which are decided based on user feedback and analytics. This phase is linked to the growth to maturity phase of the product life cycle, and it’s managed by the PM and the live ops team. Previous Next Live Ops – Memories Previous Next Early Access Update – Valthirian Arc Hero School Story 2 Sunset At some point during game development, the product manager might need to decide if they need to shut down all operations related to the game based on factors like revenue and user numbers. After reading about the step-by-step process of game creation, are you ready to join our adventure? Check out the vacancy list below! VACANCY LIST Position Department Contract Type Game Tester Intern Quality Contract Type : Internship Details Product Management Intern Product Manager Contract Type : Internship Details Business Development Marketing Sales & Operation Contract Type : Regular Crew
Unlocking Your Potential: A Guide to Empowering Leadership
Want to know how to be an effective leader? Becoming an effective leader can be a daunting task, and trying to master all aspects of leadership alone can be challenging. Empowering leadership requires both soft skills and technical proficiency, with a focus on comprehending the team’s work and effective communication. But worry not, here are some tips for you to be empowering leaders! Create a Safe and Welcoming Space As a leader, creating a space for your team to take risks and try out new ideas without fear of being blamed is important. Rather than pointing fingers, the focus should be learning from mistakes and exploring possible solutions. Clear communication of expectations is also crucial. Leaders should be attentive to feedback from their teams, making it easy for them to discuss complex issues and seek support when needed. Empower Your Team Empowering your team boosts productivity and engagement. Encourage them to take on challenges, organize work, and improve processes. It’s important to give clear goals and context to help them understand what to achieve and why. Trust and give them a sense of ownership to enhance their commitment to their work. Learn Efficiently Stay open to new ideas and be flexible enough to change your opinion based on new information. Discussing new developments with your team before making critical decisions that could impact them is essential. This helps build trust, promotes collaboration, and ensures everyone is on the same page. Nurture Growth Team growth and development can be facilitated in several ways, such as nurturing each crew member’s skill sets, strengths, and interests. Encourage personal and professional growth by allowing your team members to explore their interests and supporting them in learning new skills that could benefit them in their current or future roles. Foster Connection & Belongings Show compassion and understanding towards your team members when communicating with them. Acknowledge their emotions and remember they’re human beings, not just resources for completing tasks. Celebrate successes and failures as a team and openly give credit where it’s due. Strive to balance personal and professional connections, as this can help foster a more supportive and collaborative work environment. Be Competent & Set Examples Take the time to think carefully about the issue at hand and the different options available. Use your knowledge and judgment to make the best decision possible. Analyze the problem, identify its root cause, and hone your problem-solving skills. Additionally, be a positive example to others, lead by example, and be open and honest. As an empowering leader, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of your team’s work. While soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are important for effective leadership, technical skills are equally necessary to manage your team’s tasks effectively. A key element of technical competence is the ability to proficiently document tasks and data. Check out the tips below for more information about documentation! Effective Documentation Tips When creating documentation, it’s important to consider the target audience and the objective of the documentation. If a broad audience will read the documentation, it’s important to use language that is easy to understand for people with technical and non-technical backgrounds. The documentation should be comprehensive enough to meet the needs of more experienced individuals and easily digestible for those with less experience. Moreover, if you share the document with others, you can use online platforms such as Notion, Miro, or Figma to work together more effectively. At Agate, we mostly use Notion for documentation because it’s easy to use. Notion provides a user-friendly interface and user experience, making it beginner-friendly. Its linked databases feature lets us synchronize content across multiple pages, making it easier to filter team task views and create task dashboards. Additionally, Notion’s customizable options allow us to tailor their workspace to meet their needs, resulting in a more organized and efficient workflow. Interested to be a part of our crews? Check out the vacancy list below! VACANCY LIST Position Department Contract Type Game Tester Intern Quality Contract Type : Internship Details Product Management Intern Product Manager Contract Type : Internship Details Business Development Marketing Sales & Operation Contract Type : Regular Crew Details Outsourcing Staff Intern Studio Contract Type : Internship Details Load More
Leading the Way: The Role of Leadership in Agate
Leadership is one of the most critical factors determining a company’s success. Effective leadership will inspire and motivate crews, encourage collaboration, drive innovation, and navigate challenges. A good leader sets the tone for the entire team and creates a culture that values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. In this fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, leadership isn’t just about managing people and empowering them to achieve their full potential. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of leadership in Agate. But before we begin, let’s take a look at the number of leaders in Agate! Leaders Responsibility Leaders play a crucial role in supporting their team to achieve common objectives that align with the overall strategy of Agate. Activities performed by leaders vary depending on the grade, ranging from ensuring timelines and quality of work by expectations, helping team members solve problems and obstacles in daily work, coordinating with other stakeholders, managing team allocation and workload, creating policies with a specific scope, creating and maintaining OKRs, strategic planning, evaluation, and others. Senior leadership refers to the leaders who hold the highest-level positions and are responsible for guiding the company’s overall direction. They’re responsible for supervising multiple department heads, a broader scope than typical department heads. Their duties include creating long-term plans and evaluations, covering a 3-5 year period, and evaluating the impact on the company. Leadership Program LeadershipReview Every six months, all leads will undergo a review process that involves evaluation by their superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. LeadershipDevelopment Program Leadership Sharing SessionThe Head of Departments or other Senior Leadership members conduct the session, which covers various general competencies such as time management, strategic thinking, and assertive communication. The session is available to all leaders interested in attending, including C-level executives, VPs, Senior Specialists, Producers, Product Managers, and Managers. Leadership Intensive CoachingThis is an ongoing program that collaborates with the Agate Academy team to identify the strengths and areas of improvement for potential and existing leaders. They will be paired with other leaders who can act as coaches to help them develop the necessary skills. For example, Lead A, who excels in numbers but needs to enhance their public speaking abilities, will be matched with Lead B, who has exceptional public speaking skills but needs to improve in numbers. Through this coaching process, participants can schedule sessions to coach each other and complement each other’s skills. Management Trainee Sharing SessionThe session is conducted by Senior Leaders, MTs who have graduated, or other MTs. The session’s content is tailored to the current tasks and challenges faced by MTs. For instance, before the bi-monthly meetings, MTs can share their experiences and discuss topics like OKRs, strategic planning, and evaluations. Additionally, the session covers general competencies that include communication, company knowledge, time management, problem-solving, and decision-making. There’s also an opportunity for MTs to participate in Q&A sessions and other activities that align with their interests. Learning& Development Budget At Agate, leaders can request various learning resources, including workshops, materials, and other tools to help them grow and develop their skills. By taking advantage of these resources, leaders can continue to level up and improve their abilities, leading to better outcomes for themselves and their teams. Trial Timefor Promotion To ensure a smooth transition and set leaders up for success, a trial period of 6-12 months is implemented before crews are promoted to lead or before a lead is promoted to a higher grade. During this period, leaders are exposed to new challenges they will face in their new roles. This trial period allows leaders to develop new skills and gain the necessary experience to confidently and effectively fulfill their new responsibilities. One-on-One Session At Agate, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration is highly valued. Work is not viewed as a transactional task but rather as an opportunity for personal and professional development. To support this culture, we held 1-on-1 meetings between crews and their leaders periodically to allow crew members to discuss their work, personal growth, interests, career projections, and other topics, even those unrelated to work. These meetings are crucial in allowing leaders to practice active listening and empathy and learn how to direct and nurture their team members. By prioritizing open and honest communication, Agate can create an environment where everyone can thrive both personally and professionally. Interested to be a part of our crews? Check out the vacancy list below! VACANCY LIST Position Department Contract Type Game Tester Intern Quality Contract Type : Internship Details Product Management Intern Product Manager Contract Type : Internship Details Business Development Marketing Sales & Operation Contract Type : Regular Crew Details Outsourcing Staff Intern Studio Contract Type : Internship Details Load More
