Boost Your Virtual Studio with these 6 Amazing Tools!

Boost Your Virtual Studio with these 6 Amazing Tools!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Running a Virtual Business
   • Why Run a Virtual Studio
   • Overcoming Barriers
   • Studio Processes and Hiring
3. Tools for a Virtual Studio
   • Slack
   • Google Suite
   • Basecamp
   • Dropbox
   • Trello
   • SVN
4. Optimizing Productivity
   • Personal Work Strategies
5. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the tools and strategies used by virtual game studio Boom Zap Entertainment to successfully run their business. As the creative director and co-founder, Christopher Natsume provides valuable insights into the advantages of running a virtual business and shares tips for overcoming common challenges. He discusses the tools they use in their studio, such as Slack, Google Suite, Basecamp, Dropbox, Trello, and SVN. Additionally, he highlights the importance of optimizing productivity by implementing effective work strategies. By following the experiences and advice of a successful virtual game studio, readers can gain valuable insights into maximizing productivity and running a virtual business effectively.

Running a Virtual Business

Why Run a Virtual Studio

Natsume begins by explaining the reasons why running a virtual studio is a good idea, even beyond pandemic-related circumstances. He emphasizes the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and talent accessibility that come with operating a virtual business. By collaborating remotely, studios can tap into a diverse talent pool without geographical limitations and provide a work environment conducive to creativity and work-life balance. Natsume shares the benefits they have experienced as a virtual studio and why others may find it advantageous as well.

Overcoming Barriers

Addressing the concerns and doubts often associated with virtual studios, Natsume sheds light on the misconceptions and provides solutions to common barriers. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication and introduces Slack as a key tool for their virtual studio. Natsume discusses how different communication channels and project-specific Threads are utilized to ensure efficient collaboration and prevent distractions. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and the avoidance of excessive notifications.

Additionally, Natsume discusses the tools and strategies they use to foster a Sense of connectedness and Create a virtual work environment that mimics interactions in a physical studio. He explains how the studio utilizes Google Suite for collaborative document creation, Google Slides for brainstorming and gathering feedback, and Basecamp for historical Record-keeping and task tracking.

Studio Processes and Hiring

Natsume delves into the processes and procedures followed by Boom Zap Entertainment to successfully operate as a virtual game studio. He shares insights into hiring practices, including the use of a Google wiki site that provides new employees with instructions on setting up their workstations and familiarizing themselves with the studio's workflow. He emphasizes the importance of clear guidelines and efficient onboarding to ensure seamless integration into the team.

Natsume also discusses the project management approach followed by the studio, highlighting the use of Trello for task management and organization. He explains how the studio leverages the capabilities of Trello, including the integration with other tools such as Google Slides and Basecamp.

Tools for a Virtual Studio

Slack

Natsume introduces Slack as the primary communication tool utilized by Boom Zap Entertainment. He praises the versatility and features of Slack, highlighting its ability to facilitate focused communication in project-specific channels and threads. Natsume emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the need to avoid excessive tagging and notifications. He also discusses the use of voice calls and screen sharing within Slack for smooth collaboration and problem-solving.

Google Suite

Natsume outlines the various components of Google Suite used in their virtual studio, including Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. He explains how Google Docs and Slides are employed for collaborative design documents and brainstorming Sessions. Additionally, Natsume emphasizes the utility of Google Sheets for organizing and managing data, particularly in regard to game assets and scripting. He shares how the studio leverages Google Suite to ensure seamless collaboration, version tracking, and easy accessibility.

Basecamp

Natsume discusses the role of Basecamp in their virtual studio as a tool for historical record-keeping and task tracking. He highlights how Basecamp serves as a repository for build files, design documents, and asset organization. Natsume explains the use of to-do lists and patches within Basecamp to track the progress of tasks and ensure efficient collaboration among team members. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear historical record for future reference and ease of workflow management.

Dropbox

Natsume explains the use of Dropbox as a central storage platform for shared files and assets. He emphasizes the importance of synchronizing local folders with Dropbox to ensure seamless access and availability of files. Natsume highlights how Dropbox is used to manage game builds and patches, as well as storing and organizing art assets. He underscores the significance of using the Dropbox client for efficient synchronization and minimizing storage issues.

Trello

Natsume introduces Trello as a task management tool used in their virtual studio. He explains how Trello's Kanban-style interface is utilized to track and prioritize tasks, ensuring efficient project management. Natsume emphasizes the simplicity and versatility of Trello, highlighting its effectiveness in visualizing and organizing tasks. He discusses the use of Trello cards with embedded links to related files and resources, allowing for seamless access and collaboration.

SVN

Natsume explains the use of SVN (Subversion) as their source control system. He discusses how SVN is primarily utilized for version control of scripts and Excel sheets used for data management. Natsume emphasizes the importance of source control in a virtual studio, allowing for collaborative and organized development processes.

Optimizing Productivity

Natsume shares insights into personal work strategies and tips for optimizing productivity. He discusses the importance of maintaining effective work habits, including setting clear goals, managing distractions, and leveraging tools for time management and organization. Natsume emphasizes the need to find a balance between work and personal life, ensuring mental well-being and preventing burnout.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running a successful virtual game studio requires the utilization of appropriate tools and implementing effective work strategies. Boom Zap Entertainment's experience provides valuable insights into the advantages of running a virtual business, overcoming common barriers, and optimizing productivity. By employing tools such as Slack, Google Suite, Basecamp, Dropbox, Trello, and SVN, virtual studios can ensure seamless communication, efficient project management, and streamlined collaboration. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, game developers and other professionals can enhance their virtual work environment and strive for success in the virtual business landscape.

Highlights

• Virtual studios offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to global talent.
• Effective communication tools like Slack facilitate collaboration and prevent distractions.
• Google Suite provides collaborative document creation and organization.
• Basecamp serves as a historical record and task tracking tool.
• Dropbox ensures seamless file sharing and access to shared assets.
• Trello aids in task management and organization through its Kanban-style interface.
• SVN enables efficient version control for scripts and data management.
• Optimizing productivity involves setting clear goals, managing distractions, and fostering work-life balance.