Pilot 14: Hybrid Collaboration Guidelines

As hybrid work and collaboration continue to reshape industries worldwide, game development communities and hubs are exploring new ways to integrate digital and physical spaces effectively. The Hybrid Handbook, created as part of the BSG Go! Interreg-BSR Project, serves as a comprehensive guide for game development communities, event organisers, and business facilitators seeking to adapt to the hybrid model.

Why Hybrid?

Hybrid setups offer key advantages such as:

• Enhanced accessibility & inclusion – Allowing individuals from different backgrounds to participate, including those with physical limitations, social anxiety, or financial constraints.
• Environmental sustainability – Reducing travel requirements lowers carbon footprints and makes networking more sustainable.
• Diverse community growth – Enabling connections across different regions fosters innovation and creativity.

Key Themes in the Handbook

1. Hybrid Events

The handbook explores how hybrid events can blend online and in-person experiences, creating engaging opportunities for global audiences.

• Formats: Events can vary from simple live streams to fully interactive, high-production hybrid gatherings.
• Challenges: Successfully merging online and onsite experiences requires careful planning, technical expertise, and active moderation.
• Best Practices:
  • Assign a technical producer to manage streams, sound, and visuals.
  • Have dedicated moderators for both online and in-person attendees.
  • Use high-quality equipment for seamless interaction between audiences.
  • Encourage participation through interactive sessions, chat moderation, and virtual networking tools.

2. Business in Hybrid Spaces

Hybrid business strategies allow game developers to pitch projects and secure funding without geographical barriers.

• Advantages of Hybrid Pitching:
  • Removes travel costs and scheduling conflicts.
  • Expands reach to international investors and publishers.
  • Increases flexibility with online follow-ups.
• Challenges: Online pitches can struggle with conversation flow, body language interpretation, and technical limitations.
• Solutions:
  • Invest in reliable audio-visual setups for professional presentations.
  • Structure pitches to allow more time for Q&A and follow-ups.
  • Choose platform-agnostic solutions to ensure compatibility across different tools.

3. Hybrid Work Environments

As remote and hybrid work become the norm, game studios must navigate the balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration.

• Opportunities:
  • Better work-life balance and accessibility.
  • Competitive employer branding to attract top talent.
• Challenges:
  • Communication barriers and lack of personal connection.
  • Difficulty in establishing fair policies for all employees.
• Best Practices:
  • Utilise HR networks and peer support groups to develop effective policies.
  • Encourage regular in-person meetings to maintain team cohesion.
  • Establish clear hybrid collaboration guidelines to ensure productivity.

Conclusion

The Hybrid Handbook highlights that the key to successful hybrid collaboration is careful planning, quality execution, and ongoing adaptation. Whether hosting hybrid events, pitching games online, or managing remote teams, game development communities must embrace innovative solutions to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable ecosystems.

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